PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EDucation
Talk about the best classroom ever. At Bogus Basin, our environmental education programs are designed to educate all Idahoans about the science all around us. From our Mountain Discovery summer camp to our SnowSchool fieldtrip program, to our Guided Nature Programs and Youth Drop-off outings, our environmental education programs help everyone find their passion for the great outdoors.
2023 – 24 Fiscal Year Environmental Education Numbers at a glance
- Total Days of Environmental Education Programming
- 198
- Total Environmental Education Program Participants
- 4,493
- Total Hours ofEnvironmental Education
- 21,490
- TotalVolunteers
- 144
- Total Volunteer Hours
- 1,176
FALL PROGRAMS
GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS FREE
Details
Join Bogus Basin’s resident ecologists and naturalists, Ray and Edna Vizgirdas, for a leisurely stroll on one of the mountain’s pedestrian trails. Come learn about the flora, fauna, ecology, geology and everything in between. Participants should expect to hike up to a mile at a casual pace. Please come prepared for the outing with proper footwear, clothing, water, snacks and sunscreen.
- Location: Programs will meet on the front steps of the Frontier Point Lodge
Fall Schedule
- October 19th, 2024 | Plants and Wilderness Survival
- November 9th, 2024 | Plants and Wilderness Survival
Hit the trail with Ray Vizgirdas, retired Wildlife Biologist and lifelong Naturalist for this installment of our Guided Nature Program series. With over three decades of experience working for state and federal agencies, Ray knows a thing or two about the outdoors (he has literally authored guidebooks about the flora at Bogus Basin!). Ray will cover a new topic relevant to the time of year. Whether it’s edible and medicinal plants or pollinators and their adaptations, you’re bound to learn a thing or two on your outing!
Check out our Events Calendar for more info!
Pricing
All Ages Welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult) | FREE |
SCENIC TOURS FREE
Details
Take a scenic chair ride to the top of Deer Point and stroll out to the Showcase Scenic Overlook with one of our Weekend Nature Guides! On this quick scenic tour you’ll learn about Bogus Basin, the surrounding landscapes, and the plant & animals that call this place home. Perfect for families with young children or those new to the area wanting a broad overview of what the mountain has to offer. These outings will occur every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm. Scenic chair rides will require purchase of a single ride lift ticket, unlimited activity pass, summer season pass, or a True Bogus pass.
- Meets at the Bogus Basin Info pop-up tent in the Explorer Base Area
Schedule
- Saturdays & Sundays through September 15th, 2024
Pricing
All Ages Welcome | FREE |
YOUTH DROP-OFF NATURE PROGRAM FREE
Details
Bring your yoga mat and your child for our free weekend morning events. Drop off your child with Bogus Basin’s Nature Guides for an hour-long youth program (nature bingo, nature art & more) while you hit the lawn for a peaceful morning of yoga with the folks from Yoga for Life. Drop-ins welcome!
- Meets at the Bogus Basin Info pop-up tent in the Explorer Base Area
Schedule
- Saturdays & Sundays through September 15th, 2024
- 10 am – 11 am
Pricing
Ages 5 – 10 | FREE |
Fall Fieldtrips (K-12)
Details
Bring your class up to Bogus Basin for a hands-on fieldtrip program that will have a lasting impact on your students for years to come! Available themes include animal adaptations, watersheds, flora and fauna, forest ecology, wilderness survival and habitat restoration. Don’t see a topic you want or would like to combine themes we have listed? Be sure to reach out and we’ll be happy to accommodate. Each program is specially designed for the group and the time of year.
Schedule
- Monday-Friday | 10am-2pm
- Dates available September through early November (snow/weather dependent)
- Note: there may be some potential for spring outings — contact Bogus Basin’s EE Supervisor to discuss options
Location
All fieldtrips will begin their day at the Frontier Point Lodge unless indicated otherwise by the Environmental Education staff.
