permaculture bootcamp - learn permaculture through a little hard work

The bootcamp runs all year, including the winter months.

https://permies.com/t/149839/bootcamp-winter
https://permies.com/w/190855/2022-2023-half-assed-holidays

Preston Gorman wrote:Will there be any opportunity to learn permaculture during the winter months?  or is it completely dead up there?  I'm likely going to have some extended time off of work around December - possibly as much as a month, and was thinking about coming up there for either bootcamp or sepper program and wanted to know if it would be worth my while, or if it would be better to wait till summer - although there's no gaurantee I'll have enough time off work in summer to come.  my email is prestongorman10@gmail.com if someone wants to message me there.

Hi Preston!

Yes!  The bootcamp is alive and kicking during the winter months.  You also get to experience the rocket mass heaters and passive greenhouse in all their glory when its cold out.

Another great part of the bootcamp in winter is the half-assed holidays!  Check out this thread: https://permies.com/t/149839/bootcamp-winter

The sepper program is great for people who aren't sure if they are ready for a deep dive into the bootcamp.  As a sepper you don't have to commit to the 40 hours work week as the boots do.  You are a guest!!  Click Here for more info on the sepper program: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper

And here for a breakdown of the difference between being a boot and a sepper:  https://permies.com/t/146557/permaculture-projects/sepper-program-permaculture-bootcamp-experience

Either option is great, any time of the year!  I hope you get a chance to experience both the summer and winter sometime!


Sign up for the bootcamp HERE

I'm considering being a boot next January, some info I'm looking for isn't in the FAQ.

1) Internet:
Maybe just as a weekend thing or maybe I'll do daily BRK vlogs for YouTube, but...

I have a background in digital content creation. If I decide I want to create/edit videos & animations (and maintain my github repos when needed) while I'm there what resources are available, would I need to hike a mile to access the internet or get one of Tesla's fancypants Starlink things and power it myself? Could I stash a workstation PC someplace safe to use on occasion or would It be best to lug around a laptop?

2) Laundry:
How is this handled? Do boots pay quarters, use the bucket and plunger method, or something else?

3) Water access:
For deep-roots boots do they need to haul water to their plot, or are their existing streams, or wells, or is everyone just drinking rainwater?

I'm all for low-tech but want to know what compromises I'll have to make so I could plan ahead.

T Simpson wrote:I'm considering being a boot next January, some info I'm looking for isn't in the FAQ.

1) Internet:
Maybe just as a weekend thing or maybe I'll do daily BRK vlogs for YouTube, but...

I have a background in digital content creation. If I decide I want to create/edit videos & animations (and maintain my github repos when needed) while I'm there what resources are available, would I need to hike a mile to access the internet or get one of Tesla's fancypants Starlink things and power it myself? Could I stash a workstation PC someplace safe to use on occasion or would It be best to lug around a laptop?

Internet is available at the library at basecamp. If you want it at your deeproots plot, you would need to supply your own cell hotspot (if your plot has cell coverage)  or something like Starlink.

T Simpson wrote:
2) Laundry:
How is this handled? Do boots pay quarters, use the bucket and plunger method, or something else?

Boots have access to do laundry in the Fisher Price House.

T Simpson wrote:
3) Water access:
For deep-roots boots do they need to haul water to their plot, or are their existing streams, or wells, or is everyone just drinking rainwater?

There is now a well at the lab, a more specific answer will depend on where the plot is.

I'm looking for a job. I have 25 years of organic, biodynamic and permaculture  agricultural experience as well as 20 years of homesteading experience

Erin Greenberg wrote:I'm looking for a job. I have 25 years of organic, biodynamic and permaculture  agricultural experience as well as 20 years of homesteading experience

Sign-up for the Bootcamp -- HERE!!

Paul just informed me that I'm locked in for next January. Hopefully, some of my construction experience from doing foreign aid work will be applicable.

I'm going to come out geared for entertaining the idea of working toward a long-term stay, bushcraft tools, film equipment, canvas tent, e-bike + wagon. no car. Even if I just end up in a bunk and stay for a short time I'll be equipped to be more bushcrafty.

I rarely ever hunt but..

Would I need a Montana license to bow hunt on Paul's land or just on the national parkland? There seems to be a bit more red tape than here in Washington (surprisingly).

Has there ever been a problem with large predators, should I bother with bear spray?

T Simpson wrote:Would I need a Montana license to bow hunt on Paul's land or just on the national parkland? There seems to be a bit more red tape than here in Washington (surprisingly).

