Join us on our STRIVE Expedition where you will have the adventure of your life as you learn what happens when you challenge yourself to do more than you ever thought possible! These expeditions will push each student to discover their strengths in and exciting and engaging environment as you canoe and climb in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, part of our National Park Service. You will dig deep as you learn what it really means to challenge yourself, be a positive member of a team, problem solve and discover the empowerment that comes from being a positive leader. The STRIVE expedition is designed to give each student the confidence to take the lead in their own lives.
COURSE AREA
St. Croix National Wild & Scenic Riverway, WI & MN– This riverway starts as the Namekagon River in Wisconsin’s north woods and flows into the St. Croix River just north of Danbury, Wisconsin and becomes the border between the two states. You will paddle on the upper section of either the Namekagon or St. Croix Rivers. This means that you will enjoy pristine camping at campsites within this national riverway. The river flows over 200 miles before it meets the Mississippi River. You will maneuver class I, or II rapids as you and your crew paddle down river. The river expedition concludes near Minnesota’s Interstate State Park near Taylor’s Falls, WI. Interstate State Park, contains some of the most unique geological features to be found anywhere in the world, providing a great climbing opportunity to scale the 40-70 foot climbs. The story of how these features came to be as we see them today is complex but fascinating. Interstate State Park is no exception: the story of its formations goes back over a billion years. This makes for an amazing climbing experience as our last challenge of the course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
As you and your group canoe and rock climb, you will gain canoeing skills discover your personal strengths and leadership skills. Throughout this expedition you will participate in activities and challenges that create opportunities to build confidence as you push yourself and others to succeed! You will learn technical skills like paddle strokes, fire building, navigation and leave no trace ethics and at the same time interpersonal skill like communication, problem-solving, responsibility and teamwork. Our founder Kurt Hahn often shared that we teach “through” rather than “for” resulting in students gaining skills that are important for today and last well into the future.
This is an introductory experience in paddling and climbing. Students will travel on the river in two-person canoes, and learn to maneuver their canoe team through Class I or II rapids. Early in course you will learn to steer the canoe with confidence by using the “J”, “Pry”, and “Sweep” strokes as well as communicating with your paddling partner. After lessons basic river travel, students will progress to learning about “reading” currents, anticipating obstacles, scouting rapids, and working as an effective team to negotiate technical portions of the river. Students will also learn about river hydrology, swimming, paddle techniques, camping, and expeditionary travel.
You will camp each night, pitch your tents, cook and talk over an open fire. Part of your experience will include rock climbing where we will teach you proper climbing, and belaying techniques. You and your crew will cheer each other on as each of you scale vertical granite cliffs (securely tied into anchored ropes of course). A solo and service are also components of this expedition.
Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. On your Outward Bound course you will discover what it means when you realize “there is more in you than you think.” We believe when you do, as Hahn stated, “you will be unwilling to settle for less.”
Technical Skills:
- Canoeing and Water Safety
- Map Reading and Navigation
- Paddling Techniques
- Fire Building and Stove Safety
- Rock Climbing and Belaying
Character, Leadership and Service
- Perseverance
- Goal Setting and Achievement
- Effective Communication
- Creative Problem Solving
- Compassionate Collaboration
To apply for this course click the apply button next to the course dates that work for you. The non-refundable application fee of $125 is due at the time of application. For full fee schedule and process, click here. Course tuitions listed do not include our application fee or transportation fee.