Pricing
$6 per student |
*For every 10 students, 1 chaperone is required and receives free admission
*Student to chaperone ratios beyond 10:1 require a $6 fee
*Scholarships are available upon request for Title 1 schools
*Daily group sizes are limited to 30 participants
How to Register
Click the Email with Questions button below to learn more or ask questions about our fall fieldtrip offerings. Already sold and want to book now? Click the Registration Form button to access a fillable pdf. Email the completed form to the contact listed at the bottom of the document.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS FREE
Details
Join Bogus Basin’s resident ecologist and survival guru, Ray Vizgirdas, for a leisurely stroll on one of the mountain’s pedestrian trails. Come learn about the flora, fauna, ecology, geology and everything in between. Participants should expect to hike up to a mile at casual pace. Please come prepared for the outing with proper footwear, clothing, water, snacks and sunscreen.
- Location: Programs will meet on the front steps of the Frontier Point Lodge
Summer Schedule
Check out our Events Calendar for more info!
Pricing
All Ages Welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult) | FREE |
SCENIC TOURS FREE
Details
Take a scenic chair ride to the top of Deer Point and stroll out to the Showcase Scenic Overlook with one of our Weekend Nature Guides! On this quick scenic tour you’ll learn about Bogus Basin, the surrounding landscapes, and the plant & animals that call this place home. Perfect for families with young children or those new to the area wanting a broad overview of what the mountain has to offer. These outings will occur every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm. Scenic chair rides will require purchase of a single ride lift ticket, unlimited activity pass, summer season pass, or a True Bogus pass.
- Meets at the Bogus Basin Info pop-up tent in the Explorer Base Area
Schedule
Saturdays & Sundays
- Saturdays & Sundays
- 1:00pm
Pricing
All Ages Welcome | FREE |
YOUTH DROP-OFF NATURE PROGRAM FREE
Details
Bring your yoga mat and your child for our free weekend morning events. Drop off your child with Bogus Basin’s Nature Guides for an hour long youth program (nature bingo, nature art & more) while you hit the lawn for a peaceful morning of yoga with the folks from Yoga for Life. Drop-ins welcome!
- Meets at the Bogus Basin Info pop-up tent in the Explorer Base Area
Schedule
- Saturdays & Sundays (STARTS July 7th)
- 10 am – 11 am
Pricing
Ages 5 – 10 | FREE |
MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY CAMP
Details
Sign your child up for a week of Mountain Discovery Camp and give them a summer they’ll never forget. In partnership with the City of Boise’s Parks & Recreation department, this five day camp (M – F/9 am – 4 pm) takes youth on an adventure around the mountain exploring and learning about the alpine ecosystem through games and activities. All weeks (pg. 25) are open for youth ages 9 to 12. See Activity Guide (pg. 39) for select teen camp weeks.
WINTER PROGRAMS
SnowSchool Snow Science Fieldtrip
Details
Did you know that Bogus Basin is the flagship site of Winter Wildlands Alliance nationally run SnowSchool winter education program? Now in its 20th year, Bogus Basin’s SnowSchool fieldtrip program aims to get kids outside on snowshoes to learn about snow science and winter ecology in the Boise National Forest. Open to grades 3rd through 12th, Bogus Basin’s SnowSchool program serves up to 3,000 Treasure Valley students each winter season.
Bogus Basin is proud to partner with CAF to offer adaptive recreation equipment and assistance for students during this field trip program. Please indicate your needs on the registration form.
- Location – Frontier Point Lodge
Schedule
- Monday – Friday
- 10 am – 2 pm
Pricing
$6 per student |
- *For every 10 students, 1 chaperone receives free admission.
- *Student to chaperone ratios beyond 10:1 require a $6 fee.
- *Scholarships are available upon request for Title I schools.
