Boundary Waters Adventure 2023
July 9 - 16, 2023
Sponsored by: United Church of God, an International Association
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
What is Boundary Waters Adventure?
Boundary Waters Adventure (BWA) an outdoor and leadership program for young adults in the Church of God. This program takes a small, select group of young adults (ages 18-30-something) who are serious about God’s truth and Church, and provides them with opportunities to develop qualities of godly character, leadership and service in an outdoor setting. The program involves a close mentoring dynamic and group interaction.
Why Have a Challenging Adventure Program?
A major premise of the program is that growth in any endeavor does not come unless a person explores or is “challenged” outside of his / her comfort zone. Leaders are needed who can not only face difficulties with perseverance and courage – but who will also challenge themselves towards growth in leadership and spiritual maturity. Succeed or fail – there is always something to be learned from challenges, tests and new experiences. Please read and consider the following Scriptures: 1. Cor. 9:24-27, II Tim. 2:3-4, James 1:2-4, 12, II Cor. 13:5, Heb. 2:10; 5:8-9.
Participants will also learn practical outdoor and adventure skills. Valuable lessons are learned by facing challenges, discomfort, and even rustic living conditions in the outdoors. But it isn’t all a sacrifice of comforts! The BWA program takes participants out of their normal, every-day lives and brings them into an inspiring setting, free from daily distractions, and teaches lessons drawn from the wilderness setting. Memories of a dramatic experience help cement other lessons imparted during the course of the experience.
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If accepted, be sure to go to the Boundary Waters Adventure 2023 Facebook page for photos and to share information with others.
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Why a Canoeing Expedition?
Canoeing is an enjoyable activity that employs disciplines useful throughout life. It requires teamwork and can help build relationships with family and friends, and regain perspective in life.. Canoeing gets you into God’s great creation, and gives a sense of perspective that is difficult to parallel in today’s complex world. Decades ago the Church of God’s summer camp program employed a wilderness canoeing program to provide these benefits for its youth, and BWA seeks to do this for a new generation.
What are the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park?
Both of these parks are part of the Superior National Forest in Northeaster Minnesota. Voyageurs allows large group camping that will be convenient for us to keep the Sabbath together. Boundary Waters Canoe Area is truly wilderness backcountry, filled with unspoiled natural beauty. Some days you may not see another human aside from those in your group.
The Expedition includes:
- Canoeing and camping
- Orienteering
- Fishing
- Team-building
- Daily Bible instruction
- Interactive group leadership exploration
You will experience a special part of the country most Americans have never seen. You will learn basic wilderness skills, including how to canoe and how to use a map and compass. Most importantly, you will see growth in yourself through a program of leadership exploration and group dynamic, which is briefly described below.
Spiritual and Leadership Exploration
Participants will have numerous opportunities to explore where they are in their development spiritually and from the standpoint as leaders. This will involve the following components:
- Discussions of leadership case-studies from the Bible
- Small group discussions and leadership opportunities – each person will have opportunity during BWA lead his/her group
- Exercises designed to explore who a person is, his/her values and how he/she relates to others
- Group feedback sessions
In addition to the Bible, participants will be asked to:
- Read a book (to be determined). It will be provided to you and needs to be read in advance.
- Prepare a sermonette (men) or campfire-talk (ladies) discussing some principle or personal experience regarding leadership and/or courage as a Christian.
Application Requirements
- High school graduates through 30-something, single or married. Minimum age is 18.
- Must already be demonstrating an interest in serving others, setting a positive example in the local congregation and exploring your leadership character.
- Participants must be in overall good health and interested in maintaining long-term fitness.
- A commitment to consistent training before the trip is essential. Every team member must be prepared to endure the rigors of a strenuous trip in the wilderness. We will spend hours paddling, and also portaging, which includes carrying a load on your back, sometimes uphill. Advance training for strength and cardiovascular fitness long before the trip is absolutely vital. Training guidelines are provided in a separate document.
- A 30-minute fitness test is required as part of the acceptance process.
Dates & Schedule:
Sunday, July 9 Arrival at Jeanette Lake, MN. (For those who can, driving is recommended. Those flying should arrive at Minneapolis, MN early in the day and be taken by van to the first camp site). We spend the first two nights together. Orientation will begin that Sunday evening.
Monday, July 10 Morning training classes and preparation; afternoon canoeing on Jeanette Lake
Tuesday, July 11 Paddle into BWCA.
Friday, July 14 Paddle to Mukooda Lake in Voyageurs National Park; camp there for the Sabbath
Sunday, July 16 Paddle to take out point on southern bank of Crane Lake; travel home
Costs:
There is a $150 fee. Additional costs will vary according to participant
- Travel expenses to Northern Minnesota.
- Food: We will provide some group meals, but you will need to bring most of the food you choose for the adventure. We should be able to make a group purchase of freeze dried meals from Mountain House.
- Equipment: You wil need to bring a sleeping bag and ground pad, and a waterproof backpack
- Fishing license ($20-$40, depending on how many days you want to fish).
Costs will depend upon gear a) you already own, b) that you can borrow from family and friends, and c) what you will need to purchase. Remember that whatever you do purchase is an investment in a positive activity that hopefully you will get involved in for years to come. Adetailed packing list is provided in a separate document).
How to Apply
See the Application document for instructions about applying. Before filling out an application form, it is highly recommended that you download and read all of the forms and information. If you decide to apply, complete the Application and Health History/Insurance forms and send them to Boundary Waters Adventure director Frank Dunkle at the address indicated. If you have trouble accessing the forms on-line (they can be filled out and saved on your own computer), please contact Frank Dunkle at frank_dunkle@ucg.org or at 513-576-9796.
Application Deadline—April 17, 2023
Application deadline is April 17, 2023. However, due to the limited size (14 participants) of this expedition and the need for those accepted to begin preparing months in advance, it is highly suggested that you send your application in well before the deadline if possible.
