This week we have some big wilderness trips in motion! Each camper had the opportunity to choose which of the six trips they wanted to sign up for. The first trip left on Monday and the fifth trip left this morning (Tuesday). We had no takers for the three-day trip this week, which is very impressive – five and four-day trips only! Everybody will return on Friday afternoon to share their tales from the trails but we won’t leave you hanging that long! Keep reading to discover which adventures our Birchwood boys have set out for this week.

Canadian Fishing – 5-Day Trip

This trip is led by Birchwood counselors, Gatsby (left) and Ghost right), with Senior Leadership Campers – Brooks (second from left), Declan (third from right), and Ethan (second from right).

This trip is quickly becoming a favorite among our campers who are nuts about fishing after hearing previous tales of catching monster fish and eating the catch-of-the-day for supper each night! These gents will paddle several lakes of the Crownlands in hopes of catching the big one! They’ll even celebrate a birthday on trail – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ETHAN!

Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 1)

Voyageur Highway One – 5-Day Trip

This trip is led by counselors Puddin’ (left) and Dragon (right).

A classic route – half of these campers have been on this route before and half are brand new to it but it’s a camp favorite for a reason! This is a route that French Canadian voyageurs would’ve traveled as a trade route with the Ojibwe people of this land. The segment they are paddling spans from Ely, MN (where they began) to camp (where they’ll end), totaling around 40 miles with lots of fun landmarks in between like Dorothy Molter’s island and Benny Ambrose’s old foundations. Google those names for some fun local stories.

Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 2)

Hike and Bike – 4-Day Trip

This trip is led by counselors Nairo (back left) and Duke (back right), with Senior Leadership Camper – Joel (back row, second from left). The boys were taken to the boat landing by Stryde (back row, third from left)

These ambitious campers are headed to the north shore of Lake Superior to do some hiking, biking, and base camping! We love this trip because it allows our campers to get out of the canoes and try their hand at some other skills. Campers love this trip because they get to do some more serious cooking with the Dutch oven! Big meals and an even bigger adventure!

Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 5)

Seagull Climb – 4-Day Trip

This group is guided by counselors Frizzle (left), Hercules (right), and Lobo (front left) with Senior Leadership Campers – Malachi (back row, second from right) and Raymond (front right).

The climbing group will be enjoying a scenic paddle deep into the infamous Seagull Lake to climb the Little Palisades. If you’ve never heard of the Little Palisades, take a look at the photo below! This photo was taken from the top of Little Palisades. This is a spot we frequently rock-climb, hike, and have lunch with campers throughout the summer.

On top of climbing, this group of campers plans to paddle even further into the BWCA, beyond their climbing spot, and camp on Alpine Lake for one night! We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/65CZR (Birchwood 7)

Rose Lake Mini Grand – 4-Day Trip

This group is guided by Hemi (right), Frosty (left), and Mac (front left).

Often coveted as the most beautiful lake in the Boundary Waters, Rose Lake is home to a stunning waterfall and picturesque bluffs! These gents are headed there via the Duncan Lake entry point with the goal of spending some time enjoying the amenities of Rose Lake and continuing onto the mini grand portage by Wednesday or Thursday. This is a two-mile portage from Rose Lake into Rove Lake. If you’re not familiar with portaging, a two-mile portage is a challenge! We know our boys can do it!

Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/65CZR (Birchwood 4)

As our campers set their sights on adventure, let’s send them off with wishes of good fishing and even better company! May lifelong friendships be forged and a stronger sense of self be discovered! We’re also putting in a special order for some sunshine for these boys!

Happy Trails,

Ashley, Director