Canoeing

Spring semester students begin their travel by “ice canoeing.” They learn a variety of skills for traversing a landscape that is literally melting away below their feet. A truly unique paddling opportunity, students witness and interact with the changing seasons as the northern winter melts into spring. The group navigates the Boundary Waters by pulling and pushing their boats like sleds over thick sheets of ice stretching across the wilderness in all directions. As temperatures warm and the ice melts, students paddle narrow channels between shattered ice sheets, eventually paddling on open water.

Summer and fall semester students begin their expedition on open lakes. Participants complete an extended canoe expedition that is entirely self-supported. This means that the group brings all of the food and gear that they need in order to live in the backcountry for three weeks. Expert Instructors teach the art of paddling a canoe in a variety of conditions, as well as map and compass reading, route finding and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Groups navigate a variety of waterways such as lakes, rivers and marshland, enjoying the pristine air, water and forests of the untouched wilderness. Working as a team, students carry packs and canoes over portage trails that bridge the land between bodies of water or to get safely around challenging rapids. Traveling by canoe allows groups to go far past where motorboats operate. Once there, it is possible to quietly observe all the wonders around them, like bald eagles, moose and peaceful sunsets on mirror-calm lakes.

Rock Climbing

On scenic granite cliffs near the Boundary Waters wilderness, semester students enjoy one day of rock climbing and rappelling in the middle of their expedition. A second climbing day happens at the end of the expedition at Shovel Point, a stunning cliff face on the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. These 50 to 100-foot cliffs offer a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing and rappelling background, everyone is sure to find challenge and success.

Backpacking

The crew works together to carry everything they need in large backpacks while hiking from campsite to campsite through Minnesota’s boreal forest. Students hike 5 to 10 miles each day, depending on terrain. Groups tend to camp near pristine rivers and lakes each evening to have access to water. Students learn how to filter and purify their water for drinking and cooking, prepare meals over a fire or stove, set up shelters and navigate with a map and compass.

Whitewater Canoeing and Kayaking

One day of whitewater canoeing and a half-day of whitewater kayaking add to the excitement and breadth of the expedition experience. Students learn how to “read” water and trust themselves to make split-second decisions in order to determine the best routes through the rushing waves. Students increase their skill and knowledge of whitewater paddling, progressing from maneuvering in small currents to more challenging rapids (up to Class III). Emphasis is placed on boat control, safety and enjoying the thrill of whitewater paddling.

High Ropes Course

Looking out over the top of the boreal forest and located 30 feet in the air, the high ropes course is incredible. Students swing from Tarzan ropes, walk on tightrope wires and climb a cargo net before jumping on the zip line for an exhilarating ride back to solid ground.

Service

Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small, daily acts of service to the environment and the expedition team to the post-expedition service-learning projects, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics - leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team including preparing and serving meals, helping others put on or take off packs, or setting up shelters for the entire team. After the expedition, students participate in two days of organized service to the community. These projects are designed to offer as much interaction with local communities as possible, as a way of exchanging cultural awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the larger world. The specific type of service project depends on local needs and opportunities but often include serving at a local food shelf, CSA farm, or Habitat for Humanity

Course Area

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

Established in 1964, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a labyrinth of lakes and rocks that has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness. No roads, power lines or motorized craft may enter its borders. Therefore, the Boundary Waters has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago.

Over 1 million acres in size, the BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Minnesota/Canadian border. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites and more than 1,000 lakes and streams, the BWCAW is an amazing place to experience the wilderness. It contains portage-linked lakes and streams, interspersed with islands, forests and ancient granite crags, offering outstanding opportunities for world-class paddling, solitude, remoteness, teamwork, adventure and challenge. It is also home to a healthy diversity of plant and animal life including massive white pine and cedar groves, black bear, timber wolves, bald eagles and river otter. The Boundary Waters has no piped water, prepared shelters or signs to point the way. Within these borders you can canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of the French-Canadian Voyageurs of 200 years ago. The Boundary Waters' paddling routes offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, remoteness, teamwork, adventure and challenge.