Alaska Field Arts Bootcamp

August 19–25, 2023

Your guides, Jonathan & Roseann Hanson

We are so excited you will be joining us in the legendary interior of Alaska for a week of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments, and much more!

No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.

Below is information for planning and preparation for your bootcamp. In the next few weeks I’ll add loads more resources for you, including a suggested packing list, species lists, suggested reading, and more. 

A Reminder of 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;

  • Orientation day in Fairbanks (museum and Sandhill Crane Festival) and accommodation and meals (lunch and dinner) at the Marriott Springhill Suites on the Chena River (Saturday, August 19);

  • Four days and three nights at Wood River Lodge in the Alaska Range south of Fairbanks (August 20–23);

  • Small-plane flights from Fairbanks to the Lodge and back;

  • Wine and beer happy hour each evening;

  • Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp;

  • Field kit gift bags;

  • Accommodation and dinner on return to Fairbanks (August 23) at the Marriott Springhill Suites. Fly out on the 24th or join the Arctic Extension, below.

  • OPTIONAL ARCTIC EXTENSION:

    • Van to Coldfoot, driving up the Dalton Highway, crossing the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle (August 24–25).

    • Stopping along the way for sketching and wildlife viewing.

    • Overnight at the classic “haul road” roadhouse Coldfood Camp in the tiny hamlet of Coldfoot (this is the only accommodation on the Dalton, and a true rugged worker’s accommodation, built in the 1970s).

    • Visit to the Koyakuk River and the BLM Interagency Interpretive Center.

    • Return to Fairbanks and stay at Pike’s Landing (or similar) on the Chena River (August 25). Fly out on the 26th.

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!

 
 

Save the Date!

Sunday, August 6, 9 am Alaska time, we are hosting a Zoom session for us all to meet, ask questions, and get some tips on preparing for field arts in Alaska! Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85883770945

 
 

IMPORTANT RESOURCES:

 
 

Click the document at right to download the PDF of Information, Packing Lists, and Natural History Information >>

 

MAPS (IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE YOUr JOURNAL OR PRINT TO BRING):

 

Join the Community Forum for the Alaska Bootcamp

Meet your fellow boot campers, plan to meet up before or after the bootcamp, rideshares, and more.

Go to this space and sign up for free: https://www.exploringoverland.com/field-arts-community

Once you are signed up, access the Alaska Field Arts Bootcamp area here with the password: northtoalaska!

https://www.exploringoverland.com/field-arts-community?wtp=alaska-field-arts-bootcamp-2023-940413

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the arrival / departure days?

    • Arrival day is Friday, August 18; hotel and meals not included. It would be possible to arrive on the 19th if necessary, but there would be no discounts for missed activities or meals.

    • The Bootcamp begins at 9 am August 19 at the Marriott Springhill Suites in downtown Fairbanks (you can stash your luggage there for later check-in).

    • See below for flights information.

    • Departure day for the shorter trip is August 24. If you add the Arctic Extension, the departure day is August 26.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    • You may cancel the Alaska Field Arts Bootcamp up until midnight July 1, 2023 for a refund of your payment less a $75 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another Bootcamp.

  • When do I pay the balance due (after the deposit)?

    • I will send notices in June.

  • 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 highly recommend TravelGuard for this insurance. Make sure your insurance includes both evacuation from remote locations, and cancellation coverage.

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

    • Yes, but we will have limited spaces for non-journalers so please enquire first.

  • Can I camp?

    • No, this Bootcamp does not have a camping option.

  • Do you offer special dietary options?

    • Please contact us after registration with your dietary needs (because spaces are extremely limited, do not delay your deposit). We will work with you and the venue if at all possible.

  • Do you allow pets?

    • Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets.

  • Are there flights to Fairbanks, Alaska?

    • Yes. Alaska Airlines flies everyday from hubs such as Seattle and San Francisco.

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

    • Arrivals will be Friday, August 18 and hotel is not included on this day. You can book a hotel with a shuttle service, or there are always taxis at the airport. We can also give you the name and number of a trusted Lyft driver who is our neighbor, and we can help you book a ride with Roy.

    • At the end of the Bootcamp, the Marriott or other hotel (Pike’s Landing) have shuttle services to the airport.