To get an out-of-state hunting license/tags is expensive. I would suggest getting Montana license before getting an hunting license.

T Simpson wrote:Has there ever been a problem with large predators, should I bother with bear spray?

We haven't had problems recently. Paul has stories of bears getting into RVs.

We have seen evidence of bears and other large predators this year. One good thing about January, bears will be hibernating :D

Would I be miserable here as an anxiety ridden introvert that doesn't cause any drama and just likes to focus on tasks?

Jeff Steez wrote:Would I be miserable here as an anxiety ridden introvert that doesn't cause any drama and just likes to focus on tasks?

About 90% of the time, people come here and everything is smooth.

Once in a long while somebody has come here and it has been challenging for us.  And as we try to figure out what to do, sometimes we say "we do not have what this person requires."

You ask about "miserable" because "anxiety ridden introvert".  I am not a mental health expert, so I have no idea.  The part of "doesn't cause any drama and just likes to focus on tasks?" sounds nice.  

I think the smart thing to do is to come out for a week and see how it goes.

I can't help but notice after browsing through the BRKs etc. that there seems to be a surplus of cats at Wheaton labs. I didn't consider this before I signed up.

I'm allergic, sometimes I'm fine other times I sneeze until my nose bleeds. How screwed am I?

Natural solutions:
-Cats can have the allergenic compound in their saliva reduced by dietary changes.
-I could use stinging nettle to boost my antihistamines.
-Excessive cleaning & avoidance.

Cat allergies are 1/5 people, has anyone else found a way to manage it, or are there not as many cats as I think?

All the cats are outside - does that help?

"that there seems to be a surplus of cats"
I don't believe that's accurate.  It depends on how many you think is reasonable. They provide an extremely effective rodent deterent that survives better with local predators.

We own 2 cats; when we went to Wheaton Labs, we saw several cats (a couple of kittens who were very playful, a couple who kept a far distance).  No cat food - my son managed to catch a grasshopper and feed if to a kitten.  One cat slept in his tent one day.  Cats love him.  

If your allergies prevent you from visiting people who have cats, the Boot's Lodge won't work for you but there are other ways to stay - tent, build your own place, or SEPPER.  

I'm planning to stay in a tent, if all the cats are mostly outside then I should be fine. It is a hard thing to gauge. Sometimes I have no problem around cats.

At first, I was in YOLO mode but now I'm realizing I'm coming from a coastal semi-desert environment so I'm going down the checklist to make sure I'm Montana-proof.

Perhaps it would be wise to fly out this winter as a SEPPer to meet everyone & test my gear and decide if I want to return for/transition to boot camp in spring.

T Simpson, you can also start as a SEPPer for a month to get a feel for it. (Prices for renting as a SEPPer are here: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper) If you want to do another month (or more) as a SEPPer, you totally can! From what I understand, once you're there as a SEPPer, the transition is pretty seamless to being in Bootcamp. You don't even need to pay the $100 waitlist fee.

The waitlist fee is mostly there because of all the coordinating that's done to get people set up. A lot of people require a ton of work on the part of Paul's assistants and the Boots to set up when they'll come...and then they never show. BUT! Once you've come (for an event, or as a SEPPer, or a Boot), all that works been done and it doesn't need to be done again, so you don't need to pay the fee.

I think starting as a SEPPer is a great way to go!

Starting as a sepper is always the best.  You can name your own schedule for arriving and you can jump into the bootcamp as your are comfortable.

For cat allergies, I'm mildly allergic and haven't been having any problems with the cats here (I've been at Wheaton Labs for a bit over a month). They almost always stay outside the way they are supposed to (although occasionally one will sneak into a building and be removed quickly), so there are very few allergens indoors. I've also picked them up outside without it triggering any reaction for me. I don't know if this is related to the type of food they are given, or if they just happen not to trigger my particular allergies at that level of exposure. If my allergies were a bit worse I could ignore them outdoors and they would pretty much leave me alone. So it's quite possible that you won't have any problems when you are here!

the next few bootcamp arrival dates

december 4
january 15
february 5
february 26
march 19
april 9

The bootcamp runs all year, including the winter months.

https://permies.com/t/149839/bootcamp-winter
https://permies.com/w/half-assed-holidays

What's the minimum age for boot camp?

Katie Adelsberger wrote:What's the minimum age for boot camp?

18.

Or 12 if you do the thistle program https://permies.com/t/thistle

Hi, I want to sign up as a SePPer or Boot. What is happening with the waitlist currently? At what time of year are the roads thawed out and clear enough to travel to Wheaton Labs?
I'd be traveling from Northern Calif.
Thanks !!

