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Home , Canoe, Mountaineering boot

Spring 2018

Dear Participants, Troop Leaders, Parents, and Guardians,

Welcome to the Boundary Waters! We are glad that you have chosen the Northern Base for a summer experience. The staff at the canoe base work hard to create a warm and caring atmosphere where participants make new friends and gain courage, confidence, and character. The Girl Scout Promise and Law are the foundation of the program.

As you look forward to your canoe trip, the following pages will help you prepare. Please take time to read through it thoroughly, so you and your daughter are prepared. Included is a check list to help you track everything to do in preparation for a wonderful canoeing adventure from arrival to departure.

We have over 50 years of experience in providing safe, fun wilderness trips that are cherished for a lifetime to girls who have a wide variety of physical abilities and needs. After reading this packet carefully, please contact us with any concerns you have about your daughter, so we can develop strategies for making her trip a success. You can reach us at [email protected] or 320 252-2952.

In the Spirit of Adventure,

Melissa Garza Director of Program Property & Member Support

Ann McNally Northern Lakes Canoe Base Director

Canoe Trip Checklist

All forms are due four weeks before the trip starts. We’ve made it easy for you to complete your forms online in your Ultra Camp account; this is the BEST way to make sure we receive all the information we need in a timely manner. If you do not have internet access, please call our office at 320-252-2952 to request paper copies of the required forms.

Leaders of flex trip groups: You may upload your group’s forms to your Ultra Camp account OR mail the hard copies to us. If mailing forms, please collect the completed forms from your girls and mail them together, making sure we receive your packet four weeks before your trip starts. Mailing address for Canoe Base forms: Girl Scouts MN WI Lakes and Pines 424 W Superior St G3 Duluth, MN 55802

Forms for girls/parents to fill out and return:

 Parent/Guardian permission Form

 Participant Agreement

 Health History Form - Requires doctor’s signature! Please consider bringing this packet to your doctor so s/he understands the adventure you are about to go on.

 All About Me Form

 Balance of payment- For girls signing up individually, the balance of your fee is due 4 weeks before your trip to Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines, 400 2nd Ave S, Waite , MN 56387. For flex crews, the balance of your fee is due 8 weeks before your trip.

Forms for girls/parents to read and use in planning for the trip:

 This Packet (Parent )

 Packing List - Follow the list as closely as possible.

Questions - Call 320 252-2952 or [email protected]. During the summer, please also call the canoe base directly anytime: 218-365-6517.

CANOE TRIP INFORMATION We're thrilled that you're coming to join us for a wilderness canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Enclosed are materials to assist you in your pre-trip planning. Please read these materials carefully. Equipment List Please make sure everybody coming on the trip follows the equipment list as closely as possible. We provide , , PFD's (Personal Flotation Devices), BWCAW permits, all in- equipment, tents, packs, food, and gear/mess kits. Bringing appropriate , raingear, sleeping bag, and clothes is key to safety and fun. Arrival/Departure All trips leave from Ely, MN. Meet at the United States Forest Service Office in Ely. This is located at 1393 Hwy 169, Ely, MN 55731. It is 1/4 mile east of Ely on Hwy. 169 across from the International Wolf Center. As you drive through town eastbound, you will see Shopko on your right and Dairy Queen on your left and then the USFS building a few blocks farther east on your left. Arrival time is 1:00 p.m., but know that there is a nice visitor’s center, bathrooms, and a picnic table if you arrive earlier. Drivers will be met by canoe base staff, then caravan 25 minutes east to the Canoe Base where your adventure begins. Girls who are not associated with a flex crew will have the option to say good bye to their parents at the USFS building and ride to the base in the Girl Scout van. Please eat lunch before arrival; orientation and skills workshops begin when you arrive at the Canoe Base. Groups arrive back at the Canoe Base at approximately 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the trip. Parents often wish to see their daughters in and if this is the case, a firm time and directions to the base will be provided to parents when they drop their daughters off. After clean-up and re-packing, the canoeists are ready to leave the canoe base around 3:30. Please let us know if you would prefer us to drive your daughter back to town to meet you at the Forest Service building at 4pm and we can do that. If you plan to stay in the Ely, the Ely Chamber of Commerce can be of help for more specific information: www.ely.org. There is a large campground at Fall and several hotels in town. Arrival Day On your arrival there will be a general welcome and information session. Then your afternoon will be busy with a variety of workshops covering canoe handling, , and portaging. To comply with GSUSA guidelines, all participants will be required to demonstrate ability and ability to handle an overturned canoe. Even after the demonstration, all participants will still be required to wear PFDs whenever they are in a canoe. After these workshops, each guide will go over packing personal gear with her crew, making sure that everyone is bringing the right amount and type of clothes, raingear, sleeping bags, boots, etc.

