By Wolf Ridge Naturalist
What is BWCA Intro to Canoeing?
An Accessible Wilderness Trip for Students in Grades 8-9
Like all trips at Wolf Ridge, Intro to Canoeing approaches tripping in an innovative, accessible, and exciting way. While there is space for skill-building and challenge, there is just as much room for exploration, rest, and even base camping. Participants ultimately help set the tone.
Whether you’re hoping to push your limits or simply soak in the stillness of the Boundary Waters, your experience is shaped by what you’re looking for. As Trip Leaders, we meet you there—and help guide the journey.
A Week in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Canoeing, Portaging, and Exploring the BWCA
As a recent Trip Leader with Wolf Ridge ELC, I found the one-week trip especially inspiring. Last summer, I set out with five students—only two of whom had previously been to the BWCA.
With such a wide range of experience levels and interests, we decided to embrace every opportunity that came our way.
Activities That Build Skills and Confidence
That meant saying yes to all the “side quests” we could imagine: tracking moose, tackling steep portages, supporting one another through challenges, and finding joy in the small moments.
From stargazing and storytelling to intense cribbage tournaments, fishing, whittling, paddling through big waves, and watching sunsets stretch across endless water and islands—we did it all.
Growth and Leadership on a BWCA Canoe Trip
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
“After leading a variety of overnights, this group truly amazed me.
The youngest participant had never been to the BWCA and didn’t know anyone before the trip. Yet he jumped in with remarkable tenacity and openness.” –Maleah Upton, Wolf Ridge Trip Leader
A Student Story:
Curiosity, Resilience, and Leadership
That student, Trestian, quickly became a leader grounded in awe and curiosity.
He challenged himself constantly—climbing trees, exploring shorelines, and embracing discomfort with resilience. He supported others, encouraged curiosity, and approached every experience with enthusiasm.
Trestian also happened to dominate our fishing outings and cribbage games—sometimes playing into the late hours of the night or even swimming out to retrieve tangled fishing lines.
But beyond the victories, what stood out most was his willingness to try everything headfirst, even when it was entirely new. That spirit became contagious, shaping the tone of the entire group.
Community in the Wilderness
By the end of my time with this crew, we had a plethora of inside jokes and stories, and even more importantly, a close-knit community of Boundary Waters trippers who plan to come back again and again.
Why Choose a BWCA Canoe Trip for Teens?
As a Trip Leader—and as someone who came to tripping later myself—experiences like this are what ground me. Helping students discover their strength, curiosity, and connection to the outdoors is deeply meaningful.
Why Students Return to Wolf Ridge
Watching someone like Trestian grow through this experience reminds me why I keep coming back: for the wilderness, for the community, and for the chance to help others fall in love with both.
Secure Your Spot This Summer
Don’t miss your chance to experience the Boundary Waters through our Intro to Canoeing program. With only a limited number of spots available, sessions fill quickly.
Two sessions available:
July 26 – 31, 2026
August 9 – 14, 2026
Give your student the opportunity to build confidence, develop outdoor skills, and create unforgettable memories in one of Minnesota’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Register soon to guarantee your place.
Scholarship Funding is Available for a Limited Time!
Summer Academic Enrichment Program (Minnesota Office of Higher Education)
Minnesota students in grades 3–11 who qualify for free or reduced lunch may receive up to $1,000 for eligible academic camps.
Priority deadline: April 15th
Youth Summer Camp Scholarship
Covers 10%–70% of camp costs for families who demonstrate financial need.
Priority deadline: May 1st
Minnesota Education Tax Credit
Families may be eligible to receive a tax credit for the cost of education and instruction associated with Wolf Ridge Camp.