Southern Arizona in spring is magical—and southern Arizona in spring at a private ranch alongside a perennial river and a mythical wilderness is the best ever—and a rare opportunity not to be missed.

This Bootcamp, one of our most popular, will be four days of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments and inks, and much more.

The setting is a private ranch along Aravaipa Creek about 90 minutes north of Tucson, Arizona. These are ancestral lands of the Apache people, who used the fertile riverside valley for seasonal crops.

Your accommodations are comfortable but not high luxury—think 1970s big ranch house set in a grassy meadow, with a burbling creek running alongside; meals will be included.

A camping option is available if you have your own vehicle and camp setup; there is a modern bathroom for campers.

We’ll be able to host up to 21 participants because of the camping option, and there will be two instructors—Roseann & Jonathan Hanson, and another naturalist (TBD).

Four-wheel-drive is not needed to get into the site (the main road in is graded dirt), but there is a river crossing that is usually fine. We can’t accommodate Class-A motorhomes, but possibly smaller Class-B, and definitely vans and trucks pulling small trailers. Please contact us first if you have a vehicle larger than these described.

Imagine the luxury of doing nothing but exploring wild nature and journaling in a cohort of like-minded fellow journalers . . . and with customized one-on-one feedback and skills-specific tutoring throughout the whole experience.

The Field Arts Boot Camp is suitable for beginners to advanced journalers, as your Boot Camp experience is tailored to your appropriate level. Nurturing, inquisitive, and expansive.

No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.

For a recap with photos and journal images of the 2023 Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamps, see HERE.

What’s included:

• One-on-one attention in areas in which you would like to improve;

• Skills-specific mini-tutorials in field arts such as sketching, watercolor, nature writing, animal tracking, reading the weather, and using optics;

• Teaching tutorials will be in split groups, sometimes with concurrent sessions taught by Roseann Hanson and Jonathan Hanson;

• Venue is private, with no access to other vehicles, campers, or hikers;

• Comfortable accommodations in the ranch house at Aravaipa Ranch; all ranch accommodations have shared baths; there are three bedrooms offered for either private room for one, or for couples (double bed) who are both taking the workshop; the rest of the rooms are shared, up to 3 people.

• Camping option (with access to a bathroom building with shower);

• Wine and beer happy hour each evening;

• All meals from lunch on April 12 through lunch on April 15;

• Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp.

• Field kits and other equipment to use onsite.

Pricing :

• Per person, ranch house option – $995 (shared)

  • All ranch house accommodations share baths (two baths total in the house, for 7 bedrooms).

• Per person, camping option – $695 (see below for option for non-field-arts program partner attendance)

• Per person, ranch house option – $1,170 (private room)

  • NOTE: Baths are still shared. We have three bedrooms which have one double bed, and these are for either singles (private room) or for couples who are both are taking part in the Bootcamp field arts activities (the price is $995 per person). No exceptions. To register as a couple, choose this option and then let me know at checkout and I’ll bill for a second person)

• Optional van from and back to Tucson International Airport – $140 (indicate on checkout if you want this option and you’ll be billed later)

• NON-PARTICIPATING PARTNERS: For campers, if you have a partner or friend who is traveling with you but not participating in any of the Field Arts programs, we can add a fee for them for meals and occupancy. This is not an option for the Ranch House accommodations. Sign up, then get in touch.

Diversity and Inclusion:

I support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my life and through all my work. I have completed Bias 101 and Safe Zone training through the University of Arizona. I welcome everyone and look forward to meeting you in a supportive, fun and inclusive environment!

* * * * * * * * * *

RETURN TO MAIN BOOT CAMP PAGE

* * * * * * * * * *

Additional Information / FAQ:

• What are the arrival / departure days?

  • Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Friday, April 12. Lunch is included; the Bootcamp begins after lunch.

  • Departures are Monday, April 15 after lunch.

  • See below for flights information.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  • You may cancel the Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp up until midnight February 15, 2024 for a refund of your payment less a $45 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another Bootcamp.

• Why do you require trip insurance for each participant?

  • This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the Bootcamps will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the Bootcamp due to local emergencies or global health crises. We will provide you with a link to a provider closer to the workshop.

• Can I bring a partner who does not nature journal?

  • Yes, but only in the camping area. We have three rooms for couples, and would like these to be for people who are both taking the Field Arts programming. No exceptions.

• Can I camp?

  • Yes! There is a large grassy field where you can set up camp near the river. There is a bathroom building with toilet, sink, and shower.

• Do you offer special dietary options?

  • Please contact us after registration with your dietary needs. We will work with you and the venue if at all possible.

• Do you allow pets?

  • Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets. Pets can scare off wildlife and interrupt quiet times.

• Where do I fly in?

  • You can fly into Tucson, Arizona—a 90-minute drive from central Tucson.

  • You can also fly into Phoenix, Arizona—a 2 1/2-hour drive to the ranch.

• How do we get from the airport to the venue?

  • We will have a limited number of seats available in a van, departing from the Doubletree Suites near Tucson International Airport at 8:30 am on April 12 and returning by 4 pm on April 15.

    • We recommend Doubletree Suites by Hilton at 7051 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756 (520) 225-0800, or one of the other hotels nearby (but you’ll need to get yourself over to the Doubletree for pickup).

  • You can rent a car; most of the way to the ranch is paved and there is a 6 mile graded dirt road.

  • Carpooling: once you register, we will provide you with a communications portal with other attendees and you could cost-share or ride-share.
    

NOTE: We only have two ranch house beds available as of December 12, and they are in shared rooms with females. Men, you will need to camp!