A hot dinner is prepared on a campfire and eaten at the crew’s campsite, while the crew gets to know each other and goes over their route. Then every participant attends an evening training session that covers Leave No Trace principles and the program’s safety rules. We have an excellent safety record spanning over 50 years. There are no exceptions to safety in wilderness travel. Storage There is storage for extra gear (duffel bag, shampoo, and outfit for the ride home) for girls who come on a trip without a troop or council group, and plenty of parking at the canoe base for flex crews that drive up in their own vehicles. Most flex groups find it is easiest to store their extra gear in their cars. Electronic Devices Other than a simple camera and flashlight, girls should not bring any electronic devices (phones, i-pods, etc.) to the base. There is no cell service at the canoe base, or a place to charge your devices, and they are not allowed on canoe trips. Adults who travel with a phone may store it with us while on their trip so it does not have to sit in a hot car. On the Your canoe trip begins the morning after you arrive. Once on the trail your training won't stop. You'll travel through this beautiful wilderness with only the bare necessities in your pack. On the trip we depend on ourselves, working safely together as a team to travel 5-10 miles most days. Everything we need (canoes, food, shelter, clothing) is moved with us every day as we travel on our route. Everyone paddles the canoe and carries equipment (personal, food, group gear). Group cooperation is essential. Camp Store We have a small Camp Store that will be open after your trip, where you may purchase a t- shirt, hat, bandana, patch, or . In addition to GSMWLP cookie dough, we take cash or check (no credit cards). Dietary Restrictions We are a small program run out of a small town, and all food eaten on a canoe trip needs to be carried across every , with hot meals prepared in a modest set of pots on a fire or stove. If your daughter has dietary restrictions beyond being vegetarian, please note them on her health form, and also call us two weeks before her trip, at 218-365-6517, so we can discuss the nature of her restrictions with you. While we can accommodate most dietary restrictions, the options available to us in Ely and within budget can get boring for girls. So, we often suggest that girls with dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten free) bring a box or two of their own favorite energy bar, a box of their favorite type of breakfast cereal (e.g. granola), and a package of gluten-free crackers to put peanut butter and cheese on at lunch. Physical Preparedness The canoe trips we offer include strenuous outdoor activity day in and day out. However, participants do not need to be in top athletic condition for our trips. We take novices on canoe trips all summer, and they do great. Having said that, whatever you do to stay in shape will help you on your canoe trip. So get out there and hike, play soccer, dance, climb , or ! Please also let us know about a participant’s special physical, mental and emotional needs or previous injuries so we can ensure the best possible experience.

Health and Safety We are proud of our 50 year history with an excellent safety record. Because our canoe trips take place in a remote wilderness setting that is not easily accessible to medical personnel, we require that our are trained in safety, risk management, lifeguarding and wilderness first aid. We also repeatedly emphasize safety rules to girls (e.g. buddy system, wear , no ). Any participant who has a history that makes anaphylaxis a concern should bring two Epi-pens with her. This, and any other medications (including permission to give over the counter medications) need to be listed on the Health History Form. A special note for adult participants We are so excited you are joining us for a trip! In addition to the gear outlined on the packing list, we encourage you to bring a lightweight sleeping pad and maybe an inflatable pillow to make your night on the rocky ground a little more comfortable. We also provide coffee each morning on base and in the . Know that our guides are fully trained and experienced at guiding Girl Scout canoe trips, but they will warmly welcome the knowledge and experience you bring with you. Questions Call 1-800-955-6032 year-round or 218-365-6517 to reach the canoe base directly during the summer season. If the canoe base line is not answered, it means the director is off site and you will be directed leave a message and then call her cell phone. Feel free to call either number any time during the summer.

ATTENTION PARENTS AND PARTICIPANTS The following procedures are important for the parents and participants of the BWCAW trips to know and understand. PLEASE sign and return the attached forms to our office so we can have this on file. Thank you for your cooperation!

