About
the Course
Join us for a 7-day trip that is rich with history, as we explore
the canyons and cliffs along the Escalante River drainage. We'll learn about
the Puebloan cultures, their basketry, pottery, lithics, and the various petroglyphs,
pictographs and granaries that still line the corridor of the Escalante.
The Ancestral Journey
Course is designed to teach our students a variety of traditional skills
and techniques, with a decided emphasis on archaeology and the history
of Puebloan cultures.
Course
Content
Skills taught on
the Ancestral Journey Course vary with the group's needs and desires. However,
the core curriculum will focus on archaeology of the area, and the anthropological
relevance and survival skills of its ancient peoples. We will also be teaching
the primitive skills needed to be comfortable in any wilderness environment:
fire construction, shelter construction, water procurement and purification,
campsite selection and other skills requested by the group.
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 Ancestral Journey Course has a decided emphasis
on using renewable, natural resources. Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks
and many other "required" pieces of outdoor equipment
are replaced with their low-tech counterparts: a poncho, a blanket, a campfire
(where possible). 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 of the Escalante River drainage south of Boulder, Utah. All
7 days of the course are in the field, where students will learn traditional
living skills and the heritage of the Anasazi, Fremont and Paiute cultures.
The
BOSS Challenge
On many BOSS Explorer courses,
students hike long distances over the rugged terrain found in Southern Utah's
mountains and desert canyons, sometimes 10 or more miles in one day. The
combination of high exertion and moderate rations usually leaves students
5 to 7 pounds leaner at the end of the course. However, please note that
rations will be increased and the mileage decreased on the Ancestral Journey
course, based on the health, fitness, and desires of the group.
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 average age of BOSS students is in the mid-30's.The key to Explorer Courses
is a student's maturity. Due to the physical aspects of the course, students
younger than 18 must come with a parent or legal 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.
2008
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.