BaseCamp
Come camp, explore, create, play, and relax with us at Prairie Island Campground in Winona, MN from Friday July 28th through Sunday July 30th.
BaseCamp is an annual celebration of the outdoors, tight-knit communities, and good old-fashioned pride in craftsmanship and quality brought to you by Sanborn Canoe Co. We are putting together an outdoor recreation festival right on the banks of the Mississippi River. Our goal is to create a summer camp atmosphere with opportunities to explore the incredible Driftless Region around Winona, MN.
BaseCamp is a festival designed to not just entertain but to engage people, body and mind. There are activities planned to keep an entire family busy every moment of the weekend. These range from guided prairie hiking, to backwater paddling, to live music to round out each evening. In addition to opportunities to get on the trail or the water, we’ll have classrooms set up to learn from experts, hear great stories, and try your own hands at outdoors inspired artwork. Beyond the planned activities, there are endless opportunities to join us for the community but still create your own adventure.
As lovers of the outdoors, we believe access is a right not a privilege. With this in mind, BaseCamp will be donating funds to improve access to paddling opportunities on the Mississippi River. In partnership with the Recreation Alliance of Winona, our goal is to raise funds towards installing an ADA dock at Prairie Island, the location of this years event. We’re excited to have you join us in this goal.
A Festival Ticket ($25) includes:
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Pop-up Market, food trucks, and spectating the Canoe Race
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Live Music Saturday night
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Community Presentations
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Paddling, Boundary Waters Storytelling & trip planning, and more!
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Community paddles, hikes, and yoga (Saturday only)
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Sign-up to secure a space
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Disc Golf Tournament
Camping ($30) includes:
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Space for primitive camping 2-nights (note: Does not include a site with electric and water hook-ups for a camper. Reserve directly with Prairie Island Campground.)
Prairie Island Campground amenities include:
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Campstore with snacks, firewood, bait, and apparel
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Potable water spigots
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Sandy Beach,outdoor shower, and Dock
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Shower house with flushing toilets & pit toilets throughout the campground
A special thanks to our sponsors:
2023 Paid Programs
Relief Cut Printing Class
In this workshop, students will learn the basics of relief carving and printing. In the printmaking process an image is carved in reverse onto a block, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Participants will create limited edition prints of their own and learn the basic skills needed to continue their artistic practice beyond the classroom. All materials are provided.
The instructor for this clinic is Matt Wagner, a Winona, MN based artist and educator. His collection “Animals of the Driftless” was created using the same techniques being taught in this clinic. You can learn more about the artist and his art here.
Cost - $35 per person
Sanborn Painting Class
Here’s your chance you paint your very own Sanborn artisan-painted cribbage board! In this clinic, students will learn the basics of how Sanborn products are painted. Participants will be shown the way layers of masking tape and spray paint can be used to create eye-catching designs. Students will create their own work of art to take home at the end of the weekend. The design is a unique creation by Abby Swim, one of Sanborn Canoe Co’s talented painters. Choose from three color palettes to create your very own painted cribbage board.
The price includes guidance from the instructor, student’s choice of a piece to paint, and materials. This is a great opportunity to create your own functional work of art.
Includes:
Cribbage Board - 3-track Ash cribbage board with peg pocket and magnetic cover. $45
Guided Canoe Paddle through the Sloughs of Pool 5A
In this advanced paddling experience, your group will be transported from Prairie Island Campground to launch below Lock & Dam 5 at Bass Camp Resort. After a brief moment in the main channel, we are paddling the calm forested backwater sloughs of the Upper Mississippi River, surrounded by one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in North America. We will stop at a sandbar along the way for a snack, then arrive 3-4 hours later, at McNally Landing just above Lock & Dam 5A.
$65 per person (normally $100). 8 canoes + 2 guides per group.
Recommend that children paddling with adults are at least 9 years old.
Transportation, guides, boats, PFD’s, paddles, and snacks included.
Bring water and UV protection, and wear shoes that can get wet.
Flower Pressing
Prairie Island Park is home to many flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses. In this class, we will responsibly gather and preserve plants in artful pieces as a way to observe and learn about where they grow, and what animals depend on them for food and shelter, as well as appreciate their natural beauty.
$35 per person, includes 9”x11” flower press, previously pressed flowers, paper, adhesive, etc.
Bring water and UV protection, and wear sturdy shoes for walking.
Watercolor Adventure Journaling- How to capture memories, compose quick studies and integrate a creative practice into all of your outdoor adventures!
In this 2 hour workshop, students will learn beginner friendly watercolor skills and tips for creating quick, small art pieces during breaks and a trail journal that you and your loved ones can enjoy for years to come. After a brief overview and instruction period, we will practice exploring different subject matter by hiking to different locations in at the Basecamp 2023 event. Please bring a water bottle, snack, sun protection, lightweight seat or blanket (optional). Each registered participant will be provided with a basic watercolor kit and paper that is theirs to keep. Participants are free to use their own supplies if they already have a watercolor practice.
What you will learn:
When and where to paint: paddling, biking, hiking, planes, trains and automobiles, anywhere!
How to simplify your art kit and lighten your load
Review of pre-made and DIY watercolor palettes, favorite materials
What to paint and composition ideas
Painting from photos and live references
Ways to develop a daily art practice before you hit the trail to build confidence, skill and FUN!
Jen Theisen is a Minnesota based artist and outdoorswoman celebrating the intersection of art, nature and joy! Her classes blend her enthusiasm for the outdoors with her career as an artist to inspire, educate and empower others to rediscover their playful nature and creativity on and off the trail! You can learn more about the artist and her adventures at wanderingpine.com , @wandering.pine and @wandering.pine.art
Cost - $35 per person
5 person minimum, 12 person maximum
July 21 deadline. Final count due July 27th.
If you're interested in volunteering, click here.