Workshop Dates
The Courage to Live It Workshop begins late afternoon on August 19, 2019 and ends early afternoon on August 22. A detailed schedule will be shared ahead of time. Final program will be built around input from attendees. Deadline for early admittance is May 30 June 7.
Application Process/Dates
Application is online here. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to building a freelancing career. Writing samples and references are also taken into consideration, but ambition and drive will be the deciding factors.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, beginning May 30. If spots remain after that, applications will continue to be accepted until all slots are filled. Updates will be posted here on a regular basis.
Notifications for early admission will begin June 7. Your payment will secure your place, and payment instructions will be included in your admission letter.
If we receive more suitable applicants than we can accommodate, we may create a short waiting list. Wait-listed applicants will be notified individually. We’ll post updates here.
Fees
All-inclusive tuition is $985 ($1,085 for applications received after June 7 — if spots remain). This fee covers all lodging, food, beverages and instruction. Transportation to and from the Mountain Research Station is your responsibility, but you’ll have an opportunity to coordinate ride shares to and from the station with other attendees.
To reserve your spot, your payment must be received within 30 days of acceptance.
Once you’re accepted, your payment secures your place. If it turns out that you cannot attend, let Christie know immediately and she will refund your payment — minus a $25 processing fee — if she can fill your spot.
Venue and lodging
We will stay at the Mountain Research Station’s Moores-Collins Family Lodge. The heated Lodge has a kitchen, a meeting room, porch and shared living space. Rooms are basic, but comfortable. Each room has two bunk beds and sleeps four people. The Lodge has two floors, and each have a modern, shared bath with several showers and toilets.
The Mountain Research Station is in an isolated spot off the Peak-to-Peak Highway, about 20 minutes from the nearest hotel, so staying elsewhere is impractical. The bonding you’ll do with your fellow camp attendees is an important part of the experience.
Meals
All meals will be catered and consist of fresh, healthy ingredients, some of them produced on Christie’s small Colorado farm. We’ll eat farm-fresh eggs from her free-range heritage chickens and enjoy fresh Colorado fruits and vegetables. We’ll also have local beer and wine. Please indicate on your application if you want vegetarian meals or require any other special meals. We will do our best to comply.
Getting to the Mountain Research Station
Driving directions: From Boulder: go west on Route 119 (Canyon Blvd) to Nederland, approximately 18 miles. At Nederland, follow Route 72 west (heading north) toward Ward for approximately 7 miles. Turn left at the green University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and follow the signs to the station.
Maps here.
We will facilitate ride sharing to the MRS from Boulder or Denver for those who are interested.
Weather and attire
The Mountain Research Station is situated at about 9,500 feet in the Indian Peaks Range. Temperatures can fluctuate greatly from daytime to night. In midday, you may be comfortable in shorts, but by evening or morning, you’ll want long pants and a jacket. Expect weather similar to, or perhaps slightly cooler than what’s predicted for the nearest town, Nederland, CO.
Or check out current weather conditions here.
Dress comfortably and casually. The temperature can range from the high 70’s during the day to low 40’s at night and first thing in the morning, so bring layers that you can add or peel as temperatures rise and fall. Bring sturdy walking shoes, and if you intend to hike, bring appropriate clothing, including a wind breaker and hat. Winds can be fierce up above treeline.
The facilities
Wifi is available in the lodge. Cell service is spotty. There is a shared telephone available for public use inside the MRS main lab building, but you’ll need a calling card to make long-distance calls.
Computers
If you’d like to use a laptop to take notes or to work on the business plans and pitches you’ll be honing during the workshop, that’s fine. If you’d rather work on paper, that’s ok too. A computer is not required.
Essential items list
Towel
Sunscreen
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Warm clothes — hat, warm jacket, layers
Wind/rain-resistant jacket
Comfortable pants
Sunglasses
Flashlight/headlamp
Laptop (optional) or paper notebook
Optional:
Pillow and sleeping bag (Pillows and linens/bedding can be provided for a $30 fee.)
Flip flops or other shoes for going to the shower
Water bottle
Laptop
Coffee mug
Robe
Phone card (if you need to make calls from the public phone)
Camera
Information about the workshop
Have other questions? Email christie: Christie@nasw.org
Christie Aschwanden 