SAFETY Safety is incorporated into everything we do. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO SAFETY IN WILDERNESS TRAVEL! We expect total cooperation with all safety rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all. Safety rules are explained in pre-trip training at Ely.

ALCOHOL, We abide by all state and federal laws concerning drugs, alcohol and SMOKING,AND tobacco. Any girl possessing alcohol or a controlled substance will be DRUGS sent home at the soonest possible time, with the parents paying for the transportation. No refund will be made. No smoking is allowed during the event.

PFDs (Lifejackets) To comply with GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoint guidelines: before using any small craft all participants must have a swimming review and a "tip test." Swim reviews are done to indicate to the guide a girl's swimming ability. PFD's will still be worn during the trip.

MEDIA RELEASE This is a general media release. Your signature on the form grants GSUSA/GSMWLP BWCA Trip Program permission to use photographs of you/your child in its printed materials, news releases, and/or audio- visual presentations without receipt of any remuneration. Such photographs will be used exclusively by GSUSA/GSMWLP in its educational, fund raising and public relations efforts as a non-profit, private organization.

EMERGENCY In the event that emergency care is needed, your daughter/ward will be PROCEDURES transported to the nearest hospital and treated. You, the parent/guardian, would be contacted at this time. An alternative contact person must also be listed in case the parent/guardian cannot be reached. This must be a blood relative, if possible. As a parent/guardian, you must not send your daughter/ward on this trip if she, 1) is not feeling well, 2) has a pre-existing medical condition that would limit her participation (call with questions or concerns), or 3) would expose other participants to a transmittable medical condition. It can be very difficult to reach crews on a canoe trip in a wilderness area. Crews may be away from a point of contact for up to ten days at a time.

If there is a family emergency, the canoe base will take reasonable action to locate the participant and crew. Mutual of Omaha, Girl Scout insurance is supplemental insurance. Billing goes first to the girl's parent/guardians' insurance company, then to Mutual of Omaha. Mutual of Omaha, Girl Scout Insurance is not replacement for a participant’s personal medical insurance. A parent/guardian is liable for all medical fees if girl is taken to the clinic/hospital for any pre-existing illness or medical condition. If a participant must be airlifted out of the BWCAW, due to a pre-existing illness or medical condition, the parents/guardians, or their insurance, are responsible for payment. Please know that in the event of an air evacuation, the parents/guardians will need to provide a credit card number to ensure payment for the flight, or ensure that Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines will be reimbursed in full.

A Short History of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is located in Northern Minnesota's , which is part of our nation's Wilderness Preservation System. This park of lakes, streams, and rocky forest is over one million acres in size and extends nearly 150 miles along the United States border adjacent to 's Quetico . This region has been described as the world's greatest canoe country.

Why? For one thing, canoes have furrowed the lake waters and feet have plodded the portage between lakes for 1,000 years. Before the appearance of European people 300 years ago, the Lakota (Sioux) and Anishinaabe (Chippewa) people traveled proudly over the and paddled their graceful canoes on the sparkling clear waters in these North Woods. They followed the seasons and harvested the riches of the wilderness: , fish, blueberries, medicinal herbs, skins, and wild game. They took only what they needed and left just their footprints behind.

The first white people to arrive were the French , who for a hundred years traveled the same lakes and portage trails the natives had traveled for centuries. They were a hardy breed of men, short of stature but strong of build. They came to gather furs. In the spring of the year, they left in huge bark freight canoes loaded with goods: , blankets, traps, tobacco, beads, and rum. By midsummer they had to travel 1,000 miles to the end of where they exchanged these goods for furs brought from the interior by other voyageurs. The natives trapped, and the voyageurs traded and carried the furs out of the wilderness. With eight to twelve voyageurs per canoe and over a ton of furs, they paddled seventy strokes a minute, fifty minutes an hour, fifteen hours a day! They raced against the winter and dodged death in the .

Their clothing was bright and gaudy and included a wide woven sash wound about the waist. This carried their precious pipe and tobacco and helped to prevent hernias which resulted from the great weight they carried over rough portages. So important was the fur trade to the early history of the U.S. and Canada, that the border was established to share the most easily traveled canoe routes. This same border divides the two countries today.

The next people to utilize the North Woods were loggers in search of pine and for the building of Minneapolis, Saint Louis, and Chicago. Their axes rang through the woods for a hundred years until they were forced west to find new uncut forests.

