Northern Tier requires every crew to have at least one adult currently certified in Wilderness First Aid (16-hour minimum course length) and CPR. For more information, see our WFA resources document here. Additionally, Northern Tier offers WFA, WFR and CPR courses through recognized providers occasionally. Be sure to check out our Training Center page regularly for information on those offerings.
No. Scouting America program integrity required single gender units. Scouting America male troops and Scouting America female troops cannot combine Scouts and adult leadership into a single troop or National High Adventure Base “crew”. They must register separately and provide separate two deep leadership as required by Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse. Linked Troops can attend together if the crew size allows, each troop must provide it’s own leadership, meaning a minimum of 4 adults would be required.
Yes. Venturing is a co-ed program.
Northern Tier provides all trail and base meals, sleds, snowshoes, winter clothing (other than base layers and hats) and communication equipment. For a full list of what OKPIK Participants should bring, check the participant handbook. We also provide trained staff (i.e., interpreter) to assist your crew in having a great Scouting experience with a fun trip appropriate to the experience and abilities of your crew. The interpreter will enhance your Scouting skills along the way and deliver a memorable experience.
There is no minimum weight requirement, however, those weighing less than 100 pounds will have a very difficult time and are discouraged from attending (not applicable to Cabin Stay and WOW programs). No participant in any program may fall above 295 pounds (250 pounds for dogsledding programs). Participants who fall within the recommended weight limits are much more likely to have an enjoyable trek and avoid incurring injuries and health risks.
On the scheduled day of arrival crews should arrive between 4pm and 7pm. Departure is after lunch on the last day.
Depending on the OKPIK adventure you choose to participate in your travel will be different. Expect to travel 1 to 2 miles on a day trip, but the more ambitious crews undertaking treks may travel 3 to 5 miles a day traveling from one campsite to another.
Visit our Winter Individual Programs page to learn about opportunities for individuals to attend Okpik
There are a few different awards that may be earned at Northern Tier during OKPIK. These are specific to Northern Tier programs and may not be earned anywhere else. Information on all available awards may be found here.
The Chaplain’s Aide supports the spiritual needs of the crew during the crew’s wilderness canoe trek. They act under the guidance of the crew leader to facilitate devotions and services. They are responsible for promoting faith-based reflection, organizing meals-time blessings, and assisting with religious services. They also help ensure the crew is fulfilling requirements for awards like the Duty to God patch.
The Crew Leader directs daily operations during their crew’s wilderness canoe treks. They focus on the “5 Ps”: Planning, Preparation, Packing, Paddling, and Portaging. They work with a Northern Tier Interpreter (Wilderness Canoe Guide) to build teamwork, navigate, and develop leadership skills in the Boundary Waters.
The Wilderness Ambassador learns the principles of Leave No Trace and reinforces them throughout the trek. They will also guide discussions about wilderness ethics by focusing on one of the 7 principles per day of their crew’s trek and will help reinforce the policies of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as set forth by the US Forest Service. They will help members of the crew earn any chosen conservation related awards at Northern Tier including the Lake Monitoring Program, the Northern Tier Conservation Service award, and support the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiatives.