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Canoeing

Introductory BWCA Sessions
Entering grades 7- 9

Ideal for first-time campers looking for an introduction to the Widji experience and the Boundary Waters Canoe area.  Campers will learn the basic skills of canoeing, camping, and navigation in a fun and supportive environment.
A typical Intro trail group consists of two Widji Trail Counselors and four campers, with a maximum group size of up to six campers.  After two to three days of training and orientation at Widji, groups hit the trail for six to ten days in the BWCA.  
All campers are expected to pitch in and do their share of the work, carrying packs and tents across portages which may be up to a mile long!

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available

Updated 4/4/2008

BWCA Sessions

Entering grades 8-11

These canoe adventures, the mainstay of Widji’s canoe program, are our most popular trips—perfect for excited, first-time campers as well as seasoned canoeists.  Each group of five campers is under the leadership of one Widji Trail Counselor.  Over the course of the trip a group may travel 60-140 miles through the heart of the Boundary Waters, learning and refining their paddling and camping skills along the way.

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available
Updated 4/4/2008

Quetico Sessions
Entering grades 9-11

The pristine lakes and remote wilderness trails of Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park provide challenge and adventure for experienced campers.  Trail groups travel deep into the heart of the Quetico and learn the basics of expedition style canoe tripping. 
One Widji counselor provides leadership for up to five campers.  In the Quetico the portages are not as frequently traveled as those in the BWCA, there are no designated campsites, and it is generally less populated.

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available
Updated 4/4/2008

Backpacking

Isle Royale
Entering grades 7-8

Isle Royale, a National Park in the midst of Lake Superior’s cold clear waters, offers a fantastic introduction to backpacking.  After a few days at Widji, groups embark on a three-hour ferry ride to reach Isle Royale, where they spend five to six days hiking.  Moose and foxes are commonly sited, and occasionally wolf howls can be heard!

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available

Superior Hiking Trail
Entering grades 7-8

Groups spend five to six days hiking along the north shore of Lake Superior.  Campers enjoy panoramic views of the big lake and the Sawtooth Mountains.  The hiking is along well maintained trails, and each night the group camps at a designated backcountry campsite.

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available
Updated 4/4/2008

Bighorn Mountain Sessions
Entering grades 8-10

The Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming offer an excellent introduction to mountain backpacking for confident first-time or experienced backpackers.  After a few days of training at Widji, groups drive by van for two days to the Bighorns, near Buffalo, in north central Wyoming.  Campers spend approximately eight days hiking at elevations of 8,000-10,000 feet. 
Two Widji Trail Counselors share the leadership for each Bighorn group of four to six campers.  Groups must be prepared for a variety of weather, including the occasional snow shower!

* Open: More than three spots available
* Limited: Three or fewer spots available
* Full: No spots available

Rocky Mountain Sessions
Entering grades 9-12

The Rocky Mountain sessions are ideal for experienced campers looking for a fun challenge.  After training and orientation at Widji, groups travel for two days by van to either the Absaroka Mountains or the Spanish Peak Range of southwestern Montana.  Both mountain ranges offer excellent alpine backpacking terrain, providing many opportunities for campers to hike above the treeline.
Two Widji trail counselors share the leadership for each Rocky Mountain group of four to six campers.

Cancellation Policy

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YMCA Camp Widjiwagan • 2125 East Hennepin Avenue, Suite 150 • Minneapolis, MN 55413
651-645-6605 • Fax 651-646-5521

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dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.