Last-Minute free PEP event - March 24 - 30, 2026

Ash jackson wrote this bit below

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Last-Minute PEP Workshop - March 24 - 30, 2026.*
*That's when I'll be there, anyways.

I'll be coming to Wheaton Labs, and wanna do PEP! I bet you do, too.



I'm happy to teach (most)** of sand-level PEP to folks who don't know it, and just as happy to work alongside those who already do know it.
**Metalworking. I'm interested in hiring someone for half a day (or longer if I prove especially dense) to teach me welding and metalworking to make the kindling cracker and fire poker needed for the Metalwork Sand Badge.

Reply in this thread if you're in!
Maybe there's enough of us to have a seed swap? Or each attendee takes turns making a magnificent meal for 8? Join us so you can find out.


Don't know what this PEP stuff is all about? It's a free, structured way to learn permaculture skills, and have your skills certified. Have a look!

for this event, the following cabins are available and i am offering a sweet dealio

love shack

  8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)
  16-30 nights: $450 (normally $650)


dog star

  8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)
  16-30 nights: $450 (normally $650)


bartell's bunkhouse

  8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)
  16-30 nights: $450 (normally $650)


tipi

  8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)
  16-30 nights: $450 (normally $650)


cooper cabin

  1-7 nights: $400 (normally $500)
  8-15 nights: $550 (normally $800)
  16-30 nights: $800 (normally $1200)

sending out a weeklyish about this.

Can one bring there own RV and camp out?

Cw Pattis wrote:Can one bring there own RV and camp out?

Yes!

1-15 nights: (click here to pay $250)
16-30 nights: (click here to pay $300)

I don't think Wheaton Labs has had a SKIP event since 2024. And I don't know if there are plans to have another one. So it seems like a good idea to jump on this one.

Cw Pattis wrote:Can one bring there own RV and camp out?

What does it mean 16-30 days… and just realized my birthday is within this period… Is this the only session?

Cw Pattis wrote:

Cw Pattis wrote:Can one bring there own RV and camp out?

What does it mean 16-30 days… and just realized my birthday is within this period… Is this the only session?

If you wish to stay for 20 days, then you select "16-30 days" because 20 is more than 16 and less than 30.

This is the only time that ash will be here this year.  And ash is offering to guide people for free.  If you happen to be here at the same time, then you can do this with ash.  

When you say "Is this the only session?"  Then I guess this is the only time that ash is doing this.  Does this answer your question?

paul wheaton wrote:

Cw Pattis wrote:

Cw Pattis wrote:Can one bring there own RV and camp out?

What does it mean 16-30 days… and just realized my birthday is within this period… Is this the only session?

If you wish to stay for 20 days, then you select "16-30 days" because 20 is more than 16 and less than 30.

This is the only time that ash will be here this year.  And ash is offering to guide people for free.  If you happen to be here at the same time, then you can do this with ash.  

When you say "Is this the only session?"  Then I guess this is the only time that ash is doing this.  Does this answer your question?

Thank you, your math is delightful…

Darn I guess I can’t attend.. because my birthday is the within those dates and my children are planning a party…… Do enjoy and I appreciate your answers and candour.

I'd like to come for that last week of March, (and finally meet that so-famous Paul Wheaton.) I''ll be returning from Mexico, so its not exactly on the way. Travelling by public bus. So one of those bunkhouses beds would be fine. Is the price of $300 for that week?

Can I get to Wheaton Labs by bus? Or nearby, and arrange a ride ??
Amd I'd love to cook a meal for 8 people.

Susan Holvenstot
Cvec17@hotmail.com

Yes, I want to do this!

I have a few questions:

1. Other than the $300 lodging fee, are there other fees for room/board/participation?
2. Is the tipi still available?
2.a. If yes, where would I sign up?
2.b. Is the stove in the tipi hot enough to boil water?
3. If I drive in, how far will the car be from the tipi?
4. How cold is it likely to be at end of March?

Please advise. Thanks!

Bea Cates wrote:I have a few questions:

I can't really help - but this is a link to the accomodations and their facilities: permaculture pampering. I guess the week is a bit like a mini SKIP event, but winging it slightly. Some food may be additional for example, I expect more details will be forthcoming.
I think the tipi is a little way away from basecamp - a fair walk or short drive perhaps.

Hi! While I can't help with accommodations or logistics of one's stay, I am happy to answer the PEP-flavored questions. (See my signature if you're not sure what PEP or a BB is, or here https://permies.com/wiki/skip-pep-bb )

Typically something like this would have a minimum requirement of BB20, but I'm willing to entertain less than that if someone is really motivated to learn PEP and do BB's.

Let's get PEPing!

I've wanted to visit the lab for years. This may be my opportunity, but would have to leave the 29th to be back for a class on the 30th. Would that be acceptable?