By the beginning of the 20th century, a new idea about the value of wilderness took shape: this land should be preserved for its own sake before it is too late. The wilderness was seen as part of the American heritage--conservation was born. In 1909 President Roosevelt established the Superior National Forest so there would be and recreational areas for future generations. Part of this forest was isolated in 1958 for strictly recreational use. No roads were allowed and only emergency aircraft were allowed in this "backcountry area." It was named the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Today, modern voyageurs like the Girl Scouts visit this area to canoe, portage, and camp in the spirit of the French voyageurs of 200 years ago. They scuff the stones of the same portages and skim swiftly along the same lakes to harvest the riches of the land: peace, quiet, and solitude. And, somewhat like those of the past, visitors take photos and memories, leaving only footprints behind.

Canoe Trip Packing List Bring extra clothes for sight-seeing and the trip home!

Clothing: Loose Fitting, Durable, Warm [] Appropriate number of underwear [] Three cotton or “quick dry” T-shirts (no tank tops) [] Two long-sleeved cotton or “quick dry” shirts to protect from sun and bugs [] One warm long-sleeved fleece or wool shirt or sweater [] Two pair long pants (lightweight cotton or quick dry dries faster, no denim, and stretchy yoga pants tend to be wet and heavy) [] One pair shorts [] One set lightweight long underwear or flannel PJs (No gowns) [] One bathing suit (We suggest an older one, it will get a lot of use) [] Small cap (winter type hat) [] Four light-weight pairs of wool or fleece (1 pair can be cotton)

Clothing Packing Tips *Have various sized (2 gal., gallon, quart) Ziploc or other bags to pack all belongings in. Bring a few extra ziplocks, as we will do some re-packing upon arrival. Large ones are important because your sweater/fleece and dry shoes will need to be put in ziplocks, too, so they will be dry when you get to camp. *Layers of clothing are best; the weather is always changing and can be cold. *Sweatshirts and jeans are not recommended because they are heavy, especially when wet

Foot Gear (2 pair: 1 pair boots, 1 pair gym shoes) Sturdy Boots that are broken in…read this carefully! Feet will be wet 75% of the time. A lightweight or field is best. The Merrell “Moab” was a hit in 2015 but there are similar style boots for cheaper. Check the boy’s section at Cabela’s, Target, REI, etc. for more variety! If you have an Army Surplus store near you, check on a with a leather and a upper. The purpose of the boot is to provide secure footing and ankle support. Insulated boots, rubber boots, or any boot that holds water will be very uncomfortable. A boot is impractical in the canoe country. All Girl Scouts always wear boots when traveling on a canoe trip – no exceptions. One Pair Gym Shoes to wear in camp at night (Converse, Tennis shoes, etc. NO aqua socks, Tevas, Keens, Crocs)

Rain Gear Two-Piece (Jacket & Pants) - NO PONCHOS – The light, see through kind are not tough enough for trail use. With proper equipment any weather can be fun. Don't skimp on your rain suit. It should be roomy -- some wear their PFD (Life Jacket) underneath it.

Sleeping Bag Lightweight, in a stuff sack. -- Large flannel, sleeping bags are discouraged because of size, weight, and difficulty in drying. Stuff sack should be lined with a plastic (garbage) bag. Suggested materials: Qualofill, Holofill II or Liteloft.

General Gear [ ] Toilet Articles: toothbrush & paste, shampoo, comb, soap, tampons or pads [ ] Towel (We suggest a small older one, it will get a lot of use) [ ] Bandannas to use as washcloths, sweatband, pot holder, etc. [ ] Hat, with brim, for sunshade, such as a baseball cap [ ] Sunscreen & chapstick are a must! High block # is best [ ] Un-Scented Insect Repellent, stick, cream, or pump spray - NO aerosol spray cans! [ ] Extra Glasses or Contacts, as needed [ ] Flashlight, with new batteries [ ] Water bottle: 1 quart or 1 liter. Leak proof and durable. Helpful to have a strap.

Optional [] Pocket [] Notebook & Pen [] Watch [] Camera (Pack in a plastic bag; line case with plastic)

Necessary Medication [] Acetaminophen [] Other All medications, prescription and non-prescription, must have note of permission from parent or guardian to take.

