When a group decides to partake on a BWCAW adventure we begin by having an informative gathering. I will describe to the group and or group leader what is involved and what to expect. I will explain the entire trip start to finish. I typically like to plan for a four-day trip, unless everyone in the party is certain they would like to stay longer. I prefer a minimum of four days because it is a great distance to travel, it takes time and effort to venture in to where we make camp and it takes time for people to get to know one another and share some experiences

I will give each participant a checklist of things to pack and what not to pack. I will need everyone’s belongings at least two days before departure so that I can distribute all of the gear evenly into waterproof packs along with the rest of the gear and food. I will have all of the food pre packed so I need to be aware of any special needs long in advance. Fish is part of the menu although I do not expect everyone will want to eat it. There is a chance that fish may be difficult to catch. Breakfast is typically pancakes, oatmeal, bagels, hot cocoa and water. Lunch will likely be trail mix, granola bars, jerky or summer sausage, and koolaide. Dinner includes Pasta, rice, potatoes, temperature stable meats or fish with onion and batter and choice of beverage. These meals are typical but not exclusive, I am open to suggestions. There will be plenty to eat. Please do not pack any other food without informing me. There are certain things not recommended and all food needs to be properly contained and stored. There may be a special meat entree the first night in, after that it is difficult to keep anything cool so we are limited to non-perishable items only.

We will depart from a determined destination early on the first morning. Eat a healthy breakfast at home so you will have ample energy until lunchtime. If you would like to bring a small amount of cash for an unscheduled stop for food snacks or entertainment on the way to or from, feel free. It is not difficult to persuade me to stop for a burger and milk shake. Be dressed for the outdoors since we will not have access to our personal bags until we reach our campsite. Be aware of the weather forecast and be versatile to add or subtract light layers. We will arrive at our entry point and begin our adventure by midday. By evening we will be at our campsite. Everyone will be assigned to a team, and each team to a canoe and a certain amount of gear that you will be responsible for. You should expect to walk across a number of portage trails carrying a portion of the gear and or a canoe (optional, only if you feel comfortable.) You will have to assist in paddling your canoe in cooperation with your team and with direction and supervision of a chaperone. Depending on our destination these tasks could be challenging for some, but easily accomplished with teamwork.

No experience is necessary; you will be patiently coached and assisted. If there are any concerns ahead of time, I would be happy to consult, advise, or help prepare an individual or the whole group as needed. Once we reach camp, each team will help set up camp, pitch their tent, set up sleeping arrangements, and assist with dinner preparations, and clean up. I will have everything that we will need packed in advance, including watercrafts, paddles, life vests, tents, sleeping bags, food, cooking gear (we will use open fire to cook if the conditions allow), eating and drinking utensils, water filtration devices, first aid kit, fishing gear, bug repellant, and many other items to make camping easy and fun. We will be roughing it but that does not mean it will be uncomfortable, accept some potentially sore muscles. Please alert me to anything that I should know far enough in advance so that I can thoroughly prepare.

I have been visiting this area for close to twenty years. I know the terrain very well and have a great deal of experience. I have never seen anyone get injured, tip a canoe or meet any challenge that was unsurpassable. I am a very patient, qualified, and thorough teacher. Everyone will learn how to canoe safely, learn all about the set up and maintenance of camp, how to catch and clean fish (conditions permitting), cooking and cleaning, and basic wilderness survival skills. There is a lot of flora and fauna as well as wildlife to observe and inquire about. Working together as a team will require respect, cooperation, and communication. I hope we all build some lasting friendships. The teams that are pre-determined are encouraged to rotate continuously with each other and with the chaperones after the camp is established.

Each day the whole group will have breakfast together following some optional calisthenics. Daily activities will range from swimming, hiking, nature watching, exploring, fishing, resting, reading, and anything else you enjoy either at camp or out and about. Everything will be done with chaperones and teams. Destinations and check in times will always be established for safety. We will all dine together and help settle camp for the evening. This will be a time with permission from all participants and leaders for sharing in a bible study, devotions, talking openly about faith, sharing testimonies and life experiences, and getting to know each other. People will respectfully have the option of participating, listening, or excusing themselves. I would love to sing as a group if anyone has the talent to lead. It is so easy to relax and be ourselves. With the glow of the campfire, billions of stars overhead, and the serenade of loons, this is the place enjoy laughter and honesty with a bunch of friends and God. This experience has the potential to have some lasting positive effects on all of us. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity, it is definitely rewarding.