Horn Island Camp Out

A 4 Day | 3 Night camping trip to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Spend a weekend walking in Anderson’s footsteps exploring the sand dunes, sleeping under the stars, and painting the flora and fauna of the island depicted in Anderson’s vibrant watercolors. Join us and bring your own camping, fishing, and art-making supplies. Participants receive a complimentary museum pass to use at their leisure.

Our guide this year is Heather Carter Martin, artist, and owner of Ethotera Studio in Downtown Ocean Springs. Heather is a longtime islander, past museum educator, and expert on Walter Anderson. Additional guides include John Anderson, son of Walter Anderson, and several WAMA staff and partners.

Water, travel, and some meals are included. A list of recommended supplies is below.

Cost: $350 per person

“I made a drawing of a bittern nest while the flies stung, later a watercolor under my boat while the rain poured.... Such is the life of an artist who prefers nature to art. He really should cultivate his love of art more but feels that will take care of itself as long as it has things to feed upon.” – Walter Inglis Anderson

Individuals who register can expect additional contact following registration and prior to the trip. Questions in the meantime? Contact Development and Community Liaison Amanda Wymer at amanda@walterandersonmuseum.org

Tentative itinerary:

Thursday, May 12

• Meet at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor 9AM (https://goo.gl/maps/jvz8eHR179nFmpnx7)
• Leave the harbor 9:30AM
• Arrive at Horn Island approximately 11AM
• All participants help unload boat and set up base camp
• Quick meeting with all participants
• Eat an early lunch (Catered sandwiches and chips)
• Set up personal camps

Friday and Saturday, May 13-14

• Breakfast served at base camp 7-8AM
• Coffee served at base camp 7-9AM
• Island fun, exploration, and arting - We are on Island time so relax and enjoy!
• Island walkabouts with John Anderson, son of Walter Anderson - TBD
• Bonfire on the south side at sunset on Friday night

Sunday, May 15

• Break down indiviudal camps and base camp
• Boat arrives around 1PM
• Lunch on boat
• Back on the mainland around 2:30PM

NOTE: Keep in mind that this will be primitive camping. This means no running water and electricity. Bugs, animals, small cacti that litter the ground, limited shade, and whatever else mother nature decides to throw our way.

We will be setting up a base camp on the east end and north side of the island. Emergency supplies such as first aid and water will be stored here for those that need it. Most will camp on the Southside of the island, in the dunes, a short hike from base camp (a little less than a mile). You can also camp closer to base camp if you'd like.

We are taking a large boat and will use a dinghy to get from the anchored boat to the shore.  It will be a team effort to unload all gear and supplies before setting up personal camps. You will be responsible for carrying your own gear. Pack well and pack light! Below is a list of recommended items to bring along that will make your trip more comfortable.

Recommended Supplies:

• Dome tent with a rain flap.
• A tarp or two. These are a great defense against moisture (rain or dew) and can double as a refuge from the sun.
• Forget the tent stakes, bring a handful of plastic grocery bags. Dig a foot-deep hole in the sand, line it with the bag, fill it with sand and just twist up and tie the handles through the "stake loops" on your tent.
• Rope/Tie-downs
• Sleeping Mat or Bag, a blanket or small pillow. The sand will mold to your body but will remain firm. You will want to be comfortable
• Lantern, headlamp and/or flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Small shovel or garden spade for digging holes or latrines. You will be responsible for burying your solid waste. For the ladies, I recommend one of these!
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Waterproof matches and fire starters (We will have extras)
• Plastic or metal plate, bowl, utensil(s), and cup
• Food (e.g. peanut butter, jerky, dried fruit, MRE, canned soup with pop tops, hard cheeses, olives, granola bars, trail mix, bread, crackers, potted meat, etc.)
• Backpack
• Canteen/water bottle
• Toiletries (mouthwash, toothpaste, and toothbrush)
• Sunglasses, rain/wind gear, bathing suit, sandals, boots, a couple of pairs of socks, a hat, microfiber towel, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Insect Repellant and sunscreen
• Medication
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper

NOTE: WAMA will provide a picnic lunch on Thursday, breakfast items for Friday and Saturday, water, coffee ( bring what you like to add to your coffee), a snack bag, and a late lunch on the trip back to the mainland on Sunday afternoon. This ultimately means you will only need to bring items for dinner for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, lunch for Friday and Saturday, breakfast for Sunday, and snacks. If you have diet restrictions, please plan accordingly and notify us in advance so we can accomodate your trip.

Optional Supplies: Art supplies, fishing gear, small first aid kit (Reminder: We will have a large first aid kit at the base camp.), spatula, small pot for cooking in/boiling water, nature-friendly soap, paper towels, folding chair, small bags similar Stasher or Ziploc, trash bag, aluminum foil (folded into a flat square), clothespins or something similar

Not Recommended: Large coolers that weigh more than you can carry by yourself, large tents (due to weight), nice and extra clothing, makeup and perfume (these will attract bugs), jewelry or valuables, jeans, and generally anything heavy or bulky.

**All details are subject to change**

*Inclement weather may postpone or cancel the trip*