A Boundary Waters Adventure
This July, six students from Exploration High School embarked on a week-long paddling adventure into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, guided by Big City Mountaineers instructors Brett, a seasoned BWCA guide with over 15 years of experience, and Ro, a second-year BCM instructor who also teaches at Exploration High School.
Exploration High School is committed to creating strong relationships, expanding community partnerships, and supporting student growth beyond traditional academic metrics. They emphasize fun, social-emotional development, and cultivating spaces where students feel a sense of belonging. Partnering with BCM allowed these values to shine in a fully immersive outdoor experience.
The week wasn’t without its challenges: four inches of rain delayed their first-day paddle, peak mosquito season tested patience, and thunderstorms rolled in on the final morning. But the students stayed resilient, supporting one another and strengthening their bonds… a true demonstration of teamwork and perseverance fostered through the BCM experience.
Amid the challenges, moments of pure joy stood out. One sunny day brought the group to a campsite with a beach, where they spent hours swimming, laughing, and playing charades. Ro highlighted a quieter student coming out of his shell during the game, full of confidence, connection, and joy, which was a turning point for the trip overall.
Laughter and playful mischief were ever-present. Students pranked the instructors, hiding leaves in Ro’s mess kit and stuffing grass into Brett’s sleeping bag, while the instructors got their revenge by hoisting students’ shoes into a tree “bear-hang style.” These moments of shared humor reinforced the sense of community and belonging that BCM and Exploration High cultivate together.
Reflecting on the week, Brett noted the most meaningful part: witnessing students fully present with one another… free from phones, immersed in nature, and genuinely connected. The trip perfectly exemplified BCM’s mission: providing transformative experiences through connections to nature that strengthen life skills and build community.
We’re proud to partner with Exploration High School and look forward to many more seasons of Boundary Waters adventures, where students can laugh, learn, and grow in a supportive, empowering environment.
