Explorer Base Camp

Escape the summer heat in the La Sal mountains to explore, learn, create, and camp!

Thanks to community support, CFI Summer Camp is free for Grand and San Juan County families!

Registration is only open to Grand and San Juan county families until April 30, 2026. After that, local families can still register for free and nonlocals can register for the standard fee.

To ensure a commitment to this free camp, you will be required to reserve your spot with a $50 deposit. This deposit will be refunded after camp unless you abandon your spot.

Explorer Base Camp is an overnight experience for rising 5th through 8th graders.  In the heat of the summer, we will retreat to Warner Lake campground up in the Manti La Sal National forest. Campers will spend their days hiking, fishing, learning camp crafts and skills, and developing new friendships in an unplugged environment.  Your child will develop a closer relationship with nature through fun and engaging activities that promote sense of place, relationship building, and a desire to explore.

 

This camp has two sessions in 2026:

Register for session 1: July 27 – 31, 2026

 

Register for Session 2: August 3 – 7, 2026

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camp Cooking
  • Camp skills and games

Outcomes

  • Growth in self-management
  • Teamwork and friendship
  • Confidence building
  • Unplugged time in nature
Location:
La Sal Mountains, Warner Lake Campground.
Dates:
July 27, 2026 through July 31, 2026
Dates:
August 03, 2026 through August 07, 2026
Drop Off/Pick Up:
1:30pm on Monday and 1:30pm on Friday
Duration:
5 days and 4 nights
Age Range:
Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders or ages 10 - 14
Cost for:
Local families (Grand and San Juan Counties) - Free
Cost for:
Nonlocal families (can register after April 30) - $655
Challenge:
Level-
?

This is how we rate the challenges you might face on a CFI trip.


Level 1 - Easy

  • Low level of physical activity, minimal movement required
  • 0 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking or walking 0-2 miles per day

Level 2 - Moderate

  • Medium level of physical activity, some movement required
  • 1-4 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 4 miles per day
  • Flatwater or mild whitewater rapids

Level 3 - Active

  • Medium or high level of physical activity
  • 1-5 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 5 miles per day
  • Class I - III whitewater rapids

Level 4 - Challenging

  • High level of physical activity
  • 1-6 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking 5 or more miles per day
  • Class IV whitewater rapids
CFI's Essential Eligibility Criteria outlines specific challenges that you may face on CFI trips. Please consult the EEC for information on responsibilities of participants.
Notes:
  • If you live in Grand or San Juan Counties, camp is free!
  • A $50 deposit is required to reserve a spot and will be refunded at the end of camp, unless you abandon your spot.

See other trips in these categories:

Trip Narrative

While the day to day details very from year to year, here’s what you can generally expect for explorer basecamp:

Monday

Drop off at the Canyonlands Field Institute office is at 1:30. We can talk about gear and make sure that your kid has everything they need to have a comfortable week at camp. Some loaner gear like tents, sleeping bags, or ground sleeping pads are available at no cost. We will load up in the air conditioned vans and head up to Warner Lake Campground to set up tents and make camp. We may even have some time for games and activities in the afternoon before dinner!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

This is when the real fun starts! Camp days are a healthy mix of structured activities, exploration time, and free time. All with hearty meals and snacks thrown into the mix. Activities may include teambuilding, campcrafts like shelter and fire building, and orienteering. We will take a day excursion down to Oowah Lake for some exploration and fishing, and another day will consist of a challenge hike to the top of Gold Knob Hill. Nighttime activities consists of campfires, talent shows, stargazing and storytelling, and even some night hiking!

Friday

We will wake up a little early on Friday for a final breakfast before packing up camp. Despite the tearful goodbyes to new friends, your kids will be excited to come home and share stories of their adventures!

FAQ

Additional Information

  • View the Explorer Basecamp Packing List.
  • CFI staff are trained educators and guides with first aid and CPR certifications. Back-country trips carry satellite communications devices.  
  • All cook and dishware, meals, snacks, and river gear are provided by CFI.   
  • Tents are provided and sleep kits (sleeping bag, sleeping pad) can be borrowed at no additional cost.
  • Your child could qualify for a scholarship. Check out our summer camp Scholarship Application.

Accessibility and Safety

Explorer Basecamp is an overnight camping trip in the La Sal Mountains. Campers can expect activities to include hiking, fishing, games, arts and crafts, and free time around camp. Kids coming to Explorer Basecamp are expected to manage their own hygiene and bathroom needs, follow the guides' directions, and follow the camp boundaries established at the beginning of the program.

CFI is a non-profit organization and fees are not taxed. By choosing CFI, you are supporting our efforts to provide lifechanging outdoor experiences for hundreds of children per year.  Scholarships are available on an as needed basis.