Looking for a challenge? How about a wilderness canoe trip in the vast and historic Canadian lake country? Paddle back in time. Live the life of a Voyageur! Your adventure begins with pre-trip planning in Ely, Minnesota, gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This training will stress skills and safety. You will be introduced to all the packing, paddling and portaging skills that you will need and come to master during your canoe trip. The BWCAW is a rugged wilderness of lakes and streams connected by trails called portages. By canoeing the waterways and carrying your gear over the portage trails, you will complete a circle route, camping on a different lake each night. Two hundred years ago, French Canadian voyageurs canoed on these same lakes and carried trade goods over these same portages. With their birch bark canoes and colorful clothing, the voyageur paddled and sang their way into the pages of history. On this canoe trip, you will cook over an open fire, sleep in back country tents and, with the help of your guide, learn to love the challenge of wilderness travel. Each day will bring new thrills and adventures. You may see Native American pictographs, spot a moose or watch the Northern Lights dance to the cry of the loon. At trip’s end, when you return to base, your Voyageur Brigade will compete with others to spin the best tale, do the best dance and win the competition on the Voyageur Rendezvous. Location: Base Camp (Ely, Minnesota) for skills training. Canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness along the Minnesota-Canadian border. Culmination and celebration at base camp. Event Fee: Session 1 and 2 - $700 (in-council $350); Session 3 - $800 (in-council - $400); international participants, $700. Point of arrival and departure: Hibbing or Grand Rapids, Minnesota Group Size: 42 for each session including six from Land of Lakes and seven international participants). Requirements: Be ages 13-15 for sessions 1 and 2; be ages 15-17 or a graduating senior for session 3; provide two references; have a council interview. Special Equipment: light-weight sleeping bag, rain gear (pants and jacket), sturdy boots, official Girl Scout uniform T-shirt or uniform for travel. Please note: Wider opportunities are incredibly popular and space is limited, so not every girl will get her first choice and some may not be accepted at all. Girls can always apply again the following year. Good luck! Your adventure waits! |
