Imagine paddling crystal-clear waters lined by dense green forests in the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most untouched areas in the US. You pull into camp at the end of a long day, while your partner starts setting up the tent you pull out some flint and steel to start the fire that you’ll cook dinner over. The sound of waves lapping upon the shore, the ache of your muscles after a week of cheerful service setting rocks and digging through mud to repair trails that were established hundreds of years ago by the first people to call this area home. Laughing and swapping stories with other Arrowmen from across the country, two weeks ago you were all strangers but by now these Scouts are among the closest friends you’ll ever know.
Each summer Arrowmen from across the country are invited to attend OA Wilderness Voyage and OA Canadian Odyssey at Northern Tier National High Adventure near Ely, Minnesota. These programs which are designed specifically for Arrowmen, age 16-20, provide scouts with the opportunity to explore pristine areas and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll meet other Scouts from around the nation to embark on the voyage of a lifetime. Spend the first week repairing trails that have existed for hundreds of years, learning about conservation, Brotherhood, and the values of the Northmen. The second week you’ll spend exploring the natural beauty of the Northwoods, witness eagles, beavers, moose, bears and loons in their natural habitat; explore the history of the voyageurs and Ojibwe who inhabited the area for hundreds of years leaving behind a rich tradition of overcoming struggles.
Each crew is led by experienced Northern Tier staff members with extensive Order of the Arrow backgrounds and knowledge of the outdoors. This challenging adventure will push you to overcome hardships and learn to appreciate the finer things in life while urging you to look inward and evaluate the things that make life exciting.
There is no greater adventure in scouting than the journey that lies ahead of you when you sign up for OA Wilderness Voyage or OA Canadian Odyssey.
Learn more at adventure.oa-bsa.org