Last week another blogger and I had the super fun experience of touring Base Camp, an urban adventure facility in St. Paul, to learn about everything it offers to local youth and community! I’m excited to share my experience with you and the unique adventures it can offer to your family and kids!
If you haven’t heard of Base Camp, you’ve probably at least seen it – it’s a big red brick building with two outdoor climbing towers at historic Fort Snelling, right off of Highway 55. This building used to be a 1907 cavalry drill hall, and over the years has been used as an ice skating rink, a performance stage for concerts, a skateboarding park, and for many other special events!
Now it’s owned and operated by the Northern Star Council, BSA (Boy Scouts of America) to serve all youth – through lock-ins, field trips, camps, parties, and other activities.
When we visited there were several school groups at the facility, engaging in team building, leadership and confidence-building activities, led by Base Camp’s trained Lead Guides. Though the ideal ages are 4th – 9th graders, there are activities for everyone, K – 12, adults, and even preschool.
Inside this big building you’ll find rock climbing walls, inspired by the real, natural rock climbing features in Taylors Falls, MN.
You’ll also find an adventure ropes course as well as archery!
There’s even a Space Simulator – one of only 8 in the country – with a replica of a space shuttle cockpit. Teams can work together, communicating from different rooms, and experience a realistic launch sequence and other effects.
My group then headed to the rock climbing walls to try them out!
While a group of school kids were having fun trying out some of the walls, we headed to the back where there were various routes for all levels.
I was a beginner – I had always wanted to try out rock climbing, so I was excited but nervous. Amber, a fellow blogger who owns the site Mommy’s Me Time, was a pro – she climbed right up to the top of a route that was like going up a chimney, then she did another route. I did ok for my first try (plus it’s a good workout!) but it gave me such a good boost in confidence that I want to practice some more by trying out different routes. The rock walls were fantastic – it was like really climbing outdoors!
So this tour of Base Camp was way more interesting and fun than I expected. I knew it was a place for Boy Scouts to meet, but I didn’t know how much more there was! There really is something for everyone here:
- Scout groups (not just boys – girls are welcome too!)
- School groups and field trips
- Families celebrating birthdays or other special occasions
- Work or corporate teams looking for a team building retreat
- Home school and Pre-K programs
Base Camp books events as far as months in advance but they have openings throughout the year. Check them out! Learn more at their website here: http://www.explorebasecamp.org/.
Pre-K Days
Base Camp offers Pre-K days just for 2-4 year olds. Kids can join in group games, outdoor activities and crafts! The next one is December 5th and the theme is “Check Out Winter Up Close.” Cost is $10 per day and pre-registration is required. Learn more!
Heroes Start Here – Boy Scouts of America
This Thursday, September 22nd from 6:00 – 7:00pm, every elementary school in Minnesota and western Wisconsin will have a Boy Scouts of America representative on hand to talk to boys in grades K – 5 about scouting and how they can sign up!
Their 2016 campaign theme is “Heroes start here,” reflecting characteristics Scouts and superheroes share such as bravery and doing good deeds, plus highlighting the fun and imagination that is Scouting!
Every boy who signs up for Cub Scouts that day will receive a cape, as well as a “Captain AmeriCub Shield” (which is a specially decorated Frisbee) that can be used at fall “superhero training camps.” These are special introductory four-hour day camps at council camps and community sites each weekend in October.
If like me you’re wondering, how much does it cost? It’s actually pretty affordable – a Cub Scout membership costs $32 per year, but all boys can join regardless of their ability to pay. Parents can register their sons for Cub Scouts at any elementary school on Sept. 22, or online at www.HeroScouts.org.
Check out this video:
Read another blogger’s experience!
Go Find Success – Our Latest Adventure: Basecamp + Family Event + Giveaway
GIVEAWAY!
Check out this AMAZING prize pack you could win: a camping set worth $175! It includes:
- Mummy sleeping bag
- Inflatable solar light
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Backpack with camelback built in
Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck!
This post was sponsored on behalf of the Northern Star Council and the Amplify Influencer Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