Jonni Faircrest wrote:Hi, I want to sign up as a SePPer or Boot. What is happening with the waitlist currently?

We still have openings on these dates, SEPPers can arrive anytime.

paul wheaton wrote:the next few bootcamp arrival dates
january 15
february 5
february 26
march 19
april 9

Jonni Faircrest wrote:At what time of year are the roads thawed out and clear enough to travel to Wheaton Labs?
I'd be traveling from Northern Calif.
Thanks !!

As long as it isn't during or right after a snow storm, we are accessible all year.

Earn some coin while in the bootcamp!

Most boots post daily pics to a thread and get BRK money.

Currently, there is a standing offer paying heaps of coin for videos.  You are allowed time during the boot day to take video and pics.  And if you want, there is even a fella willing to split the coin with you and he will do the editing.

I'm interested in being a boot for a few weeks on either side of the PTJ this year, which i have already bought a ticket to.

Would there be any problem with coming on as a boot for a week (or two) before the PTJ and for a week after? I'd stay longer after but i have something i need to go to in late July

Liam Hession wrote:I'm interested in being a boot for a few weeks on either side of the PTJ this year, which i have already bought a ticket to.

Would there be any problem with coming on as a boot for a week (or two) before the PTJ and for a week after? I'd stay longer after but i have something i need to go to in late July

someone correct me if I'm wrong, but generally I don't believe there are arrival dates during the summer events.  So you might be able to get in on a sunday before the pdc - work as a boot for the pdc - then attend the ptj - and stay on as a boot during the skip event.

Liam Hession wrote:I'm interested in being a boot for a few weeks on either side of the PTJ this year, which i have already bought a ticket to.

Would there be any problem with coming on as a boot for a week (or two) before the PTJ and for a week after? I'd stay longer after but i have something i need to go to in late July

You can arrive the sunday before the PDC - so that would be about three weeks.

And we have had people in the past join the bootcamp immediately after an event.

If you're interested in a look at some of the things the boots do, check out this new video: Tree Harvesting with a Timber Tool
The tool is supposed to help direct the fall of the tree, and make it a bit safer.  Which is great for when you're learning, which is what I think is a huge part of bootcamp.

Hi there! I'm a light sleeper & sensitive to other folks' energy. Is it possible to sleep in my own space as a boot?

Thanks!
(and sorry if this was already answered)

Yes, it is easier in the warmer months because sleeping in a tent is more comfortable.

During the winter you usually have the choose of some of the lab cabins that aren't rented.

Have a look at the new video, made by a couple of boots - Stephen and Wes - of the Wheaton labs solar sawmill in action today, for info:



Learn some really excellent skills in the bootcamp to help you create beautiful useful things and to become more self-reliant in the future.

Here is another short video showing the boots reviving a junk pole fence at Wheaton Labs. Learn how to do things like this and a whole heap of others at the bootcamp!

Jules Silverlock wrote:Have a look at the new video, made by a couple of boots - Stephen and Wes - of the Wheaton labs solar sawmill in action today, for info:

Learn some really excellent skills in the bootcamp to help you create beautiful useful things and to become more self-reliant in the future.

Could you please give some details on this sawmill or link to a discussion on it elsewhere?

The only kind I have ever seen in portable mills work with a bandsaw.
How much solar power does it need (in kW size, or flow)? Is it working off DC or the inverter? Do you have battery storage and how much?
More info can help us consider this for our homesteads. Not everyone is young enough to do the boot camp! (I'm 72)

Thanks

Here is the link for the thread about the sawmill:

https://permies.com/t/28678/permaculture-projects/solar-electric-sawmill

Hello. Watching a video of yours from the Live Free Academy and was really excited to find out you are here in Missoula where we live. My husband and I are interested in the week long bootcamp but was curious if we could go home at night to sleep since we have kids at home?

alexis Manning wrote:Hello. Watching a video of yours from the Live Free Academy and was really excited to find out you are here in Missoula where we live. My husband and I are interested in the week long bootcamp but was curious if we could go home at night to sleep since we have kids at home?

Interesting question, Alexis!  I think (I am not sure) that you are not required to stay on-site to participate in the bootcamp - just be present for work hours.  Don't take my word for it.  Let me ping a couple folks that might have a better idea.

Yes, you can do that.  

i understand the deep roots program to help in getting more community there living in a exemplary way, awesome.. but is there any arrangement where i/one could help setup a plot, then get credit for that for my/their final community i choose to settle in? (as you can see, i put some thought into this homestead flipping exchange idea)