From Novice to Artisan: The Journey of a Greenwoode Volunteer

One volunteer’s story from novice to artisan!

A journey often starts with a beginning and an end, but as with life, there are a lot of twists and turns along the way, and often, our final destination is one we never envisioned.

At Greenwoode Village, we offer people the ability to return to their roots, rediscover the old arts of textiles, archery, and community, and rediscover new passions along the way. 

In the following article, John, one of our original Greenwoode Village volunteers who transitioned from novice to artisan, and is now an integral part of our village, will tell his story.

If you’ve been searching for something new, perhaps a hobby, or just a change in direction, then be sure to check out Reviving Ancient Techniques: Archery and Craftsmanship Today to learn more about archery, textiles, and the craftsmanship that helped to define who we are today.

John’s Story – Novice to Artisan 

I began life at Greenwoode Village as a volunteer, with no experience in textiles, archery, or craftsmanship but a burning passion to rediscover my roots and return to the basics. I would struggle to put together IKEA furniture! But I knew that something was waiting to be released within me.

Like many volunteers who come to Greenwoode Village, I had led a very successful life but often felt as if something was awry, something more profound than material objects. I had a lot of ‘things,’ but I didn’t feel whole. Something was missing.

While searching for this, I discovered Greenwoode Village. I didn’t know then, but that discovery would change my life and trajectory in the most unbelievable way.

Greenwoode Village offers a welcoming community of people open to new ideas through the journey of rediscovering the lost arts of textiles, archery, and craftsmanship, which defined us as people and was the foundation of the life we enjoy today.

As people, we’ve come a long way, but we’ve lost our sense of community throughout that journey. That bond that ties us together, propels us forward and supports us when times are tough. 

My volunteer journey began like many volunteers, meeting new people, discovering new skills, and learning the ebb and flow of village life. Immediately, I knew that I’d found what was missing in my life. Things just started to make sense to me. Previously, my future always felt a little cloudy, but now, I feel that the fog has lifted, and I have a clear pathway forward.

Learning how to shoot a bow and arrow was great, but learning how to craft my own bow and arrow was eye-opening for me. To think, only a few hundred years ago, our ancestors’ lives and the lives of their families and villages relied upon the bow I was holding for protection, food, and survival, which was enlightening.

A bow and arrow were more than tools for hunting or protection; they were life for many people. Without it and the skills to make it and use it, life would be challenging, if not impossible. It gave me an insight into what we hold valuable today and what we consider essential to our survival.

What’s important to you? Wi-Fi, phone, car, clothes, investments? How important are they to you? How would it impact your life if you didn’t have any of them? I worked my whole life to accumulate a lot of material possessions that, in the end, meant nothing. They hadn’t bought me a sense of achievement or joy, they didn’t make me feel whole, and they weren’t giving me the tools I needed to help lift up those around me.

Thanks to the Greenwoode Village, I discovered what was important to me. I discovered what made me feel whole. I rediscovered who I truly am, and now I knew that it was time for me to give back to the people around me. 

Missing Something in Your Life?

If you’ve been missing something in your life, something you can’t define, perhaps the Greenwoode Village and our community of volunteers, team members, and teachers like John could help you find it?

The Greenwoode Village is a non-profit organization that educates communities through living history and reenactments, pottery, archery, and craftsmanship. At The Greenwoode Village, we bring history to life while building solid foundations based on community and offer valuable hands-on learning for people of all ages from all walks of life.

If you would like to learn more about how you can participate in events at The Greenwoode Village, don’t hesitate to contact us. Check out the website for more information about our upcoming events and how you can participate.

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About The Greenwoode Village 

Archery is a thrilling adventure that unleashes your inner archer. Whether you're fascinated by its historical allure, the electrifying challenge it presents, or the vibrant community it offers, archery promises an experience like no other.

And what better place to embark on this extraordinary journey than The Greenwoode Village—a place where history truly comes to life. Step into this living tapestry of the past, where every arrow loosed and every bullseye hit is a tribute to the ancient art and modern sport of archery. Here, you can immerse yourself in the very heart of this captivating world, surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts, and learn the secrets of the archer in a setting that breathes history.

So, grab that bow, step onto the archery range, and get ready to unleash your inner archer. Your next bullseye awaits at The Greenwoode Village, where the excitement is simply electrifying, and where history isn't just studied; it's experienced and cherished in every arrow's flight.