Register for Camp Widjiwagan

5 days | Grade 6

This five–day experience is a great way to introduce eager campers to canoe and camping skills, as well as the tradition and history of Widji and the BWCAW. Campers will spend two days getting ready for an overnight camping trip that will happen on the third night. They will return for the Closing Celebration on night four. Campers will get a sense of what “trail life” is like on their short canoe trip to a nearby campsite and build friendships with their fellow Pathfinders and two Widji counselors.

9 days | Grades 7–8

These trips are ideal for first–time campers looking for an introduction to the Widji experience and the Boundary Waters. 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 to six campers. Although canoeing and portaging can be demanding, working as a team allows campers to accomplish a lot more together than they could as individuals. 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!

12 days | Grades 7–8

These trips are ideal for first–time campers looking for an introduction to the Widji experience and the Boundary Waters. 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 to six campers. Although canoeing and portaging can be demanding, working as a team allows campers to accomplish a lot more together than they could as individuals. 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!

12 days | Grades 8–10

These canoe adventures, are our most popular trips – perfect for excited first–time campers as well as seasoned canoeists. Each group of between four and six 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 Canoe Area Wilderness, learning and refining their paddling and camping skills along the way.

TIER II

9 days | Grades 8–10

Tier Two trail groups of four to six campers and two counselors will travel into the BWCAW for 9–12 days. BOLD GOLD trail groups intentionally bring together campers from many different backgrounds to explore leadership with a focus on building courage, emotional intelligence, confidence, community awareness, and a sense of wonder for the natural environment.

TIER II

12 days | Grades 8–10

Tier Two trail groups of four to six campers and two counselors will travel into the BWCAW for 9–12 days. BOLD GOLD trail groups intentionally bring together campers from many different backgrounds to explore leadership with a focus on building courage, emotional intelligence, confidence, community awareness, and a sense of wonder for the natural environment.

TIER III

16 days | Grades 9–12

Tier Three trail groups of four to six campers and two counselors will travel into the BWCAW for 16 days. BOLD GOLD trail groups intentionally bring together campers from many different backgrounds to explore leadership with a focus on building courage, emotional intelligence, confidence, community awareness, and a sense of wonder for the natural environment.

16 days | Grades 9–12

The rugged portages, generally less populated campsites, and pristine lakes of Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park provide challenge and adventure for experienced campers. Trail groups of four to six campers and one counselor travel deep into the heart of the Quetico. Campers will refine their technical skills and learn the basics of expedition-style canoe tripping.

Quetico campers are required to have a valid passport.

12 days | Grades 7–8

Groups of four campers and two counselors will spend three days at Widji prepping to spend five to six days hiking along the south shore of Lake Superior through one of the largest wilderness areas of the Midwest. Campers will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior, stunning waterfalls and fun times with their group mates. Groups will hike along well maintained trails and spend each night at a different back–country campsite.

19 days | Grades 8–10

The Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming offer an excellent introduction to mountain backpacking for confident first–time or experienced backpackers. After three days of preparation at Widji, groups of four campers and two counselors drive for two days by van to Bighorn National Forest in north central Wyoming. Campers spend approximately eight days hiking at elevations of 8,000–10,000 feet and experience the beauty and majesty of the western mountains.

19 days | Grades 9–12

The rugged yet beautiful terrain of the Absaroka Mountains and the Spanish Peak Range of southwestern Montana offer experienced campers a fun challenge and the opportunity to hone their skills in pristine, mountain wilderness areas. After training and orientation at Widji, groups of four to six campers and one counselor will travel for two days by van to reach their destination. Both mountain ranges offer excellent alpine backpacking terrain with many opportunities for campers to hike above tree line and off trail, as well as have a great adventure!