Susan Holvenstot wrote:I'd like to come for that last week of March, (and finally meet that so-famous Paul Wheaton.) I''ll be returning from Mexico, so its not exactly on the way. Travelling by public bus. So one of those bunkhouses beds would be fine. Is the price of $300 for that week?

Can I get to Wheaton Labs by bus? Or nearby, and arrange a ride ??
Amd I'd love to cook a meal for 8 people.

Rides:  if you want a ride during "normal hours" the cost of a ride is $20.  If you want a ride in the wee hours, the cost is $50.  We give rides to people from the bus station or the airport quite a lot!

Bunk price ....   are you thinking of a bunk in the bunk room?  On the sepper page i see

Top Bunk (1 person):
1-10 nights: (click here to pay $250)
11-20 nights: (click here to pay $350)
21-30 nights: (click here to pay $400)

Bottom Bunk (1-2 people):
1-7 nights: (click here to pay $250)
8-15 nights: (click here to pay $350)
16-30 nights: (click here to pay $500)

or, are you thinking of the solarium

Squirrel Top Bunk (narrow twin):
1-15 nights: (click here to pay $225)
16-30 nights: (click here to pay $325)

Squirrel Bottom Bunk (narrow twin):
1-15 nights: (click here to pay $250)
16-30 nights: (click here to pay $350)

Bear or Moose Top Bunk (twin):
1-15 nights: (click here to pay $250)
16-30 nights: (click here to pay $350)

Bear or Moose Bottom Bunk (twin):
1-10 nights: (click here to pay $250)
11-20 nights: (click here to pay $350)
21-30 nights: (click here to pay $400)

(today i learned i am "so-famous"!)

Bea Cates wrote:Yes, I want to do this!

I have a few questions:

1. Other than the $300 lodging fee, are there other fees for room/board/participation?
2. Is the tipi still available?
2.a. If yes, where would I sign up?
2.b. Is the stove in the tipi hot enough to boil water?
3. If I drive in, can I park the car somewhere?
3.a. If yes, how far would that be from the tipi?
4. Do I need to (or should I or may I) bring tools like a saw, axe, etc?
5. How cold is it likely to be?

Please advise. Thanks!

(i have to run away, so i will be back to answer more questions in an hour or two)

2. yes
2.a. pay for dibs.
2.b  i dunno. probably
3 yes
3.a maybe 50 feet?  70 feet?
4.  up to you.  maybe some would be fun.  But ash knows his way around.
5.  above freezing during the day, and below freezing at night.  probably.  The crocuses will be in bloom and the rhubarb will be growing.

1. Other than the $300 lodging fee, are there other fees for room/board/participation?

You will supply your own food.  For this sort of thing, it seems people usually bring a lot of food and there ends up being a fair bit of food mingling.  

No other costs i can think of.  

$300 lodging fee - depends on which thing you are renting.

Bea Cates wrote:Yes, I want to do this!

I have a few questions:

1. Other than the $300 lodging fee, are there other fees for room/board/participation?
2. Is the tipi still available?
2.a. If yes, where would I sign up?
2.b. Is the stove in the tipi hot enough to boil water?
3. If I drive in, can I park the car somewhere?
3.a. If yes, how far would that be from the tipi?
4. Do I need to (or should I or may I) bring tools like a saw, axe, etc?
5. How cold is it likely to be?

Please advise. Thanks!

Hello Bea!  
It would be lovely to have you come out!

The Tipi is available!   You can cook and boil water on top of the rocket mass heater in there.   You can park up by the tipi so all you stuff is easily accessible.  

We will be warming up for spring.  The nights are in the 30's and the days are 40-50 degrees.

You can bring tools if you want,  we also have tools here.   You will want work gloves and comfortable boots

Nancy Reading wrote:I think the tipi is a little way away from basecamp - a fair walk or short drive perhaps.

We usually set people up with a bicycle or electric bicycle to make the trips a little easier.  

Ash is staying at allerton abbey, which is very close to the tipi.

This is SO AWESOME - but I am stuck in the rat race and cannot come that week.  I could come April 8th-April 18th if you try another event =)

Rhett Richardson wrote:I've wanted to visit the lab for years. This may be my opportunity, but would have to leave the 29th to be back for a class on the 30th. Would that be acceptable?

You would be here as a sepper.  Leave as early as you like.  Participate in ash's pep thing as much or as little as you like.  Participate in the bootcamp as much or as little as you like.

Briana Great wrote:This is SO AWESOME - but I am stuck in the rat race and cannot come that week.  I could come April 8th-April 18th if you try another event =)

We have two other spring things we are looking into right now:

   - rent a big excavator for a week of some basecamp stuff (and rent a big truck at the same time)

   - two weeks to finish the sepp holzer root cellar

Hi Paul, I was hoping if I could discuss something privately, Do you have an Email or a way to contact you?

