Base Camp is located in our backyard

Driving down Highway 55 between Fort Snelling and the airport, it was always intriguing to see giant climbing walls with a Boy Scout symbol on them. Is it a secret training facility for government agents? Or, some rarely used activity center? Neither.

Base Camp is a unique urban program center of the Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America. Base Camp operates out of the former Cavalry Drill Hall near Historic Fort Snelling and is a thriving program center used by over 150,000 youth since its opening in 2010. Base Camp is an experiential learning facility that focuses on pairing adventurous activities with team building and leadership programming.

Anyone can participate in what Base Camp has to offer. In fact, 85% of its users are non-scouts. Some of the opportunities available include individual summer programs for the urban adventurer, 3 to 5-hour field trips, full facility rentals, one-hour rock climbing adventures, birthday parties, and overnight lock-ins. Base Camp isn’t only for Scouts.

Beyond the common activity center, Base Camp boasts experienced staff who take charge of the education and safety to ensure each user gets the most out of their trip.

One example of a summer activity is Northern Star Summer Adventure, going on this year for the first time. For boys and girls ages 5 to 11, this day camp is the most convenient camping experience in the Twin Cities. For more information about this event, call 612-767-0055

Neighboring Historic Fort Snelling, Base Camp’s new summer event will include visits to the recently announced national treasure. Rich in history, Base Camp is located inside what was once the Fort Snelling Cavalry Drill Hall. This repurposed complex is a shining example of how to maintain the integrity of a historic building and keep it relevant to society.

For all of Base Camp options, check out their website at www.explorebasecamp.org.