Backpack & Build

Backpack & Build - Desert Exploration

The goal of this course is to reconnect participants to nature through working and walking with the land. 

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Walk with us through our beautiful desert for a 2 day overnight in the wilderness and end the course at our Mojave Center for some natural building and plastering. 

• 5 Day Backpack and Build Course - Course program will be held near the Mojave Center and in surrounding desert enviorment. Food Included.

Curriculum Breakdown:

*This curriculum can slightly change due to weather and energy of group

March 28th - Arrival

-Arrive at 5pm

-Dinner at MC

-Fire + Ice Breakers

March 29th - Prep + Head into Feild

-Backpaking Prep

-Leave Mid Day

-Head Toward China Ranch Date Farm

-Hike through Mud Caves

-Camp in Wash

March 30th -  Waterfall & Slot Canyon 

-Breakfast

-Hike to Waterfall

-Lunch at Waterfall, Drop packs

-Hike to Slot Canyon

-Return & Set up Camp at Waterfall

March 31st - Hike out, Hot Springs, Return to MC

-Breakfast

-Pack up Camp

-Hike out to Tecopa

-Hot Springs & Lunch

-Transport back to MC

-Dinner at MC

-Rest & Fire

April 1st - Superadobe Basics

-Breakfast

-Superadobe Basics

-Lunch

-Continue Building (optional)

-Meet new Plaster Party guest arrivals

-Dinner at MC

-Rest & Fire

April 2nd -  Plaster Party, Hot Spring Adventure + Dance Celebration

-Breakfast

-Plaster Party

-Lunch

-Hot Springs

-Return to MC

-Dinner & Dance Celebration

April 3rd  - Departure

Instructor: Mojave Center Staff

Ian: Outdoor Educator, Permaculture Designer, Wilderness First Responder, BS Tourism + Outdoor Leadership, AA Cultural Anthropology/Archaeology, Superadobe Natural Builder

Nick: Outdoor Educator, Wilderness First Responder, BS Early Interdisciplinary Studies, Leave No Trace Trainer, Superadobe Natural Builder

Nicolette: Marketing + Photography, Creative Designer, BS in Drafting + Design, Superadobe Natural Builder

INFO PACKET

What to expect, what to bring and where to go, listed in the packet below! :)

Natural Building Informational Packet

Logistics for workshop:

• Water & power is available
• Please bring your own camper/shelter - wind resistant tents only*
• Service is LTE and widely available
• Bring plenty of work clothes/closed-toed shoes/2x leather gardening gloves/1x working gloves
• 10 positions available

Current Structures on site:

• Study Dome  - Indoor Classroom
• Composting Toilet
• Outdoor Shower
• 6 domes finished in the structural phase that can be used for tent shelters
• Tea Tent - Community Canvas Shelter
• The HUB - shipping container for storage & electricity hub
• Tracy - Community Kitchen
• Outdoor Kitchen

This is an amazing experience for individuals to participate in the creation of a self-reliant and off-grid center in the Mojave desert. We encourage you to ask any questions and please RSVP for the event.

COST: $600

Experience Includes:

• 5 Day Full Experience
• Professional instruction & outdoor guiding by The Mojave Center staff
• Backpacking through the mojave desert
• Building + Plastering experience
• Healthy meals during course for any dietary restriction
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

$600 for Course 

• $300 deposit to acquire spot
• Full payment required upon arrival
• Deposit made via website, remainder can be paid via ; Venmo (mojavecenter), Paypal (mojavecenter@gmail.com) or CASH PREFERRED! :) 
• Alumni enjoy 25% off
• Bring a friend & enjoy 15% off - (one friend only, discount goes to you!)
• Discounts for returning students & bring a friend discounts will be taken off the remainder payments due

Rentals Available

Gear is available for rent for an additional price. Prices are listed below:

• Backpack - $30
• Tent - $30
• Sleeping Bag - $10
• Sleeping Pad - $20

Sponsored Student Program:

We are now able to sponsor one student, per workshop. This looks like a discount on the price of the workshop for one student in exchange for help on our logistics team. Responsiblities primarily include kitchen meal prep and nightly clean up. To apply please click this link. 

Dates:

• March 28, 2022 - April 3rd, 2022
• Course begins at 8am on the 28th. Please arrive the night prior.

*Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel last minute we will refund 50% of the deposit made.

Covid Protocols :  As vaccines become more available to the general public, we are adjusting our covid protocols accordingly. Vaccines or wearing a mask is not mandatory,  but is encouraged if it makes you feel safer when entering our educational center. We will be completely outdoors the entire workshop UNLESS the weather acts up, then we will move our classroom indoors. If we need to move indoors masks will be worn if we are closer than 6ft in distance to allow everyone to feel comfortable and safe. Everyone is to bring their own plate, bowl & eating utensils to ensure that we are not sharing eating wear. All of our food will be prepared by Mojave staff with extra care. This helps us ensures the safety of our students as we believe eating & gathering in community is a vital part of our workshop.