PEP1 Certification workshop/gathering/event May/June 2019

Yes.  I think there are still 4 spots.  But maybe it is 3.   I do know that there are spots left.

This was a week ago. Are there still spots left? I am scrambling to help my husband find a way out there for cheap/quick. We would LOVE for him to take part in this with all of you.

Caitlyn Pierce wrote:This was a week ago. Are there still spots left? I am scrambling to help my husband find a way out there for cheap/quick. We would LOVE for him to take part in this with all of you.

Yup - haven't sold a ticket in a whole week!

After Caitlyn signed up her husband, there is one student spot left! (edited to say the numbers have changed a bit and we might be full - see the first post or the last post for the current update).

In other words, 11 students have signed up so far and we *think* the 6 boots spots will be full, too (though the bootcamp numbers have had a kaleidoscope of variables...)

From Paul's post here on the first page of the thread:

paul wheaton wrote:
Basic food staples will be provided.  But the students will need to cook for themselves and clean up after themselves.

Because we are providing food for each participant, it is $100 per participant. The gapper fee of $20 per each additional person was only for a tour or events where we are not feeding everyone for two weeks.

Camping is included with this event (and most, if not all events here). Base camp tent pads (about 5 or 6) dot the hillside above the Fisher Price House and are first come, first served. Aside from tent pads, there are pretty much unlimited other places to camp between the roughly 20 acres of base camp, and over 200 acres at the lab just 15 minutes down the road.

Although be prepared for base camp being rocky and hilly. The shop/auditorium and parking lots are at the bottom of base camp and just walking up the driveway to the Fisher Price House leaves some people out of breath if they aren't used to hiking or our elevation (about 3,000 feet).

People wonder about food. I wonder about food! So to explain more, and since this is a free* event, the food will be similar to our bootcamp program:

paul wheaton wrote:We provide staples like oats, flour, beans and rice, peanut butter, bread, eggs, coconut oil, fruits and vegetables ...  all organic or better.  So vegans are well covered.  Vegetarians are probably pretty happy.  Folks keen on meat will need to bring their own.  No problems with cooking meat here, but we generally aren't providing it for the boots.

Even more about bootcamp food is here. We are not providing coffee for this event.

*Note that this is considered "free" even for those paying the $100 per student or boot if they haven't been here before. This is because $100 hardly covers the organic food for two weeks, let alone utilities, materials used for the PEP1 projects, wear-and-tear of things and roads, or the time any of us are putting in to this. The $100 just puts some skin in the game for those registering for the event. I'm an accountant...

paul wheaton wrote: Folks keen on meat will need to bring their own.  No problems with cooking meat here, but we generally aren't providing it for the boots.

I am imagining that people cook and eat together? If so, does it make sense to bring, say, four frozen chickens or multiple pounds of bacon or whatever, if we're meat-eaters? I can't imagine bring food just for myself, and elbowing back others who are hovering around.

As a coffee drinker, I'm happy to bring coffee to share, but probably not enough for twenty people for two weeks.

It is far more efficient if folks work out cooking together. And we'll have freezer and fridge space for you for this event. Thanks for asking Erica!

(Edited to clarify all types: ) since we have vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores here, we often do ala carte or buffet or "taco bar" style meals. So the base is typically vegan, then folks can add in beans or meat (or neither) depending on their diets.

Examples are - vegan spag sauce with bean or meat options; vegan Thai curry with bean or meat options, vegan chili, vegan peanut sauce....you get the idea. And if these meals are served over noodles (or zoodles), rice, squash, potatoes, etc. they are filling, good fuel for physical activity, and more economical too. Plus if everything is ala carte, folks can select the starches as works for their diets as well.

Of course there are cooking PEP1 BBs in a lot of this, too!

I'm hoping a bunch of people can get there BBs for cooking done during this event

I'm flying into Missoula so I can't pack a lot of meat with me.  Erica, I love your idea of bringing extra and I can pay for my consumption.  I don't eat tons of meat but every day or two is nice.

