What Is Base Camp?
Base Camp is a new way Project Healing Waters Colorado Springs is creating space for connection, learning, and time together.
At its core, Base Camp is a multi-day, extended-stay fly fishing experience designed to slow things down. Instead of a single day on the water, Base Camp allows Participants and volunteers to spend meaningful time together over several days in a shared outdoor setting.
There is no rush, no packed itinerary, and no pressure to participate in everything.
Why Base Camp Exists
Many of our traditional trips are day-long events. They are valuable and impactful, but they can still feel fast. Base Camp was created to offer something different, more time, more flexibility, and more opportunity for natural connection.
Base Camp allows Participants to:
Fish when they want and rest when they need
Learn skills gradually and at their own pace
Build comfort and trust through shared time, not forced activity
Step away from daily noise and responsibilities for a few days
Healing does not happen on a schedule. Base Camp respects that.
What a Typical Base Camp Looks Like
Base Camp is built around a shared campsite that serves as a central hub. From there, Participants may fish nearby waters, attend optional education sessions, tie flies, work on gear, share meals, or simply sit and talk.
There is no requirement to be “on” all day.
Some people fish a lot. Some fish a little. Some spend time learning knots, working on gear, or just being present around camp. All of that is okay.
The camp itself becomes the anchor.
Who Base Camp Is For
Base Camp is open to Participants of all experience levels.
You do not need to be an experienced fly fisher. You do not need to stay busy. You do not need to know anyone ahead of time.
Base Camp is especially helpful for:
Participants who want more than a one-day experience
Those newer to fly fishing who benefit from repetition and time
Individuals who find value in quiet, shared space
Anyone looking for connection without expectations
How Base Camp Is Structured
Base Camp is intentionally small. Keeping group size manageable allows us to focus on safety, comfort, and quality of experience rather than numbers.
Volunteers and mentors are present to support, guide, and help coordinate, but the focus remains on Participants setting their own pace.
Everything about Base Camp is designed to reduce pressure and increase choice.
How Base Camp Fits Into PHW-COS
Base Camp does not replace our trips, classes, or Take A Vet Fishing. It complements them.
Think of Base Camp as an extension of what we already do, a place where time stretches a little longer and relationships can form more naturally.
It reflects our TRIBE values in a very real way:
Time together
Respect for where each person is
Inclusion without expectation
Belonging through shared experience
Engagement at your own pace
Looking Ahead
Base Camp is still evolving, and that is intentional. We will learn from each experience and continue refining it based on what Participants and volunteers need most.
If Base Camp sounds like something that might be right for you, keep an eye on Program Updates and the schedule for upcoming opportunities.
Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens when we slow down and stay awhile.