Wilderness Adventures: Five Young Men Forge Relationships in the Boundary Waters

In late July, five young men—Brandon, Gabriel, Taven, Isaak, and Christian—gathered at Bolder Options for a launch party that would kick off their first wilderness adventure. They had been preparing for this trip all summer, participating in lessons on paddling a canoe, taking swimming classes, and even going on a trial camping trip to build their skills and confidence.

The atmosphere at the launch party was focused on preparedness as they carefully packed their bags, ensuring they had all the essentials for a successful journey into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). With guidance from the Bolder Options staff and Wilderness Inquiry, they received valuable information about what to expect over the next five days, from crucial gear to essential knowledge about navigating the beautiful but challenging terrain ahead. As they organized their gear, a flurry of questions emerged, reflecting their eagerness to learn about the journey. Under the watchful eye of the staff and guides, they tackled practical concerns—like managing pesky mosquitoes and their hopes of catching, cleaning, and preparing fresh fish for meals.

“Are the mosquitoes really bad?” one youth inquired, to which the guides confidently replied that plenty of bug juice would be on hand.

The preparation session also emphasized principles of teamwork and trust, fostering a supportive environment. When asked about their expectations for the trip, Brandon, a youth leader,  shared: “I’m expecting to have fun!”—a sentiment that set a positive tone for the days to come.

“I’m expecting to have fun!” - Brandon, an alumni participant and youth leader

The following morning, the group set off early to travel the six hours to their base camp just outside the BWCA, where they would spend one night. This stop allowed them to acclimate and ensure all their gear was in order before heading deeper into the wilderness early the next morning. The next morning, the young men eagerly loaded their canoes and ventured into the Boundary Waters for the main part of their expedition. They quickly found themselves immersed in the beauty of the northern wilderness. The paddling and portaging, often challenging, became moments of learning and teamwork. Each portage involved careful coordination—lifting and balancing the canoes as they worked together to ensure efficiency.

“Portaging is the biggest team thing—you had to make sure we were all on different spots to help lift the canoes,” one youth remarked, highlighting how essential cooperation was to their success.

After the trip, the five young men reflected on their experiences, sharing highlights and lowlights with a sense of camaraderie. They reveled in recalling the wildlife they encountered, from bald eagles to curious beavers. It was unanimous that mosquitoes were their least favorite animal. When asked what they enjoyed most, one of them grinned and said, “The meals, they were great!” (As any camper knows, everything tastes better in the wilderness.) Even the less glamorous moments, like washing the dishes while swarmed by mosquitoes, turned into a source of laughter as they remembered the challenges they faced together.

Throughout the journey, they each learned new skills that bolstered their confidence. Whether it was steering a canoe or discovering plants used for making tea (apparently, pine is better than cedar), their experiences enriched their understanding of the environment. “We got very accomplished as a team,” one youth noted, reflecting on how much they had grown together. This adventure had undeniably left a mark on them, one that extended beyond the wilderness.

Another group of youth from the Bolder Options Alumni Program traveled to the BWCA the following week. Stay tuned for more accounts and photos of that adventure. Bolder Options Youth Mentoring enables youth to connect with positive adults and embark on meaningful adventures that help them mature and succeed. If you would like to become a mentor with Bolder Options, please reach out to us. We are currently looking for male mentors, as we have over 40 boys waiting for mentors on our waiting list.

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