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The first ever Boondocking Skills Camp is winding down after nearly two weeks of immersion into off-grid living in a vehicle. The participants arrived at a location in northeastern Arizona near the Petrified National Forest ready to take care of their most basic needs while living out of their vehicles. The vehicles ranged from sedans and minivans using tents to expand their living areas to cargo vans, Promasters and Ford Transits.
“What I experienced is that there is a recognition of everyone's experience, an acceptance of everyone for where they are at.” ~ Brooke ~
All of the participants had limited experience as nomads. Remarkably, they all had done a considerable amount of planning and preparation for this two-week event. Everyone had a way to cook, store their food and take care of their toileting and hygiene. But even with all their planning and preparation, each participant has gained more know-how and skills as they attended daily presentations and discussions about various aspects of nomad life.
“I have been very impressed with the caliber of the mentors. Their willingness to share is extraordinary.” ~ Sandi ~
While the mentors provided solid skills and information to the participants, mother nature offered additional training opportunities by bringing several days of intense winds to challenge those with tents and testing everyone’s endurance. And then she turned down the thermostat bringing nights in the low 20s and large, fluffy snowflakes that accumulated about seven inches all around! It was as if she was playing her part in preparing the participants for life close to nature. Real life, practical experience living up close and personal with the weather put newbies and experienced nomads to the test.
"I am loving the community, the sense of strong bonds, willingness for all to share and help; I have the feeling my soul is being fed." ~ Wanda ~
This was the first Nomad Boondocking Skills Camp held by HOWA. Seven participants came together as strangers and left full of nomad knowledge and friendships. It was a successful event and may lay the foundation for future similar camps.
I expected to learn the basics of nomad living; I was looking forward to community and being accepted. What I experienced is a more in-depth training than I expected. I have experienced my confidence growing. ~ Wanda ~
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