Events and Activities : Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek July 23-30th

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota
Fontana Training Day: July 20th, 4PM - 9PM (mandatory)
Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd - 30th
Ages 14-18; Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth.
Pre-registration required.
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes a $100 deposit - final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraphs) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means. Please send to Sondra Cabell at scabell@co.buchanan.ia.us. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Association of Naturalists - ($50-$500 amounts while available)
• Friends of Fontana Park - 2 @ $250 - Available to those who participated in River Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250