Each fall, the Hoofer Outing Club welcomes dozens of incoming UW–Madison students to the outdoors. We’re raising $5,000 to support Base Camp, our multi-day wilderness program designed to help first-year and transfer students build confidence, make friends, and feel at home in college from day one. Launched in 2024 and run entirely by students, Base Camp welcomes participants into the Hoofer Outing Club through beginner-friendly adventures like hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and camping. More than 35 students each year gain hands-on outdoor skills, form close-knit bonds, and connect with experienced student leaders who mentor them along the way. Base Camp is more than a weekend camping trip—it serves as a launchpad for their college journey.
Anecdote from Tess, a 2024 Participant: “Base Camp completely transformed my social life on campus. I went into the weekend feeling very lonely after a month of college, and I came out of it knowing so many people so well, including my best friends and future roommates. A special community was created at Base Camp, and it made the campus feel smaller and more welcoming. Now I rarely walk anywhere without seeing someone I know from Base Camp or the club. It was a real turning point in my college experience. It felt like I had found my people and a place on this campus where I belonged. I really owe the best parts of my freshman year to that weekend and the people I shared it with.”
Base Camp helps students start college with community, confidence, and a sense of adventure. Many go on to become trip leaders and mentors in the Hoofer Outing Club, amplifying the impact of your gift across campus. Your support is what keeps Base Camp going. Our goal is to make this program completely free for all participants and student leaders over the next two years. By raising $5,000, we can cover the full cost of two more years of Base Camp. Just $2,500 per year provides transportation, meals, campsite permits, and gear maintenance for 36 participants and 14 leaders. With your help, we can ensure Base Camp stays accessible to every student who wants to be part of it.
A gift of any size makes a difference. Donors who give $50 or more will receive a handwritten thank-you card from event participants, and all supporters will be sent a video after the event featuring trip highlights, reflections from participants, and a thank-you from our student leaders. With your help, we can continue offering this transformative experience for two more years and keep the outdoors accessible to everyone.