Family Fun Directory

Located in the century-old Cavalry Drill Hall near Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Base Camp is owned and operated by the Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America. Its mission is to serve all youth of the greater Twin Cities metro area through school field trips, lock-ins, retreats, summer camps, private parties, and community group use. They have special outreach programs for under-served populations.

Base Camp Open Climb Days

On the first Tuesday of each month, the facility opens to the public for drop in climbing between 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. There is no minimum group size* and no reservations required at these events. Base Camp has 16 unique indoor natural rock climbing routes to choose from. Climb one or all. This program is for ages 5 and up. $7/participant. Confirm dates and find more details and rules here.

*Large groups are not allowed. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to reserve their own time.

Summer Discovery Day Camps

Kids in grades K-8 can sign up for 5-day Discovery Day Camps on select weeks during the summer months. Camps cover a wide variety of age-appropriate scouting activities, including physical activities like swimming, hiking, climbing, archery, and educational activities like STEM programs, outdoor skills and crafts. 

Discover Day Camps are featured in our annual camp guide, where we list updated pricing and dates for camps throughout the Twin Cities.

Birthday Parties at Base Camp

Birthday parties are treated like any other youth group. Groups of at least 10 are encouraged to sign up for any of the youth programs offered in the catalog and call it a party. Room rentals can be added on for cake and presents. Youth programs include fun activities like archery, rock climbing, orienteering, rope course, space simulator and more. These activities are geared toward specific ages groups from K through teen.

Base Camp birthday parties are featured in our annual birthday party guide, where we include updated information and prices.

Pre-K Days

Join in group games, outdoor activities, and crafts during these open programs. Pre-K Days are designed specifically for 2-5 year olds and their grown up. Sessions run from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and each has a different theme. $10 per child each day. Pre-K Days appear to be on hiatus in 2020. We'll keep an eye on the calendar and update this if it changes.

A Little More About Base Camp

Base Camp offers programs for any type of youth or adult group including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Girl Scouts, school groups, community groups, birthday parties, and many more. Our programs include rock climbing, archery, high ropes, leadership and team building, camping and outdoor skills, space simulator, and cycling. We are open year-round and operate on a reservation based system with programs occurring on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Absolutely anyone can participate in the activities offered at Base Camp. The emphasis of our mission is to positively influence the development of Minnesota’s youth through experiences that build confidence.

*This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are our own.