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Thanks to a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation, Semester in the West was able to make a number of capital investments which contribute to the ease of life around camp. The major investment has been our trailer, dubbed Furthur II as homage to Ken Kesey. Our Furthur is a complete mobile computing lab ... bringing the resources of campus to the field.

WORK AREAS - Furthur is used to transport all of our gear between campsites, but once unloaded it is quickly transformed into a usable computer work environment for up to eight students at a time. Tables fold down from the walls, and milk-crates containing student books are stacked to use as stools.

INTERNET - Our trailer is equiped with a Motosat satellite internet connection which allows us internet access whenever we have a clear view of the southern sky. High-speed internet is essential to conducting research on the road, as well staying in touch with friends and family via email.

POWER - Deep in the bowels of Furthur II are four 150 pound wet-cell batteries which we charge with six 150 watt solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer. Inside the trailer, we can run laptop computers directly off of the 12 volt power, or we can turn on the AC power inverter to run devices like the server, printers, and to recharge AC power devices like batteries for digital cameras. We also carry a small Honda generator to provide power on cloudy days and to keep the batteries charged during high-use times.

LIBRARY - Semester in the West has a library of over 150 books, plus DVDs, educational software, and access to almost all of the the information resources available to students on campus, including inter-library loan, Lexis Nexis, and other online databases. An index of our current library is available on the student resource page.

KITCHEN - Never let it be said that people go hungry on Semester in the West! Our field manager stocks complete kitchens for fine outdoor cuisine. We carry four large coolers, nine action-packers which provide food storage and pantries, as well as a crate devoted entirely to spices. Meals are prepared on folding tables and on folding stoves. We carry six normal propane burners as well as a 120,000 btu propane "blaster" which we use to quickly heat water and food. Water is carried in a 100 gallon tank in the back of the truck, and smaller water containers are available at all times for student access. Students wash dishes thoroughly at the end of every meal, and all dishes, pots and pans collapse neatly into storage when it's time to pack up camp.

CAMPING - Every student is given the use of a thick, well-insulated, "Paco" pad, which makes even the most inhospitible terrain sleepable. The program also carries six group tents which students may use if they like. For the most part however, students choose to sleep on provided tarps under the stars. For times when temperature, rain, or snow requires, we have a dome tent which is 18 feet in diameter and 9 feet high to be used for class, studying, and sleeping.

BATHROOM and HYGIENE - One of the first acts of establishing camp is the placing of the "groover", an aluminium box with a toilet seat. Groovers are tucked away in private and what are often quite scenic and beautiful locations! At all times a hand-wash system is available by the kitchen and by the groover so that germs are kept to a minimum. With diligence, we are able to stay healthy and happy on the road.