Jocelyn Campbell wrote:

(Edited to clarify all types: ) since we have vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores here, we often do ala carte or buffet or "taco bar" style meals. So the base is typically vegan, then folks can add in beans or meat (or neither) depending on their diets.

OK, I'll make and freeze sauteed chicken and some kind of meatballs ahead of time, to add to the smorgasbord. And other things (including ground coffee ... should I also bring french press, or is there something like that on site?)

Mike/et al, no need to pay. If there's something you'd like me to bring for you, I am happy to stop on the way and pick up things. I'll be coming from the Seattle area, arriving the afternoon of the 19th.

Erica Colmenares wrote:should I also bring french press, or is there something like that on site?)

Ah, we have loads of ways to make coffee.

If there are a large number of coffee drinkers in the crowd, we have an all stainless, 100-cup percolator (aka "Lutheran coffee maker") that is great for when 10 or more people want coffee.

We also have some French presses, and a household (8-cup) sized all stainless percolator. Though our favorite way to make coffee for 2 or a few is:  cowgirl coffee. IMHO, cleaning up the 4-cup pyrex and the tea strainer is FAR easier than French press clean up!

I am imagining that people cook and eat together?

Nearly all two week events start off with people agreeing "let's all cook together!"  And by about the fifth day people have learned who always leaps in to do the work, and who is always "busy" with very important things on their phone or something.    That is when the resentments are getting started.   The workers resent the people not working, and the "busy" people resent that the workers want to cook something "too elaborate".  By day ten, the "busy" people resent the workers for having stopped working.   And the workers resent the "busy" people for that resentment.

Magnificent lessons in what resentment looks like.  

Once in a while, there will be a person that will say from day 1 "I'm just gonna feed myself."   People give that guy the stink eye for a few days, but by the end of the event, that guy turned out be a genius.

Once in a while, there will be a person that will honestly work their ass off for everybody without a spec of resentment or an unkind word to anybody.  A magnificent pillar of generosity.  The "busy" people will still resent that person.   But a lot of people will admire this amazing person and wish to be more like them - so several people will attempt to follow that example.   Not all people.  Just a few.   But even still, something beautiful grows from this seed.    It's a rare thing to see.  And a beautiful thing to see.  

What will actually happen?  I'm expecting that comedy will happen.  With rice.   There's a lot of BBs featuring rice.  :)

And there is a community BB for preparing a meal for 8 or more people.  And washing all the dishes.    I think that might happen more than once.  

There is a very good reason why the first ever PEP1 event is free.  We have a lot to learn.

Thanks Erica!  I'll see what other goodies I can fit in my bag.  If I come up with something important that I can't bring, I'll let you know.  Thanks!!!

We will be providing staples.  That seems to be plenty for the boots.   But I would like to think that several people (maybe all?) will bring a bit something extra.   Not sure what.  

We are estimating that we will lose a few thousand dollars hosting this.   Most of that is for food.   Some of that will be for broken stuff and cleaning up after and general materials used.    I hope that lots of people bring extra safety glasses, gloves, tools, etc. and "forget" to take them back.   Maybe we will end up better prepared for the next PEP1 event.  

We are hoping that we will end up some artifacts.   I suspect most people will take their wooden spoons home.   But we will probably end up with some extra three log benches, firewood, etc.

paul wheaton wrote:
Once in a while, there will be a person that will honestly work their ass off for everybody without a spec of resentment or an unkind word to anybody.  A magnificent pillar of generosity.  The "busy" people will still resent that person.   But a lot of people will admire this amazing person and wish to be more like them - so several people will attempt to follow that example.   Not all people.  Just a few.   But even still, something beautiful grows from this seed.    It's a rare thing to see.  And a beautiful thing to see.  

Now we're all wishing we could be that person.

