A Hands-On Dry Camping Experience for New Nomads
Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re new to dry camping (boondocking) and want to gain essential skills while building confidence in your ability to thrive on the road, Homes on Wheels Alliance (HOWA) invites you to join our Nomad Boondocking Skill Camp—a hands-on, immersive training program designed specifically for new nomads.
Over the course of two weeks, participants will receive practical training, mentorship, and essential safety resources while living in a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The program is tailored for those with limited financial resources who are committed to learning, adaptability, and community service.
The intent of this program is to teach you how to not only survive but thrive on the road.
Applications Open: February 24, 2025
Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
Participant Selection Notifications: March 24, 2025
Course Dates: April 14 – April 27, 2025
Location: near Chambers, Arizona and The Petrified National Forest
The Topics that will be covered include:
Vehicle Maintenance & Emergency Repairs
- Understanding and checking basic fluid Levels ex: Oil, Antifreeze, Wiper Fluid
- Benefit of vehicle log, receipts, tracking warranties and vehicle weight.
- All about tires, reading side wall, wear, patching, replacement, etc.
Financial Planning & Budgeting for Nomads
Cooking and Food Storage
- No Fridge Nomad
- Coolers vs 12vt refrigerators
- Propane, Butane, Induction cooktop, campfire cooking
Boondocking (Dispersed) Camp Setup & Management
- Finding Free camping locations
- Fire safety and emergency preparedness
- Leave No Trace principles
Safety
- Weather
- Wildfire
- Wild Animals
- Situational Awareness
Self Care- Hygiene and Elimination
- Showers and staying clean
- Mental and Physical Healthcare resources
- Buckets and other toileting options
Community Engagement
- Participants are encouraged to teach a skill they know
- Service project – Giving your time to improve the land in some way.
Who Should Apply
- New to the road? Participants have launched into nomadic life recently.
- Financially constrained? No vetting required, but the program is designed for those with limited resources.
- Ready to commit? Must be onsite and fully engaged for the entire program duration.
- Self-sufficient? Participants must be able to care for themselves physically and mentally.
- Aligned with HOWA values? All participants must respect HOWA’s mission and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
- Willing to give back? Encouraged to participate in a community service project
What You’ll Receive
Each participant will be provided with essential safety gear and resources, including:
- Fire extinguisher (small spray can size)
- Fire suppression blanket
- CO detector & smoke detector (with batteries)
- 2-3 day supply of Mountain House emergency meals
All graduates are invited to join a HOWA Caravan near North Eastern AZ or Western New Mexico from April 30 – May 14, 2025 for continued community-building and real-world practice.
