DESERT INSTITUTE
at Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr. Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Phone: 760-367-5535; e-mail: desertinstitute@joshuatree.org
Fall Session
2015
Explore Camping: A Workshop for Women
Information
Date/ Time:
Meet at:
Instructor:
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, April 3, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Joshua Tree Visitor Center (click on the link for a map to the meeting site)
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, Ca 92252
Rebecca Lowry, Artist, Instructor
Overview
If you have a taste for adventure, a thirst for wild spaces or just want to improve your outdoor skills,
sign up here! Learn how to thrive in the outdoors with camping basics and best practices, improve your
knowledge of natural science and have fun with a bunch of other intrepid women. On this weekend
camping workshop you’ll learn about the desert while hiking through it, share stories around a
crackling campfire, and acquire useful skills that will transform the great outdoors into your own
spectacular backyard. No prior camping experience is necessary, though some basic equipment is
required. Camping equipment can be rented locally from outfitters. More experienced campers
who’d like to brush up on their skills or just come to have a good time are also welcome. This weekend
of classes will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a beautiful location that is perfect for this program!
Ladies 21+ only.
Camping is optional, but highly recommended. No prior camping experience is necessary and rental
camping equipment is available through local outfitters. Please call 760-367-5535 for more
information.
Itinerary
Saturday, September 26, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
 Introduction
 Caravan to Lost Horse Campground
 SKILLS DAY:
 including: camp setup, outfitting, desert housekeeping and hygiene, camp skills,
wilderness lore, fire basics
 DINNER: camp cooking and cleanup
 CAMPFIRE: s'mores, sparks, songs and stories
Sunday, September 27, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
1










OUTDOOR ADVENTURE:
vigorous guided hike
on-the-go primer: geology, botany, lichenology, zoology, ecology
on-the-go primer: hiking wisdom and basic wilderness skills
bring a packed lunch
DOWNTIME: enjoying camp
BREAKING CAMP:
leave no trace
packing up
equipment care
What to Bring to the Course
Required Class Materials:
Camping Materials
 Tent
 Sleeping bag
 Foam pad, blow up mattress or cot
 Cooler, if desired (ice may not be readily available so don’t bring perishables)
 Water (there is no water in the park or in our campground)
 Food
o Lunches for Saturday and Sunday (including one packed lunch)
o Cook dinner in camp Saturday evening
o Salty trail snacks and beverages for campfire Saturday night
 Cooking and eating utensils
 Lantern
 Flashlight (your headlamp will do just fine)
 Firewood
 Trash bags
 Toiletries and towel
The 10 Essentials: Everyday in the Desert
 Day pack
 4 quarts of water to take hiking with you on Sunday
 Hiking boots with traction soles
 Lunch and snacks
 Clothing layers
 Hat
 Sun glasses
 Sunscreen
 Notebook and pencil/pen
 Whistle
Fitness Requirements
2
Participants must be in good physical condition for courses/activities in a desert that may be hot, dry,
windy, and sometimes surprisingly cold.
Hike Level
Moderate
Guidelines






You are responsible for your safety.
Park your car in designated areas only. Parking along the side of the road is dangerous to
you and the environment.
Rattlesnakes are present in the desert. Avoid contact with wildlife. Put your hands and feet
only where you can see them.
Stay with the group. If you get lost, stay put.
Drink plenty of water. If you run out, notify the instructor or the Desert Institute
Representative.
Before leaving the class, check out with Desert Institute Representative.
Instructor Biography
Rebecca Lowry: Rebecca Lowry is an artist and educator based in Los Angeles. She holds degrees in
literature, art history and architecture from Boston University and Harvard. She has both a studio and
public art practice and taught for 7 years at both Cal Poly Pomona and USC. Much of her work focuses
on looking at the familiar from new points of view, often using text, maps and handcraft. Having
explored the great outdoors since childhood, Bex loves to pursue new understandings of natural
spaces: she finds there is no better studio or classroom.
Suggested Readings
* The Desert Institute staff/instructors will attempt to accommodate participant’s needs; however
we reserve the right to deny a student participation in the course due to concerns regarding health
and safety issues.
3