🌎 what is it 🌏
Earth Camp is an interdisciplinary project exploring earth-based intelligence inherent in natural systems as a foundation for speculative infrastructural proposals. The project is a critical response to the growing focus on space exploration and the concurrent militarization and privatization of space. Instead of space camp, which focuses on rocket science, robotics, and artificial intelligence, Earth Camp offers a counterpoint rooted in the inherent wisdom of terrestrial systems.
In it's first loose form, Earth Camp will be a weekend long gathering in August 2025 exploring horizontal infrastructure through radio, solar-powered servers, and community networking.
🌎 where is it 🌏
Earth Camp will take place at Deurendis, an artist-run venue in the Northern Catskills for gatherings, residencies, and stewardship.
🌎 what are we doing 🌏
The intention of this convening is to provide people with a place to rest, slow down, work on something, meet other folks working on similar types of projects, and discuss strategies around horizontal infrastructure. There will be a loose ‘camp’ structure, with periods of collective activity, discussion, meals, and a chance for folks to slow down in their own way. Deurendis offers many spots to hide out, be solo, inside or outside, along with a pond, woods, firepit, a big sky, and a big view.
Below is a loose schedule, which will be adjusted as we go and to fit schedules. Folks are welcome to arrive as early as Thur Aug 7 and stay as late as Monday Aug 11. Let us know once you know your schedule.
Thur Aug 7 - Tours for anyone arriving + settling in
Fri Aug 8 - Solar server build
Share solar server build
Brainstorm what to host on server
Full Moon pond float- Full Moon rises 3:55am ET
Sat Aug 9 - Power Plant + Remote Group
Radio experiments
Power plant hike
Remote Meeting
Sun Aug 10 - Hike + Future plans
Early morning hiking
Earth Camp future + Remote group
Departures for anyone's last day
Mon Aug 11 - Departures
Departures for anyone's last day
🌎 what should you bring 🌏
We invite everyone to bring something you are working on to share: host a workshop, read something, try something together, etc. Examples might be:
Share about your research and work
A reading, film, or other work
Artifact
Demo of something
An idea you have
Things to be sure to pack:
sleeves / Long pants / Rubber rain boots (if you have) / shoes you can get muddy: we share the property with a seasonal sampling of insects, namely ticks, so prepare to dress accordingly and be vigilant! Rain brings all sorts of mud, so practical footwear is advised.
Headlamp (if you have one)
Medications: bring any necessary medications (there is a pharmacy 5 mins away but it’s rural) and notify us in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions. (We often have a resident celiac, so we try to avoid gluten in the kitchen, and are happy to accommodate other food allergies or preferences in the kitchen).
Sun protection: long sleeves & hats are recommended!
Headphones / earpods for phone & skype (in the event that others are in the house, many of the spaces in the house are (lovely!) open common space and not a lot of noise isolation).
Food will be covered. We will be providing coffee, tea, and food for group meals and snacks. If you would like to bring your own food, please feel free! Or, if you have any specific requests or ideas, please let us know.
Key things to know on/around the property:
We are on a delicate septic system abutting New York Watershed land. So please leave behind any harsh chemicals, perfumes, etc. Don’t flush anything you wouldn’t drink; make sure to shower off before going into the ponds (which have resident fish and frogs that are sensitive to lotions, oils, etc).
We are located in a small, rural community; the nearest hospital is 40 minutes away and the nearest pharmacy is about 5 minutes away, so please come prepared with medications, take utmost care when you are around.
TT, the resident cat who is basically our child but is now deaf at the age of 18, needs to stay inside and away from the wild animals in the forest. Never leave the door open, she gets curious and likes to try to explore.
There is WIFI at the house, but oftentimes cell phone service on the property is limited (Verizon seems to be a bit better than AT&T).
We do have the occasional bear, as well as coyotes, and small birds called grouse who get quite upset if you enter their domain. Be vigilant when hiking and walking outside, try to stick to the trails, and never leave trash or food outside.
There are small grocery stores in town (5 minute drive), but the larger grocery store is about 20 minutes away (Hannaford in Cairo) and we recommend getting staples there.
