Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Adventurers
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02, 2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
Sign up for Adventurers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8-9
Embark on a True Wilderness Adventure: Build Outdoor Skills and Confidence at Wolf Ridge!
Putting outdoor skills to the test in real-world adventures. Adventurers build their skills and knowledge, taking outdoor exploration and personal growth to new heights. This camp is designed to deepen campers’ connection to nature, focusing on applying what they’ve learned about the environment and history to real-world outdoor experiences. Campers will embark on a day-long canoe trip, learning canoeing techniques, practicing ‘Leave No Trace,’ and immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Lake Superior. Through teamwork, outdoor challenges, and learning to respect and coexist with nature, campers will gain confidence, make lasting friendships, and leave with a stronger appreciation for the world around them.
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Discoverers
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02, 2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Sign up for Discoverers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4-5
Experience Nature’s Wonders at Discovery Camp – Perfect for First-Time Adventurers!
A foundation for building confidence and outdoor skills. Discoverers is the perfect introduction to the classic Wolf Ridge Camp experience, blending outdoor exploration with environmental stewardship. Designed for first-time campers, this program fosters independence and builds confidence while encouraging a deeper connection to nature. Campers will learn how to be comfortable and self-reliant outdoors while developing naturalist skills that help them observe and engage with the environment. Activities include swimming, hiking, group games, participating in our ropes course, exploring our farm, and lots of chances to learn about the plants and animals around us.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Adult Intro to Boundary Waters Wilderness Trip
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10
Register Now
Begin Your Adventure: Introductory Boundary Waters Canoeing Course
Have you been dreaming of exploring the pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes of the Boundary Waters but feel unsure where to start? This introductory course is designed just for you! Join fellow adventurers as you learn the essential skills, techniques, and gear needed for various styles of Boundary Waters trips, followed by hands-on practice in the Wilderness itself.
What You’ll Learn:

Trip Planning Essentials: Discover what to pack for your adventure, including gear selection and meal planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Paddling Techniques: Master the fundamentals of canoeing, including paddling strokes, steering, and teamwork on the water.
Portaging Skills: Learn the ins and outs of portaging—how to safely transport your canoe and gear between lakes, which is a crucial skill for any Boundary Waters trip.
Wilderness Navigation: Gain confidence in navigating the waterways and understanding the natural environment around you.

Hands-On Experience:
This course culminates in a practical adventure in the Boundary Waters, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a supportive environment led by a knowledgeable Wolf Ridge Naturalist. You’ll not only build your skills but also create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country.
Join us for this transformative experience, and get ready to take your friends and family back into the heart of the Wilderness with confidence!
Register Now

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Paddling
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24
Register for BWCAW Canoe Paddling
Explore Wilderness Trips
For students entering grades 9-12
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Paddle, Explore, and Grow: Teen Wilderness Adventure in the Boundary Waters
Give your high schooler an unforgettable wilderness experience in the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over the course of two weeks, participants will embark on a paddling journey …. they’ll bond with fellow adventurers while gaining invaluable outdoor skills.
During their time on the trail, your young explorer will learn essential wilderness skills such as bird and tree identification, camp cooking, and backcountry survival techniques. The adventure doesn’t stop there—while on Wolf Ridge’s campus, they’ll enjoy classic activities like the adventure ropes course, wild edibles foraging, and hands-on geology lessons.
This is more than just paddling—it’s an opportunity for your teen to build confidence, develop leadership, and create lifelong memories in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas of the country. Wolf Ridge provides all the necessary gear, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for your child.

Intro to Canoeing
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
Register for Intro to Canoeing
For students entering grades 8 – 9
All gear provided!
Discover the Great Outdoors: One-Week Introductory Canoe Camp
Give your explorer an adventure of a lifetime with our one-week camp session in Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness! This breathtaking destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect setting for young adventurers to embark on their wilderness journey.
Our introductory canoe trip is designed to help campers develop essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep connection to nature. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your camper will learn to paddle and portage through vast forests and pristine lakes, all while immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife and camping at remote, tranquil sites.
This experience not only cultivates outdoor skills but also instills confidence and independence, allowing campers to thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable journey into one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes!

Intro to Backpacking Trip
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Intro to Backpacking
Entering grades 8-9
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Explore, Learn, and Thrive on Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail?
Give your teen the opportunity to explore the wonders of Minnesota’s legendary Superior Hiking Trail with our one-week introductory camp session! Spanning 300 miles from Duluth to just south of the Canadian border, this remarkable footpath offers campers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Our backpacking trip is thoughtfully designed to help young adventurers build essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness. With experienced guides leading the way, your camper will trek through expansive forests and serene lakes, encounter diverse wildlife, and camp at remote, peaceful sites.
Not only will this journey cultivate practical outdoor skills, but it will also instill confidence and independence as campers learn to navigate and thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable experience in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful landscapes!

Intro to Canoeing
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-14
Register for Intro to Canoeing
For students entering grades 8 – 9
All gear provided!
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Discover the Great Outdoors: One-Week Introductory Canoe Camp
Give your explorer an adventure of a lifetime with our one-week camp session in Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness! This breathtaking destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect setting for young adventurers to embark on their wilderness journey.
Our introductory canoe trip is designed to help campers develop essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep connection to nature. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your camper will learn to paddle and portage through vast forests and pristine lakes, all while immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife and camping at remote, tranquil sites.
This experience not only cultivates outdoor skills but also instills confidence and independence, allowing campers to thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable journey into one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes!
