Outdoor Camps

Sign up for an outdoor camp via our Online Registration system!

“REC ‘EM”
During this week-long camp you will explore some of the great activities offered by your Boise Parks & Recreation Department. Some of these activities include ice skating, golfing, mountain biking, karate, archery, a river float, and more! Participants need to bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Camp will be based out of Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road.

GO FISH! CAMP
During this four-day camp, staff from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game will teach you a variety of fishing techniques. Get educated about Idaho’s native fish population, habitat and more! You will spend actual fishing time at two local ponds. On the last day, campers will travel to Lowman to fish the ponds there! Participants will also learn fishing etiquette and the benefits of fishing. All supplies are included in the fee. This program is co-sponsored by the Idaho Fish & Game Department. Camp meets each day at Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road. The last day will run from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch for that day only.

MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY CAMP (9 – 12 yrs)
Do you get hot and bored in the summer? Come join us where the air is cool and the adventure never ends! At the Bogus Basin Mountain Discovery Camp, you’ll spend each day exploring the forests, streams, and mountain peaks just outside of Boise City! Follow mysterious animal tracks, build a shelter out of natural materials, hike to the top of More’s Mountain, meet new friends, and draw and paint pictures of native animals all while sleeping each night in the comfort of your own bed! Participants will meet each day at Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road to be bussed to the Nordic Center at Bogus Basin, and then returned to Fort Boise by 4PM for pick up. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and water and be dressed for hiking and exploring (no sandals, skirts, etc.). This is a partnership with the Bogus Basin Nordic Lodge Educational Program.

PRE-SCHOOL NATURE CAMP (3 1/2 – 5 yrs)

Bird Camp
In this week-long camp, children ages 3 1/2 to 5 will learn about some of the birds common to the Foothills Learning Center area. We will do hands on experiences, stories, songs and games, hiking, and arts and crafts projects.

Nature Camp
In this week-long camp, children ages 3 1/2 to 5 will learn about some of the mammals, insects, and snakes of Idaho and the Foothills Learning Center area. We will do hands on experiences, stories, songs and games, hiking, and arts and crafts projects. For all camps, participants should bring a snack, bag lunch and a beverage in a re-closeable container. Everyone should wear shoes suitable for hiking (i.e. no sandals), and clothes appropriate for the weather. A brimmed hat is recommended and sunscreen should be applied before they are dropped off.

ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPS

WILD IN THE CITY (12 – 15 yrs)
While it is a city, Boise is part of an amazing variety of habitats -- including deserts, forests, and rivers. Explore the wilds of the city and experience outdoor recreational opportunities Boise has to offer. We will hike in the Boise Foothills while learning about sagebrush deserts, float the Boise River while discovering river and riparian habitats, visit the Boise Watershed to examine the importance of Boise’s water sources, and safari through the zoo to explore ecosystems and animals from around the world. Participants need to bring a sack lunch each day. This program is offered by Boise Parks & Recreation, Foothills Learning Center, Boise Watershed, & Zoo Boise. Please meet at Zoo Boise, front gate.

BOISE EARTH ACTION CAMP # 1 (12 – 15 yrs)
BOGUS TO THE RIVER
Junior high students will enjoy a week of adventures exploring Boise’s amazing outdoor environment. We’ll examine our local ecosystem from the forested mountains at Bogus Basin through the foothills into the city and right into the Boise River. Campers will hike, explore, and play in the wonderland that is our Boise backyard. Along the way, they’ll have many opportunities to see how humans interact with the environment, for better or worse. We’ll be outside and on the move most of the time, so campers should dress for the weather. Participants should bring a sack lunch and water, backpack and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants meet at Fort Boise Community Center each morning.

BOISE EARTH ACTION CAMP # 2 (12 – 15 yrs)
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Water is the lifeblood of our arid environment. Junior high students will spend a week discovering the many faces of water in and around our community. Explore a foothills stream and the life that springs up around it and search for fish food (bugs) in the Boise River. See what it takes to turn groundwater into drinking water – and how our sewage gets treated so the water is clean enough to go back into the river. It’s a fun, active week of mostly outdoor activities. Participants should bring a sack lunch and water, backpack and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants meet at Fort Boise Community Center each morning.