By Raelynn Schuety
A Student-Driven Ecology Expedition in the BWCA—Scholarships Now Available
What does it take to set a student on the path to becoming a naturalist, ecologist, or future forest service leader? Sometimes, it’s one extraordinary week in the wilderness.
Wolf Ridge STEM Coordinator Charlie Pavlisich designed a camp specifically for high school students with a deep interest in ecology—a student-driven field course that takes place both on the Wolf Ridge campus and deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Unlike traditional trips that focus on covering distance, this 8-day experience is about slowing down, observing, and digging into real field ecology. Last year, students explored ferns, lichens, and wetland ecosystems—asking questions, recording data, and learning how to see the forest with new eyes.
One of the most powerful moments came from a student from Chicago, a high school senior who had never camped before. At the end of the week, they wrote in a reflection:
“August 8th was the first day of the rest of my life as a Naturalist.”
“I learned to take a moment and understand, and take things in instead of rushing through life—and to ask questions to understand and enjoy your life.”
That’s exactly why this program exists.
With the right experience, students can find clarity about who they are and who they want to become. And this year, Wolf Ridge is thrilled to offer thousands of dollars in scholarships to make sure cost isn’t a barrier. No prior camp experience is required—just a love of nature and a willingness to learn.
If you’re a teacher, counselor, or parent who knows a student who might thrive on this kind of experience, please help us get the word out.
Questions? Reach out to Charlie at charlie.pavlisich@wolf-ridge.org
Let’s inspire the next generation of environmental leaders—starting this summer in the Northwoods.
