I saw a post recently, suggesting extra items to go towards one of the foraging badges. But the suggestion could not be incorporated because it must include plants that are also native to Montana.
I understand the reasons for this at the initially development of the SKIP program. But after the kickstarter, there must be a great deal of people that are getting involved in SKIP around the world or at least around the United States.
Would it not be beneficial for the goal of SKIP to step away from its Montana requirements?
Of course, PEP is Permaculture Experience according to Paul. There is also PEX, and PEA. A lot of work has gone into making PEP what it is today, that is evident. It would be a shame if the insistence that it remains tied to Montana, forces people to be unable to complete a badge. So much work has gone into PEP, why not have as many people be able to do it as possible? Why lose out on participants because their local resources cannot be linked to Montana?
To continue with the Foraging badge as an example; is it not the point of this badge to encourage the development of foraging skills, the identification of edible species, and the use of these ingredients? How is the development of that skill diminished if the foraged resource does not occur in Montana?
It’s possible for a potential Otis to be from anywhere in the world.
I am aware of PEX, and the possibility of others making badges for different regions of the world. Which is fine if it is something specific for a different climate, such as desert environments. But if every regional variables are excluded from PEP, and require an equivalent PEX badge, then there is a risk of diluting the SKIP program, and diminishing the value of the current curriculum.
I hope this can be seen as a suggestion and concern I have for a body of work, that I am passionate about, and not as criticism.
