YMCA Teen Wilderness BWCAW Update

The U.S. Forest Service has closed all Boundary Waters entry points because of active wildfires and extreme fire conditions.

Quetico routes are also expected to be impacted.

Because of these closures, we cannot safely begin wilderness trips as planned for Widjiwagan: Intro to Canoeing, BWCAW, and Quetico. Menogyn: BWCAW 12 days, BWCAW 5 days, Border Route Backpacking 5 Day.

We want to make the best decision and take all necessary precautions for the safety of all campers and staff. We are evaluating housing, staffing, transportation, food service, and alternative programming. We don't yet have enough information to promise what that experience would look like, so we believe delaying travel is the most responsible decision. 

We are actively evaluating several options:  

• Delay departures and launch abbreviated wilderness trips if conditions improve.
• Offer comparable wilderness trips later this summer.
• Explore other program opportunities where capacity exists across the Y
• If we cannot provide an appropriate program, we'll communicate options regarding fees after we've had time to fully assess the situation.

Yes. Campers currently on trail are safe. The Forest Service has directed all visitors to exit the Boundary Waters. Our trail leaders will be coordinating those exits, and Camp staff are supporting transportation and logistics. 

Before every trip departs, our leadership team reviews the latest information from our land agencies partners such has the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Ontario Parks (when applicable), the National Weather Service, and other management partners.

Once trips are on trail, our wilderness leaders are trained to communicate with camp through satellite communication devices and receive updates whenever conditions change. Our base leadership team continuously monitors wildfire activity, fire behavior, weather forecasts, air quality, and any changes to land management restrictions throughout the duration of every session.

If conditions change, our leadership team evaluates whether adjustments to routes, travel plans, or itineraries are appropriate. We do not wait for an emergency to begin planning.

There is not a single air quality number that automatically triggers an evacuation. Instead, we evaluate multiple factors together, including:

• Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and observed conditions  
• Visibility and smoke impacts where groups are traveling  
• Current and forecasted fire behavior  
• Wind direction and expected weather changes  
• Guidance from public land management agencies  
• The health and well-being of campers and staff  

When smoke becomes significant, leaders reduce physical exertion, increase hydration and rest breaks, modify travel plans, or move groups to areas with better conditions whenever possible. 

If an evacuation becomes necessary, camp leadership coordinates directly with our trail groups to determine the safest course of action. Depending on a group's location, evacuation may involve traveling to the nearest designated entry point, where camp vehicles and staff are positioned to meet them. Or if necessary, coordinating with companies using addition resources such as planes or helicopters

Because groups travel throughout a large wilderness, evacuation times vary. Some groups may reach an exit point within a few hours, while others could require a full day or longer to safely travel to the nearest access point. Our planning accounts for these differences, and we maintain communication with leaders throughout the process whenever possible. 

If conditions change in a way that affects your camper's trip, we will communicate directly with families as soon as accurate information is available and we prioritize supporting groups in the field. Depending on the situation, updates may be delayed but families should expect emails or phone calls.  

During normal wilderness travel, campers do not communicate directly with home. This allows them to fully engage in the wilderness experience while our staff maintain communication with camp through satellite devices. If camp leadership becomes aware of any situation affecting your camper's safety, we will contact you directly. 

In response to current wildfire activity, we have strengthened our already robust risk management practices by:

• Increasing the frequency of wildfire and weather monitoring.  
• Conducting daily reviews of fire activity with camp leadership.  
• Reviewing alternate routes and evacuation options before every departure.  
• Maintaining close communication with public land management agencies.  
• Each group has a satellite phone.  
• Preparing contingency plans should trips need to be relocated, shortened, or modified.  
• Delaying or adjusting trip departures when conditions warrant additional evaluation.  

Current impacts depend on active land management restrictions and wildfire activity. 

At this time: 

• Trips scheduled to travel within areas affected by official closures or restrictions may be delayed, rerouted, relocated, or modified.  
• Families with campers in impacted sessions will receive direct communication from Widji leadership regarding available options and next steps.  
• Sessions traveling outside impacted areas continue to be evaluated individually based on current conditions.  

Because wildfire conditions can change rapidly, decisions are made using the most current information available in coordination with public land management agencies. 

Currently, our Arctic trips (for Widji- Voyageurs/Mountaineers | Menogyn- Arctic backpacking and Canoeing) are not impacted. Our Explorer sessions ending on 7/24, are remaining on trail and we are re-routing to avoid fire activity.

Some of the Menogyn Canoe Nor'wester trips are being impacted and camp is communicating directly with these families.

We're working continuously with public land managers and our leadership team. Families will receive another update as soon as we have meaningful new information to share. If you would like to speak with our Customer Service Center, please contact them here.