Our guilty pleasure is watching Survivor. It's amazing how quickly you get voted off if you're too helpful.

Hi, It looks like this workshop is full. If not, I'm interested but concerned about my not being fit enough. The activities needed for the certification might be out of my league. I'm 53 but in pretty good health, exercise and eat right, but at this time 20 pounds over my ideal weight. I love everything permaculture and finally bought an acre in Tucson and am overwhelmed. I have been out of the permaculture loop for a few years, but need to get back. Done the rainwater harvesting cert here with Watershed Management Group, PDC at OAEC, certified greywater installer, have participated in lots of cob building workshops, so I wouldn't be completely lost. Thanks for letting me know! Nancy

Nancy,

There is one spot left.  

You are welcome to come and do the BBs that work for you and skip the rest.  

I would like to suggest that all participants get at least 3 BBs done before the event starts.  

Further, since this is our first time doing a PEP1 event, if you wish to complete the PEP1 certification before the end, then might want to have quite a few BBs done before you arrive.   That way, you have a better chance of squeezing it all in, and have a better chance of knocking out BBs that you can't do at home.

I predict that half of the students will leave here with just a few BBs left to get certified - and they can finish up on their own time at home.

Mike Jay wrote:I'm hoping a bunch of people can get there BBs for cooking done during this event

I'm flying into Missoula so I can't pack a lot of meat with me.  Erica, I love your idea of bringing extra and I can pay for my consumption.  I don't eat tons of meat but every day or two is nice.

We still aren't quite sure how my husband is getting there. If flying, that is my concern, too, that he wouldn't really be able to take any food with him. If driving, I can stock him up and he can share.

Also don't forget there is Missoula and some smaller spots where you can pick up some food on day 1 after deciding what people want versus what they already have and what they can afford/share.

I wish I had the time free to fly/drive out, it reminds me of Boy Scouts summer camp, where you would do as much as you could for as many merit badges as you could before you went, and then knocked out the final bits to get credit during the week. Or arrive poorly organized with no idea what to do like I did a few times, and you wander around for a week goofing off. Either way, your parents got a week free with no kids, so time well spent!

Hello!  I am quite excited to be a part of this event.  I paid the fee as I have not been before, is there anything else I need to do to register?  Thanks!

Ken Mullan wrote:Hello!  I am quite excited to be a part of this event.  I paid the fee as I have not been before, is there anything else I need to do to register?  Thanks!

An email was sent to you.  Somebody should be contacting you in about 48 hours to work out the particulars.

Can we have an update on how many spots are left, if any? Also, if you are at capacity for the sleeping arrangements, could a couple camp on the premises and squeeze in for the event and meals? Thanks!

We had a new signup.   And somebody told me that one of the people signed up won't be coming because of something-or-nuther.  

I wish we had an event coordinator to sort things out and have a really clear answer.  At this moment if two people people signed up, I would honor it.  

Basecamp has capacity for two dozen tents, so that is not a limiting factor.  

could a couple camp on the premises and squeeze in for the event and meals?

Forgive me for this weird answer, but we've seen some weird shit over the years.  

If you are asking if there is room for two more people in the event, then the answer is "yes."

If you are asking if two people can come here during the event and camp, eat food, but not participate in the event, then the answer is "no."

I'm setting up this free event with the idea that people are going to come and find a path to make this event work for future offerings.

We would definitely want to participate! To refine my question, would it matter if a couple stayed in at tent, instead of the provided beds/bunks?

I hope to have an idea if we can sign up soon, so I will check in again later!

Nope, tents are fine.  That's what I'm planning on.  I'd stay in a bunk myself but I don't think they're guaranteed until they see the whites of your eyes.  I'd sign up asap if I were in your shoes...

Yeah, everybody is welcome to pitch a tent.  The idea is that people that want a bunk would rent a bunk from the event coordinator.  But we don't have one of those.

