Summer: Wilderness Canoeing
Status: Operational
Picture a pristine lake surrounded by pines. There’s not a single dock, cabin or vehicle to disturb the silence. Bald eagles soar overhead and loons cry during a rose-colored sunset. Enormous pike, walleye, and bass swim in waters that only canoes can ply, as motors are prohibited. No developed campgrounds exist; just a few primitive sites with a fire ring and latrine. You experience a profound sense of peace as you paddle your canoe across a lake as smooth as glass, in awe of God’s creation and the majesty of the One who created it all. Now multiply that lake by more than a 1,000 times and that’s canoeing in Boundary Waters.
Overview
You’ll experience a 6-day wilderness canoeing adventure through a combination of a 2-day Skills Phase at base camp and a 4-day “Lakes Phase” within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Skills Phase (Base Camp) – 2 Days
Base Camp will be in the Grand Marais, Minnesota area adjacent to Boundary Waters area. Participants will be housed in dorm-style rooms with showers and hot meals. You’ll receive instruction on and practice the following skills:
- Erecting a Tent
- Fire-starting
- Canoeing (water safety, paddle strokes, emergencies, etc.)
- Fishing
- Knife Sharpening
- Weather Reading
- Map Reading/GPS Usage
Lakes Phase (Boundary Waters) – 4 Days
Each teen/mentor team will paddle their own canoe with gear as you’re led on a multi-lake adventure in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. Skills acquired through the Skills Phase will be put into practice with an emphasis on fun, exploration, and appreciation for God’s Creation. Daily activities include fishing, swimming, exploration and campfires.
Campfire Talks
Discussions about Christian masculinity will occur throughout the trip. For more information click here.
The only cost to teens and mentors is their transportation to/from Base Camp and a Minnesota fishing license.
Want to help with those costs? Make a donation, sponsor a teen or purchase equipment and you can make a difference!