Spring Training

Meet twice before your trip to learn new skills in camping, canoeing, portaging, navigation, and wilderness living. Grow in confidence and humility as we step out of our comfort zones.

Camper Conversation

Upon registration your trip:
Each camper will have a conversation with the guide one-on-one. We will also go over the Wilderness Living Commitment.

Spring Training - Session 1

One month before your trip:
Learn and practice lifting, transferring, and loading portage packs and canoes.
Become familiar with navigation, Leave No Trace, and wilderness living.

Packing Party - Session 2

One to two days before your trip:
Learn to set up tents and bedding, pack up the personal packs with your clothes for the trip,
and learn backcountry hygiene including dish and hand washing in the wilderness.

Water Training - Session 3

The first night of your trip:
Get on and in the water to practice canoeing skills and test your portaging skills in the North Woods.
Run through setting up camp, cooking, and dishwashing at our first campsite.

Basic Skills

All campers will learn to:

Carry a portage pack
Bridge a canoe
3-person flip a canoe
Assist in meal prep and do dishes
Power-stroke with feathering
Tell time and direction by the sun
Gather dead, downed, and dry firewood
Help hold ropes for a bear pack
Fill buckets of water from lake
Set up tent and sleeping bags
Use the latrine without falling in

Intermediate Skills

Most campers will learn to:

Load and unload packs
Portage a canoe with breaks
2-person flip a canoe
Move pots on/off the fire
Draw, pry, and backstroke
Locate campsites and portages
Build a fire in dry conditions
Throw the rope for a bear pack
Determine where to gather water
Set up and organize the kitchen
Feel open to using the woods as a bathroom

Advanced Skills

Some campers will learn to:

Load/unload canoe in all settings
Portage a canoe over obstacles
1-person flip a canoe
Cook safely over the camp stove
Steer using a C-stroke and J-stroke
Navigate with map and compass
Build a fire in wet conditions
Find where to hang a bear pack
Manage the water purification
Oversee the set up of a safe camp
Use the woods anytime, anywhere

Keeping it real…

A struggle: It can be hard to remember all the new terminology, the ways of living on trail, or how to care for the gear. But we will circle back to each topic on trail and that is when each person will likely learn it best. Keep learning!

A temptation: Thinking Boundary Waters camping is like car camping or going to a National Park can lead to misunderstandings. It is important to soak up the new information, try the new skills, and come with an open mind.

A hope: From the time people try a 3-person canoe flip to successfully setting up a tent, morale, confidence, and excitement grow and prepare us for our trip. Consider Spring Training as important as the first portage.