Would it be possible to get a schedule of peoples’ arrival times in Missoula? I’m booking my airfare and would prefer to jump into a vehicle that’s already making the trip, rather than requiring another trip just for myself.

Alternately, anyone driving from anywhere near the mid-west, or even Denver area?  I’d be game to meet you and split gas cost for rest of the way.

I'm arriving at the airport at 9:14pm on Sat the 18th.  I hope to spend the night at a distant relative's house in Missoula and then get in on a ride to the lab the morning of the 19th.

If that falls through I guess I'd be aiming for a late night drive to the lab which, I assume, would suck for pitching a tent and getting oriented.

Can someone send me a link to a page where all the PEP1 badges, categories, and requirements are listed? Can't wait for the workshop! Also is there info no beds/bunks available or is it first come first served, since there is no event coordinator. ;-)

nancy orr wrote:Can someone send me a link to a page where all the PEP1 badges, categories, and requirements are listed?

https://permies.com/wiki/96022/aspects-PEP

Also is there info no beds/bunks available or is it first come first served, since there is no event coordinator. ;-)

I'm hoping it's still based on the order of inquiry, rather than who arrives first, but that's definitely because that system favors me. :-) There's quite a bit going on at Wheaton Labs so I get that where we're sleeping isn't a crucial priority.

On the food front, I now have 6 lbs of ground turkey, 10 lbs of ground beef and 12 lbs of chicken in my freezer. My plan is to cook it all up before coming, chili with the turkey, taco-ish meet with the beef and shredded fajita-ish chicken. I guess I will have to re-freeze it all, which I don't love, but with the eight-hour drive and just a cooler (and not knowing where it will be stored when I get there), it is probably best?

You guys are awesome to be coordinating details among yourselves and so patiently waiting to hear about sleeping arrangements!

Camping is included. At base camp our 5 or 6 tent pads are first come first served, though there are almost unlimited places to pitch a tent! Car camping or RV/trailer parking space is available as well (although we do not have RV hookups).

Those who filled out the registration form that they are interested in renting a bunk will be contacted next week. That is the earliest I can manage getting the rentals sorted out - thanks for your patience! The rental options will likely include a couple of rustic cabins , the tipi, a Cooper Cabin slumber party, and bunks in the FPH bunk bedroom.

Is anyone driving through Missoula on the morning of the 19th?  I did get a spot on the floor of my cousin-in-law's house.  He's 4 miles SE of the airport in town.  It would be spiffy if someone was driving past and had an empty seat.

Soo... a couple of months ago I signed my son and I up for the PEP1 certification gathering and have been really looking forward to going and sharing this experience with him. Unfortunately at this time I think I need to pull our names from the list and let someone else take our place. My 85 year old Grandmother has been struggling with another bout of bronchitis for over a month and I just don’t think I can leave her for three weeks right now   ( we were going to be driving in from Chicago suburbs). My hope is that now that spring weather has arrived she’ll start feeling like herself again but there are no guarantees and I would hate to have to cancel at the last minute when if I do so now maybe someone can fill our spots. I’m still interested in earning badges and workin towards certification, we’ll just have to try and do more of it on our own. Maybe we can come out another time as boots. So sorry for the inconvenience.

Hi Darla Kucera,

Unfortunately at this time I think I need to pull our names from the list and let someone else take our place. My 85 year old Grandmother has been struggling with another bout of bronchitis for over a month and I just don’t think I can leave her for three weeks right now   ( we were going to be driving in from Chicago suburbs).

I'm Sorry to hear about your Grandmother. We understand and hope everything goes well.

I’m still interested in earning badges and workin towards certification, we’ll just have to try and do more of it on our own. Maybe we can come out another time as boots. So sorry for the inconvenience.

You are welcome to come up as a boot here is the thread https://permies.com/wiki/bootcamp

Best wishes,
Coco
Wheaton Lab Event/Rental Property Coordinstor