STAFF

Kevin Johnson

Owner/Lead Instructor

Kevin is the owner and chief instructor at Midwest Woodcraft, ambassador for L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, and a certified instructor’s apprentice at Campcraft Outdoors.

Having enjoyed roaming the Illinois river valley since he was a child, and retaining his love for the outdoors into adulthood, he has spent the last decade immersed in the fascinating world of Bushcraft/Woodcraft and survival; honing his skills and sharing what he has learned with others. Being primarily self-taught, he decided he needed to challenge himself and train with some of the best instructors in the nation; so he enrolled into the Outdoor leadership and wilderness skills program at Bethlehem Outdoor College in late 2017; taking and teaching a wide variety of classes during this time and earning his diploma in early 2019. He is now running his own survival classes in Central Illinois, and teaches at Campcraft Outdoors every opportunity he gets.

Johnny is a highly skilled outdoorsman and survivalist, having trained at Campcraft outdoors and Sigma 3 Survival School he has stood out while training among some of the best in the nation.  He is a huge asset to Midwest Woodcraft, and we are happy to have him aboard.

Johnny Gwin

Instructor

Joe Willson

Camp Chef/Instructor

I'm Joe and I've been camping and cooking since I was a Boy Scout 37 years ago, making bologna sandwiches and spaghetti at Scout Camp.  I was lucky enough to have a GREAT Scoutmaster that truly believed in Scouting and did everything he could to make it fun.  Since then I have been on many more campouts where we have shared lots of stories and some of the best food anyone has ever eaten.  It's amazing how a little fresh air and a camp fire can enhance the flavor of a meal (and a story :-] ). 

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I now have a Facebook group called Midwest Cookcraft, where we archive and share member's favorite recipes, help members with meal ideas for their outings and discuss cooking methods and equipment.  I have learned a lot running this group and have tried many new things, like dehydrating and Dutch oven cooking.  On two different gatherings now we have even roasted a whole hog.  Come on out and join us at a class, I'll be the one slaving over the campfire, and keeping Kevin on his toes!

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