- *Daily group sizes are limited to 60 participants
GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOURS AGES 12 & UP
Details
Hit the trail with one of Bogus Basin’s environmental education staff for a guided snowshoe tour and learn a little about the wonders of winter. These 1 ½ hour tours are a great intro into the world of winter recreation while you learn a little about the flora & fauna that call Bogus Basin home. Perfect for those new to the area or anyone interested in learning a little more about Bogus Basin and the mountain ecosystem. Private and group tours are available on a limited basis. To inquire about private groups email dirk@bogusbasin.org . Maximum of 12 people per tour.
- Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge
Schedule
- Saturdays & Sundays — During Nordic Operating Hours
- Walk-Ins Welcome (based on availability)
- Reservations can be made 48 hrs. in advance (click here to inquire by email)
*Starting December 16th
Pricing
Full Package (Rentals, Trail Pass, and Tour) | $40 |
Tour & Rentals OR Trail Pass | $30 |
Tour Only | $20 |
*Advanced registration is recommended to ensure your spot in the group. Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed.
THEMED SNOWSHOE PROGRAM AGES 16 & UP
Details
Take a tour with a boost and hit the trails with Ray Vizgirdas, retired Wildlife Biologist and all around Naturalist. With over three decades of experience working for state and federal agencies, Ray knows a thing or two about the outdoors. Each week Ray will cover a new topic based off what the mountain conditions are best suited for. Topics could include the following: Snowpack Dynamics, Animal Tracking, Winter Specific Plant Adaptations, How to Make Emergency Snow Shelters and so much more. Program outings will cover no more than 1.5 miles (usually less than 1 mile) out on the snowshoe trails. Maximum of 12 people per program. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and sign up for our e-blast to keep up with all of the mountain offerings and events.
- Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge
Schedule
Pricing
Themed Snowshoe Program (trail pass & snowshoes not included) | FREE |
Half-Day Trail Pass | $17 |
Half-Day Snowshoe Rental | $17 |
*Advanced registration is recommended 48 hrs. in advance to ensure your spot in the group. Walk-ins welcome if space is available. Payment for rentals and trail passes are made day of at the Frontier Point Lodge.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SnowSchool Field Instructor Snow Science Fieldtrip
Details
Are you passionate about nature and outdoor experiences? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? If so, the Bogus Basin SnowSchool program needs your help!
SnowSchool is only possible through the dedication of university students, interns, and community volunteers who engage students in this critically important environmental education program. Bogus Basin’s Environmental Education staff provide training to new volunteers prior to the field trip season. No prior teaching experience is required.
Schedule
- Monday – Friday
- 10 am – 2 pm
Benefits
- Transportation to and from the mountain provided
- Opportunity for hands-on application of knowledge
- Receive professional environmental education training
- Real world experience teaching students science in an outdoor setting
- Learn marketable leadership skills
- Network with local community organizations
- Gain valuable references for your resume
- Complimentary Bogus Basin Day Pass for each day of volunteering
- Volunteer for 6 or more days and receive a complimentary Season Pass
- Internship credit available to qualified students with 90+ hours commitment
Sustainability & Stewardship
Details
From trail building to native seed collecting, we have many opportunities for you to support our sustainability and stewardship efforts on the mountain. Throughout the year we periodically host volunteer events geared towards people of all ages and abilities that provide our community with a meaningful connection to our landscape. We also offer private volunteer opportunities for organizations to give back with their team.
Summer/Fall Volunteer Opportunities:
- Seed collecting
- Invasive weed pulling & surveying
- Native seed spreading and seedling planting
- Snowshoe & pedestrian trail maintenance
Winter Volunteer Opportunities:
- Recycling sorting
- Recycling education
If you would like to be notified of volunteer opportunities or to coordinate a volunteer event with your organization, please email Nate Collins ncollins@bogusbasin.org
Field Guides Learning Resources
Bogus Basin is home to a diverse group of flora & fauna. From native wildflowers to those pesky invasive weeds, there’s always something new to discover on the mountain. Click the buttons below to check out our digital field guides.