Minneapolis, MN
- Camping
- Canoeing
Minneapolis, MN
- Camping
- Caneoing
Exploring Minnesota’s Natural Spaces
BCM has offered a unique set of outdoor experiences for youth in Minnesota for over 15 years. A canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is an awe-inspiring experience from which the memories last a lifetime. While the entry point into the BWCAW may vary, the BCM programs enter on the West side near Ely, MN.
Itineraries
Our programs gradually immerse youth participants into nature in a series of progressive, scaffolded experiences. First, we familiarize them canoeing through single day paddle clinics in city parks close to home. We then ramp up to overnight camping trips in state parks around the Twin Cities. Then, we embark on our flagship weeklong canoeing expeditions in Boundary Waters Canoe Area, based out of Tower, MN. This comprehensive approach fosters self-confidence that remains well after the participants depart.
Paddle Clinic Itinerary
Off-Water Prep
- Land acknowledgement introduction
- Positive learning agreement introduction
- Expedition flag introduction
- Youth roles introduction
- Phone free expectations
Canoeing Fundamentals
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD) safety check
- Introduction to paddling strokes
- Comfort and safety on the water
- Introduction to portaging
- Backcountry skills: map reading basics
End of the Day
- Personal reflection & journaling
- Roundtable reflection
- Gauge level of interest & ability to participate on the overnight
Frontcountry Overnight Itinerary
Overnight Prep
- Review youth roles and phone free expectations
- Outfit participants with necessary clothing and equipment
Activities and Lessons
- Goal setting
- Reflection roundtable
- Backcountry skills
- Minimizing our impact
- Tent site selection and setup
- Sleeping comfortably
- Cooking
- Backcountry bathrooms & hygiene
- Route selection & considerations
- Animal encounters
- Lost & alone
End of Overnight
- Final reflection
- Discuss expedition dates, location, and requirements
- Complete end of program feedback form
Weeklong Backcountry Canoeing Expedition
Expedition Prep
- Review youth roles, phone free expectations, and positive learning agreement
- Duffle shuffle: What to bring and what to leave behind
- Self-care in the backcountry: how folks are feeling and what they need from the group
- Backcountry skills:
- How to pack a pack
- Review lost & alone and backcountry hygiene lessons
Activities and Lessons
- Backcountry skills:
- Recognizing hotspots & treating blisters
- Treating water and staying hydrated
- Campsite boundaries
- Challenge day
- Create an expedition flag
- Daily reflection roundtables
- Celebration dinner
End of Expedition
- Assist with end of program gear clean up and organizing
- Learn about participant alumni opportunities
- Complete end of program feedback and survey
Meet Our Partners
We collaborate with community-based youth development agencies, recreation centers, and schools to identify young individuals who would benefit most from our program. By doing so, we ensure that our program reaches those who may not have had the opportunity to connect with camps and outdoor activities otherwise.
These partnerships are crucial in developing our curriculum, preparing students for their experience, and ensuring that the valuable lessons learned during our expeditions continue to positively impact the participants’ homes, schools, and communities.
Discover how we work with youth agencies.
Urban Boatbuilders
The Apprenticeship Program focuses on providing young people with the skills and work history necessary for them to land quality jobs and educational opportunities. The program is designed to aid and implement technical skills transferable to carpentry and mechanics as well as social and emotional skills to ensure success.
Minnesota Transitions Charter School - MTS Secondary
MTS offers a caring and supportive environment for their students, staff, and school. MTS is able to implement their core values including respect, responsibility, appreciating and celebrating diversity, integrity, and compassion into each element of their approach to learning and adapting to the needs of their community.
Community of Peace Academy
CPA has a focus on fostering academic excellence and character development through education of the whole person. Serving the East side of Saint Paul, there are over 800 students of diverse cultures and backgrounds focusing on learning restorative practices, value-rich communities, relationship building, and positive regard for all.
Looking to Support?
Looking to Partner?
Megan Parkinson
Minnesota Program Manager