Testimonials.

For anyone considering joining us next year, check out what this year's participants had to say about their experiences...

Inaugural BCSB Adventure is a huge success!

So, the trip has come and gone and it turned out to be a blast! In the last few days of registration, we squeezed in a couple more campers; by the time we hit the backcountry, we had six students, a trailblazing vizsla, and myself (playing the guide). The team dynamic was incredible. I don't think the trip would've been half as good without the group I ended up leading into the mountains last week. I feel so fortunate to be able to dig the adventure just as much as any of them, hiking, arting, and enjoying great company. Check out the photos from our First Annual Backcountry Sketchbook workshop here.

Details and Downloads.

First of all, I apologize for the delay in releasing registration materials until now; it turned out to be a lot more work than I ever thought it might be. But, it will all be worth it. Additionally, I decided to offer a discounted tuition for the program this first year! It will be a two and a half day adventure (two nights) with food and art supplies all included for $175 per camper! Please refer to the .pdf downloads for details on everything included in tuition, program itinerary, etc.

This summer's Backcountry Sketchbook workshop will only be offered for one session (July 29-31), and will be taking place in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area in Arapahoe National Forest.

Please find all the information regarding the trip in these simple downloadable .pdf files (here). These printable files include: BCSB Overview (dates, destination, tuition information, trail description, etc.), Pack List (everything you'll need to provide and pack for the trip), Liability Waiver (registration information / permission to participate and acknowledgment of waiver tenets), and Program Itinerary (what to expect and how it breaks down).

Registration is officially open. Please send the registration form and liability waiver with a check or money order to Franky Scaglione to reserve your spot, as soon as possible! Thank you. Send to: 8455 W. 38th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Backcountry Sketchbook is going to happen!

So, I'm back from my early summer tour and I've finally been able to give some direct attention to the Backcountry Sketchbook class. I have to admit I've been procrastinating until now, as I have been unsure if we'll have enough students to make the trip possible. But, while I was backpacking in the National Forest the past couple of days with Luna, I regained a huge burst of inspiration and excitement for it and I'm ready to go for it full force!

I figure since this is the first time I've offered this workshop, people might not know what to expect, and are dragging their feet about committing. But, I decided that I'm going to finish the plan and open registration next week; no matter the turnout, we are going to have a blast! I have been hard at work developing the activities and objectives of the trip and really just can't wait to hit the trail!

So, remember, as your thinking about it and talking it over with your friends, the purpose of the trip is not only to make art, but you'll gain a good foundation in backpacking basics, outdoor education, and a pretty righteous workout! I'm confident you've never had an experience quite like this, and equally as confident that if you like fun, you'll be satisfied with our adventure!

The dates, duration, site location, and tuition information are being finalized and will be released later this week. Just so you have an idea, I am shooting for a two-day trip around the last couple days of July or the first couple days of August. From the feedback I got so far, it seems like most interested explorers will be around then...

So, stay tuned... And, please post comments, ideas, etc. It's easy to post; you just have to create a google account (if you don't already have one) and go. You don't have to create your own blog or a new email address.

Plans are in the works...

Alright, summer's finally here and it's time for exploring... It seems like there's enough interest to make the Backcountry Sketchbook trip a reality, so I just want to throw out a few more ideas and get some feedback from everyone considering taking the class.

I won't be around for most of June, so I need to have some input from you to process while I'm gone. I'm hitting the road tomorrow for a cross-country adventure to the west coast... and will be gone for a little over three weeks. I'm going to be revisiting the legendary Highway 1 drive from San Francisco up the coast and exploring the Pacific Northwest (Redwoods, Arcata, Eugene, Portland, Mt. Ranier, Seattle) up into Brittish Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria), etc. But, all along the way, I'll be doing some thinking and planning for the Backcountry Sketchbook trip upon my return.

In order for me to continue planning, I need an accurate estimation of how many people will be attending the class. I have to start ordering the supplies, rounding up equipment, and scoping out the right location for our group. Understand that in order to make the class happen, I will need at least six paid participants per trip. If I get enough students, I will take two groups (one the third week of July, and the second the fourth week of July).

As I mentioned before, the cost will depend on number of participants and number of days.

• The cost will be approximately $225 for a two-day (one-night) excursion with eight students.
• The cost will be approximately $275 for a two-day (one-night) excursion with six students.
• The cost will be approximately $325 for a three-day (two-nights) excursion with eight students.
• The cost will be approximately $375 for a three-day (two-nights) excursion with six students.
  

So, if we get a full trip of eight students, the cost will be less, and you can decide how many days you'd like to go for. Remember, the cost of food and supplies is included in your tuition. However, you will be responsible for travel to and from the trailhead, where we will begin our hike.

Alright, this is what I need to know from you...

1. Who's in? Please post a reply (even if you already have, so I can get an accurate count) if you plan on attending the Backcountry Sketchbook class at the end of July, for the approximated fee listed above?
2. Let me know if you are interested in a mid-week trip (to avoid the weekend warrior traffic) or if you would prefer the weekend.
3. Would you prefer the two-day excursion or three-day excursion?

*If I do, indeed, get enough responses, I will begin collecting deposits July 1st. I will plan on tightening the plans based on your feedback. Please tell everyone you know that is interested to post on this blog (personally). I need to know who is actually dedicated to doing the trip (not who has talked about it and thinks it'd be cool, but will end up flaking out). I'm sure you understand my concern. Alright, pass it on and get excited... it's going to be a far out summer adventure!

Introducing Summer Art Workshop...

Interested in exploring a new perspective of composition and concept? Dig this... I will be teaching a weekend workshop this summer that will allow young adults the opportunity to experience Colorful Colorado as both a backpacker and an artist! This hands-on retreat is open to ages 16-19, and will be held in late July 2008.

The excursion will lead participants through a moderate two-day hike in the Rocky Mountains, allowing ample breaks for artistic exploration. Learning the basics of backpacking and fundamentals of plein aire drawing and painting, students will experience unique creative possibilities. This overnight packtrip is ideal for the young artist with a passion for exploration of the great outdoors!

Using the brilliant Colorado landscape for inspiration, each participant will keep a sketchbook to record their experience. Ideas and compositions logged will be the basis for an independent project on the second day of the hike. Medias used include watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite.

Participants will be responsible for carrying their supplies in and out, as they gain confidence and knowledge of outdoor survival and backpacking basics. Participants will share responsibility of carrying tent, food, art supplies, and survival equipment. However, due to the short duration of the trip, the packs will remain relatively light and manageable for most any traveler.

As I am still working out the details, I would appreciate your reactions and responses. There are many considerations I have (including extending the workshop into a three-day trip) if there is enough interest. The program fee will be between $175-325 per person, depending on total participants registered and duration of trip. Program fee includes all instruction, meals and art supplies. Additionally, there will be a packlist provided prior to the trip including other essential and recommended equipment.

Mail-in registration forms will be available as soon as attendance estimates are obtained. Dates and exact location will be released prior to the registration process; however, please express interest to ensure workshop confirmation as soon as possible.