Rajesh Kumar wrote:Hi Paul, I was hoping if I could discuss something privately, Do you have an Email or a way to contact you?

Hello Rajesh!

I can help you!  Are you interested in coming to this event?

You can send email to   b u n k s at permies.com

Thanks!

Ash Jackson wrote:Typically something like this would have a minimum requirement of BB20, but I'm willing to entertain less than that if someone is really motivated to learn PEP and do BB's.

I'm motivated and I have equivalent experience. Though i'm new to Permies.com, I've had an offgrid place for several years. Going through the BB lists, I'd've hit well more than 20 (though not with photos).

Will that do?

Bea Cates wrote:I'm motivated and I have equivalent experience. Though i'm new to Permies.com, I've had an offgrid place for several years. Going through the BB lists, I'd've hit well more than 20 (though not with photos).

Will that do?

You bet! Welcome to Permies.

paul wheaton wrote:
2.a. pay for dibs.

@paul-wheaton, @samantha-lewis:

Could you give me a link for payment? I'm not seeing a $300 option for the tipi here: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper#tipi.

Bea Cates wrote:

paul wheaton wrote:
2.a. pay for dibs.

@paul-wheaton, @samantha-lewis:

Could you give me a link for payment? I'm not seeing a $300 option for the tipi here: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper#tipi.

tipi ...

  8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)
  https://permies.com/pp/300.00/wheaton-labs-rentals-tipi-15-nights-ash

 16-30 nights: $450 (normally $650)
  https://permies.com/pp/450.00/wheaton-labs-rentals-tipi-1-month-ash

paul wheaton wrote:
tipi: 8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)

Dibs! Let me know if you didn't get it.

Well...this is exciting.

Bea Cates wrote:

paul wheaton wrote:
tipi: 8-15 nights: $300 (normally $450)

Dibs! Let me know if you didn't get it.

Well...this is exciting.

Got it!  Sent you an email to get started on sorting out particulars.

Bea Cates wrote:Well...this is exciting.

Looking forward to meeting you! If you have time, have a look at these two threads:

Step by step guide on How to get a BB: https://permies.com/wiki/147283/skills-inherit-property/Badge-Bit-BB

Poll of the easiest BB's to get. Many people feel 'sweep the floor' is easiest, of course, your mileage may vary: https://permies.com/t/146515/Badge-Bits-BB-easiest-Apple

Ash Jackson wrote:...your mileage may vary

Thanks: will do. And some of the bigger stuff, tool.

Bea Cates wrote:

Ash Jackson wrote:Typically something like this would have a minimum requirement of BB20, but I'm willing to entertain less than that if someone is really motivated to learn PEP and do BB's.

I'm motivated and I have equivalent experience. Though i'm new to Permies.com, I've had an offgrid place for several years. Going through the BB lists, I'd've hit well more than 20 (though not with photos).

Will that do?

You've already been given a "yes" but honestly, you could hit BB20 before the event. When I started, I found that I could get about that many just with photos I'd already taken of project in the past ten years or so and lots of them are pretty quick even if you don't obsessively photo-document your life. :-)

I think a good way to approach events like this is to come in with a 'shopping list' of BB's I'd like to do, and stay flexible while I'm there for opportunities I might encounter.

For example; some BB's I'm looking to do:
- Greywater Sand: Hand-crafted instruction manual
- Greywater Sand: Hang 4 Coathooks, a two-fer with
- Roundwood Sand: Dry Peg Coathooks
- Roundwood Sand: Peel 6" log
- Tool Care Sand: Clean shop
- Tool Care Sand: Sharpen/Oil Shovel

Hi, I'd love to come to this event, am travelling with my back pack by train and bus, from Mexico.  And its not looking easy to get to Missoula. So I'm asking -   could I get a ride with someone? I can get to Portland by mid afternoon, or Seattle anytime, any day.
Getting to Spokane puts me in at midnight, and to Missoula is 10 pm. Neither is my choice.
I'm older, female, and long time permaculture advocate livmg on Vancouver Island.
Any offers???   Thanks Susan cvec17@hotmail.com

Susan Holvenstot wrote:Hi, I'd love to come to this event, am travelling with my back pack by train and bus, from Mexico.  And its not looking easy to get to Missoula. So I'm asking -   could I get a ride with someone? I can get to Portland by mid afternoon, or Seattle anytime, any day.
Getting to Spokane puts me in at midnight, and to Missoula is 10 pm. Neither is my choice.
I'm older, female, and long time permaculture advocate livmg on Vancouver Island.
Any offers???   Thanks Susan cvec17@hotmail.com

There is bus service to missoula.

I think ash if flying in.  Not sure about bea.  

We're flying in, but are getting a boot-ride from Missoula up to Wheaton Labs, and (boots-willing) I'm happy to share our ride.