About
the Course
The night sky for many represents a sense of the unknown, a feeling
of unresolved questions about stars, constellations, mythology, and our
place in the universe. For those seeking to learn more about what's above
and around our planet, BOSS has created The 7-Day Desert Astronomer.
This course will focus on nighttime in the high desert and, specifically,
on the stars and other celestial bodies above us. We will learn the mechanics
of the solar system and celestial sphere as well as the mythology and practical
uses of the stars as developed by various world cultures. Throughout the
7 days, we will also take some simple day hikes to learn the basic geology,
plants and animals of the area as well as getting an introduction to (or
review of) the core BOSS survival skills of fire, water, and shelter. Each
student will be given the opportunity to learn how to identify the stars
that you see and the different constellations visible at various times of
the year. The final night of the course will involve a short group walk
to enjoy the night and put your newly learned skills to use.
We have created this Explorer
Course specifically to help students gain more familiarity with the night
sky and to appreciate the practical benefits of knowing its constellations,
stories, and magic.
Course
Content
The course will begin with a thorough lesson on the relationship and movement
of celestial bodies. This will lay the foundation for finding, identifying, and
using the objects we see in the night sky. We will cover methods for locating
celestial objects, then move on to identifying the 88 generally recognized constellations
of today. The visible constellations change throughout the year so we'll focus
on those constellations visible at the time of the class, but provide the skills
to find and identify objects at any time of year at any location. We will blend
this technical perspective with the mythological interpretations of the constellations,
beginning with Greek and Roman stories, then branching out to other cultures
from around the world. We'll also learn how the day and night skies blended with
and influenced the daily lives of traditional civilizations.
And, as you'd expect
from BOSS, we will also be teaching the primitive skills needed to be comfortable
in the wilderness around us: fire construction, shelter construction, water
procurement and purification, and other skills relevant to the experience.
About
BOSS
Since 1968, BOSS Courses
have set the standard for low-technology camping and desert hiking techniques,
where instruction
is conducted without the intrusion of modern technology in environments that
allow course content to be experienced first-hand. Our commitment to quality
and to our core philosophies has earned BOSS its reputation as the
survival school to go to when you want to learn from the best in the industry.
Less
is More
In line with the BOSS Positive
Impact Camping philosophy, the Desert Astronomer Course has a decided emphasis
on using only renewable, natural resources. Tents, sleeping bags, stoves,
backpacks and many other "required" pieces of outdoor equipment
are replaced with their low-tech counterparts: a poncho, a blanket, a campfire.
The motto here is "Know more, Carry less" and we'll explore how
traditional cultures lived comfortably without all the modern gadgets like
watches, radios, cellphones, etc (which are not allowed). Come learn how back-country
travel can be a less intrusive and more harmonious experience.
Course
Location
This course will occur in the canyons
and on the mesas surrounding Boulder, Utah. All 7 days of the course are
in the field, where students will learn traditional living skills and the
arts of stargazing.
Note: While we
would VERY much like to have clear night skies for our stargazing lessons,
that simply cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, while we will pray for Mother
Nature's cooperation, BOSS will have alternate plans in place (books, star
charts, etc.) to make the best of cloudy night skies. Students should be flexible
in this regard and be willing to work with us given the local weather patterns
during our coursetime.
Learning
by Doing & Personalized Instruction
At BOSS, we strongly believe in learning by doing. While at times, instruction
will be done in lecture format, it will be done in the field where students
can see what they are learning and can practice their skills in a natural
environment. All BOSS Course enrollments are carefully monitored to provide
each session with a student-teacher ratio conducive to hands-on instruction.
Each student is guaranteed personalized instruction and guidance to ensure
that he or she completes the course with the necessary knowledge and materials
needed.
Health & Safety
BOSS requires that all Explorer Course
applicants undergo a complete physical examination and receive their physician's
approval in writing prior to final acceptance on the course.
Please keep in mind, despite your physician's approval
and BOSS's acceptance of you on the course, there are no guarantees. Health
and participation risks (inherent and otherwise) remain. Ultimately it
is up to you and your physician to determine if this BOSS course is an
appropriate choice.
Age
The
key to a successful course is a student's maturity and his or her interest
in learning in a skills-intensive environment. Students younger than 18 must
be physically and mentally mature enough to handle a course of this nature,
and must also come with a parent or guardian.
Food
& Diet
All
students are provided with BOSS food packs which consist of basic staples
such as lentils, rice, millet, carrots, potatoes, onions, oatmeal, 7-grain,
flour, powdered milk, etc. During fire-ban seasons, these rations are modified
to include instant soups and meals which do not need a fire to be eaten.
Either way, the food packs will provide a student with approximately 1500
calories per day — enough to keep you healthy and active for the duration
of the course. Students who wish to supplement their diet with wild edibles
and fishing may do so in a responsible manner (permits may be required and
can be purchased in advance). Students with allergies or dietary restrictions
should contact our office for additional information.
2009
Dates & Prices
Course dates and prices
are subject to change. Space is limited on each course, and registrations
are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please go to the Registration
page for more information.