From the beginning, Pine Basin’s goal was to bring education to the outdoors, with the intent of including as many kids as possible. Tom Campbell, Lynn Olsen, and McKay Guthrie found that kids of the 60’s and 70’s weren't too different from the youth of today: as many had never been on campouts, never gone on hikes in the wilderness, and didn't know anything about Idaho history. They wanted to give the kids a chance to learn about these things in a fun environment.

Pine Basin began its first year as a 2-day activity. The first day, the students would listen to a lecture and on the second day, they attended a field trip. The format of camp changed the second year where it became a 5-day overnight camp. After a few years of meeting at different places, including the Junior High School and Warm River, the directors got wind of a possible location for sale. In 1970, the elementary schools of District 93 sold bags of popcorn for $.25. After two years, Pine Basin Ski Lodge was bought with the popcorn money for $15,000. The Forest Service agreed to lease the land to the district for educational purposes. Because the directors wanted to give this camp opportunity to as many kids as possible, the price of going to camp was, and still is, kept as low as possible to allow any child to attend.

Lynn Olsen became the first Director of Pine Basin. He served from 1968 through 1974 when he retired and allowed McKay Guthrie to take his place. Mr. Guthrie served just until a few years ago when he, too, retired. D. Simmons directed the camp from 2001 through 2004. Brent Bird took over until 2011. Roger Hill, Director of Plant Facilities directed until his retirement. Jason Lords is the current Director.

Pine Basin Lodge and Summer Camp does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups. The following individuals are designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: 

Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel
Email Heath Jackson

Sexual Harassment / Title IX Coordinator
Ken Marlowe, Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Support
Email Ken Marlowe
 

Title IX: Sexual Harassment & Discrimination

CTE Nondiscrimination Notification