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines provides: The Packs, Lifejackets, Group Gear You will re-pack your clothes into canvas canoe packs which we provide. You will have a secure storage space available at the canoe base for your extra personal gear.

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines Equipment Explanation

The equipment list is for your trip only. The weather in Minnesota can change quickly so be prepared for anything from 50 to 95 degrees.

This page explains “how” you will use the clothes on your packing list.

On your trip you will need 4 different outfits:

WET clothes that you wear while canoeing—they get wet!!! • Quick drying pants (nylon wind pants or light cotton) • T-Shirt • Long sleeve nylon, light cotton or shirt to protect from sun and bugs • Socks: 1 pair wool that will stay wet the whole trip • Underwear • Rain jacket and rain pants • Boots: Sturdy, broken in. These boots will be wet all the time. Please refer to “Details Equipment Information” for further explanation.

DRY clothes that you change into in the afternoon when you arrive at your campsite. A totally different set of clothes. It is very important that they stay dry. • Pants • T - Shirt • Long sleeve shirt to protect from sun and bugs • Underwear • Tennis shoes and socks. Again, no or water shoes. Basic tennis shoes are perfect. • Also bring some shorts for a hot afternoon at camp, or maybe in the tent if it is hot at night.

SLEEPING clothes: These will be what you sleep in and they should also stay dry! • PJ pants/long underwear bottoms • PJ top/long underwear tops • Socks that never get worn out of your tent

COLD weather clothes: The weather is unpredictable, and it is important to always carry extras just in case. • Sweater/fleece • Lightweight stocking cap

Detailed Equipment Information

Please remember the equipment you send does not need to be expensive. You can get good quality items from thrift shops, or borrow from family and friends. We do not expect that you purchase new equipment for your trip. Below are some reference sites for equipment and an explanation for some basic equipment. www.campmor.com www.rei.com www.sierratradingpost.com

Boots: First, ankle support is the key. They should be high tops above the knob of the ankle. Second, some sort of good tread and general sturdiness of the boot. Third, try to get something that drains well, avoiding waterproof (your feet will be wet in the boots during the whole day).

You don't have to spend a fortune on boots. There are a million kinds of boots, and you can buy a more expensive lightweight/mid-weight hiker, or you can use a cheaper lightweight/mid-weight hiker (like you can find at a discount shoe store). The cheaper ones will probably not last as long, but will certainly suit for a trip (or possibly more), as long as the ankle support and tread/sturdiness is good. The Merrell “Moab” boot (not the shoe) served lots of girls well in 2015, although many cheaper versions would do well, too. Another option is the jungle, Nam, or , which has a leather shoe and canvas upper, from your nearby Army Surplus Store.

Do not bring Keen sandals, Crocs, aqua socks or Teva-type sandals. They are not allowed on base or on trips, as a substitute for either your “wet boots” or your “dry shoes.” All shoes must have a closed toe and closed heel.

Sleeping Bag: Your bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the trail. If your sleeping bag gets wet, you will need something that will dry quickly. Any summer or three-season sleeping bag will do, with a rating of, for instance, 30 degrees or even 15 degrees. shape is the best (most efficient with keeping your heat in), though it's not totally necessary. The less bulky, the better, since we have to pack the sleeping bags with all of the other personal belongings. Each girl should bring her sleeping bag in a stuff sack, lined with a big plastic trash bag to waterproof it. Weather can vary in Ely's summer from mid- 90s down to 50s and even 40s, so it CAN get pretty cold in the summer here, especially for girls from warmer climates.

Rain Gear: Needs to be a jacket and a pair of pants. No ponchos. Sturdier is better. Again, no need to spend a fortune, but avoid the super cheap $5ish plastic easily-ripped jacket and pants. Typically the rubbery inexpensive fisherman type non-breathable rain gear does a great job. Gore-Tex is great because it's breathable, but it's expensive and often bulky. If you have it already, super; if not, you shouldn't buy it for this trip and then never use it again. Something from the Target sporting good department is just fine. It should be roomy – some wear their PFD underneath it. The REI Rainwall jacket and pants are a good pair that will keep you dry for years to come. Frog Toggs are inexpensive and fine if you get the heavier ones (not the “lite” ones, which tear easily).

**If you do not have something appropriate or the means to get something, we do have some extra gear at the base you may borrow for this trip. Call for details after June 15 – 218-365-6517.*