This event has ended. View the event recap here.
Dates: July 10 – 13, 2026
Location: Boise, Idaho
Designed for anyone looking to build confidence over-nighting in Idaho’s outdoors, the CAF-Idaho Camping Basecamp brings together education, adventure, and camaraderie. From July 10-13, participants will build their skills practicing setting up their camping systems, learning backcountry cooking, wilderness first aid, and strategies for trip planning —while connecting with a community that shares their love of the outdoors.

About the CAF-Idaho Camping Basecamp
Participants will spend three days sharpening skills and learning new ones at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, followed by a group overnight trip.
No camping experience is necessary – in fact, the target audience for this camp are people who have been previously intimidated to camp, but have wanted to try. Experienced campers will also find value in the program with instruction in backcountry cooking and wilderness first aid.
Limit to 8 participants. The Camping Basecamp ensures personalized instruction and meaningful community connection.
Lodging
During the Boise portion of the program, participants are encouraged to stay at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse. While not required, evenings around the firepit often become a highlight of the week, offering a chance to relax, share stories, and build friendships.
Anything that you need – tents, cots, sleeping bags will be provided for the camping portion of the weekend.

Wilderness First Aid
Led by the folks from Cordillera Wilderness Medicine, we will learn the basics of taking care of injuries and health issues in a wilderness setting.
Backcountry Cooking
Learn the basics of multiple different cook systems from Dutch ovens and barbecues to smaller backpacking-style stoves. And learn some new recipes from the “In the Wild Chef” Stephen Weston.
Tents and Sleep Systems
Figure out how to maximize your comfort sleeping in the outdoors. Find the optimal combination of sleeping pads, cots, sleeping bags, etc.
Destination Immersion
July 12-13, the program concludes with an overnight at the Baumgartner Hotsprings Campground on the South Fork of the Boise River.

CAF-Idaho Camping Basecamp Schedule (Subject to Change)
Friday July 10
Time: 8:00 am – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 3179 E Barber Valley Dr., Boise, ID 83716
– Welcome Breakfast
– River Walk
– Camp Trailers
– Cook Systems + Lunch with Steve Weston
– Sleep Systems / Tents
– Reservations and Park Passes
– Dutch Oven Deserts
– Group Dinner
Saturday July 11
Time: 8:00 am – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 3179 E Barber Valley Dr., Boise, ID 83716
– Breakfast at IOFH
– Yoga
– Wilderness First Aid
– Optional Rock Climb/ Pool Swim
– Idaho Department of Fish and Game
– Group Dinner
– Pack for a camping outing
Sunday/ Monday July 12-13
– Group Overnight Outing – Baumgartner Hot Springs