Sustainable Boot Camp Program #1
On-Grid Self-Sustainable Living
Our On-Grid Sustainable Living Boot Camp Program offers participants the opportunity to experience life in a sustainable environment that still maintains many conveniences provided by access to electricity, municipal water and sewage, and other sustainable products that can be purchased from grid-based manufacturers and vendors. In other words, this program maintains access to some city and municipal services while replacing many of life's conveniences with more sustainable practices and solutions.
The general living conditions under this program might resemble life on a traditional farm or a camping trip with a group living out of a single recreational vehicle. Throughout this program, attendees will participate in a variety of individual and group activities that match their physical and experiential capabilities. Attendees operate as part of a team, under the guidance of SLA staff members, to perform daily activities that ensure long-term sustainable success. In addition to work assignments, participants attend regular classes and discussions that pertain to the knowledge needed to live and operate in this boot camp environment.
This program includes oversight and observation by SLA staff members to provide guidance and instruction as needed for general operation, activities coordination, work assignment scheduling, construction, upkeep and maintenance, and to ensure the safety and security of the environment and all participants. This may including coordination of planning, development and sustainable solution meetings to expand or replace any existing sustainable practices. Program activities and responsibilities are delegated to those who show aptitude and interest.
Boot Camp Program 1
Food Production
Food production consists of greenhouse or covered gardening and livestock for byproducts only. The diet consists of organically raised fruits, vegetables, eggs and milk (no meat) along with any dried or baked goods. Work assignments may include: gardening, livestock care, meal preparation (harvesting, washing, cutting, chopping, dehydrating, mixing, and cooking), composting and cleanup.
Housing
Housing is constructed of conventional wood frame and/or log cabin materials with a floor plan that promotes teamwork through space and resource sharing. Housing is primarily utilized for sleeping, preparing meals, meetings, personal time, entertainment and inclement weather. Work assignments may include: building construction, fabrication activities, housekeeping, and maintenance.
Sleeping
Sleeping arrangements are designed to increase the experience of community and the awareness to sustainable space utilization. Designated sleeping areas contain bunk-beds with separate areas for single attendees and couples or families with small children. Minimal storage is provided primarily for clothes and a few personal items. Work assignments may include laundry and general cleaning.
Power
Power is primarily electricity generated by active solar panels, mechanical and physical labor. Electricity is used for essentials such as lighting, mixers, stove, oven and refrigeration with passive solar used for hot water and food dehydrators. Work assignments may include: erecting and maintaining solar panel array, dehydrators and hot water system, as well as electrical generation from manual labor.
Water
Drinking water consists of filtered and re-mineralized municipal tap water. Shower water consists of filtered municipal or well water while rain and well water are used for plants and animals. Hot water is generated with with passive solar. Work assignments may include: water filter cleaning and replacement, plumbing, irrigation, storage and transportation activities.
Electronics
Technology access is limited to necessity. Attendees must leave or relinquish all phones, tablets, computers and cameras before entering the program. Emergency communication is accessed through the boot camp main office. A computer with internet is provided for use in researching sustainable products and solutions. This program provides access to HAM radio with classes and instruction.
Artisan
Artisan activities involve fabrication, arts, crafts, music and entertainment. This may include working with metal, clay and wood to produce alternatives products to household and store bought items such as soap, paper, clothes and tools. Attendees may bring their own musical instruments and are encouraged to engage in music, acting or singing for group entertainment.
