Women's "Get-Away" Weekend

Get away for the weekend with the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park! Join other women for a camping weekend where you can go to unplug, to get away, to learn new skills and to enjoy the company of other course participants. Trade in your computer, cell phone, Instagram, clocks, schedules, and workplace jargon for an off-the-grid weekend with the girls for two days of pure unadulterated fun and education! Join Pam and Robin learning about camping, camp cooking, wildflowers, hiking and enjoying Joshua Tree National Park. This weekend class will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a beautiful location that is perfect for this program!  We will also be traveling to trails at times so you will need access to your car. The campground is also reserved for Friday night, so if you wish to arrive the night prior to the workshop, please email [email protected]

Participants must be in good physical condition for courses/activities in a desert that may be hot, dry, windy, and sometimes surprisingly cold. Please contact us if you have questions about your ability to participate [email protected]

Friday, May 3rd, 3p (optional)

Students will have the option to arrive on Friday to set up camp early and meet the rest of the crew. If you choose to arrive on Friday, we will meet at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center Parking Lot in the town of Joshua Tree. We will caravan everyone into the park and you will be able to set up camp before the sun goes down.

Saturday, May 4th, 8a-5p

We’ll start with a brief introduction, and we will go out for a morning hike in search of wildflowers. After a morning hike we’ll head back to camp and have a lunch break. We will also allow anyone who arrives on Saturday morning to set up camp at this time. We may have one more afternoon hike and a discussion on hiking emergencies, first aid kits and suggestions on choosing a trail. We will end the class at 5pm. Food is not provided, please bring your own food, pots, pans, and anything you’ll need to make your meals. You may make dinner at camp and instructors may discuss camp cooking. Everyone will enjoy a nice warm campfire and can hang out until it's bedtime.

 Sunday, May 5th, 8a-12p

The second day of Women’s Weekend Getaway will entail breakfast at camp in the morning (breakfast not included) followed by a morning hike. We’ll head back to camp, break down, and the class will be over by 12.

Please note: There is no cell service in the park! Please allow ample time to arrive at the meeting location; park entrances may be very busy on weekends (see FAQs). Please make sure you check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

PAM KERSEY, EdD, RN is a Certified California Naturalist, and a Desert Institute volunteer besides being an instructor, PSAR educator, and volunteers for other organizations in the area. She has completed four marathon hikes for children’s cancer fundraising. She has camped, backpacked, and hiked for many years including summits over 14,000 feet. She enjoys helping others learn how to safely appreciate camping and hiking. She recently retired from a career as a nurse and as a science and math dean.

ROBIN BALCH, is a Desert Institute volunteer, besides being an instructor. Robin also serves on JOSAR and PSAR for Joshua Tree National Park. She has hiked several portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and has been a Forest Service Fire Lookout. Her hiking and camping skills make her a great co-instructor for the Women’s “Get-Away” Weekend.

• First aid and emergency supplies for the group

• Admission to Joshua Tree National Park
• Meals, Lodging, or Transportation
• Camping or hiking gear

The essentials for all field courses:

• Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing
• Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace)
• Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day

Required for this course:

• Comfortable Folding Chair
•  Camping Equipment and Food for the weekend, such as:
• Tent (we can help you set up)
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Foam pad, blow up mattress or cot
• Cooler (you need to bring your own ice if you bring perishables)
• Water (there is no water in the park or in our campground)
• Food - Cook breakfast and dinner at camp and bring lunches that can be taken in your backpack
• Snacks and beverages for campfires Saturday night
•  Cooking and eating utensils
• Lantern
•  Flashlight (your headlamp will do just fine)
• Trash bags
• Toiletries and towel (there is an outhouse and no running water at camp)
• (Optional) hiking poles

Recommended:

•  Extra layers of warm clothing
• Extra blanket or sleeping bag in case it gets too cold at night. 

A detailed packing list and additional details about this activity can be found on our website. Upon registration, you will receive a digital park pass and paperwork to complete before the event start date. If you have questions, give us a call at 760-819-4714 or email us at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park