My son wants to do one of the 12-day BWCA trips from Menogyn this summer. We have spent a bunch of time fishing on entry lakes that allow motors, and he has spent some time paddling both canoes and kayaks, but never taken a trip like this.

I have a handful of questions about the trip. I know I can contact YMCA with these questions, but I prefer the passive approach of collecting feedback from the herd when possible. Thanks in advance!

1.) How much of his own gear will he need to supply for a trip like this?

2.) The website says camp registration opens 11/28 at 6am. Is this gonna be like trying to get a basswood motor permit, where I need to be online the second they open to have a shot at my preferred date?

3.) Any recommendations or things I should know?

Thank you! I’m really excited for him, and hoping he can come back and teach his old man the way of the voyageur.

Long time Menogyn family here (camper, staff, parent).

1. Gear: campers generally provide their own sleeping bag, personal clothing including rain gear and boots. However, if families have a hardship with these items, the camp has some loaner gear.

2. Have never had trouble getting dates desired, and I've never been online right when registration opened. I was one of those "not very organized" moms who didn't get her kid signed up for summer activities until mid-winter.

3. Menogyn is a wonderful experience. My brother, sister and I all went through the full sequence of trips. My son, niece, and nephew are doing the same. I credit my son's time at Menogyn with his improved school performance, his calmer than average teenage demeanor, and his overall "higher than his peers" decision making skills. They also offer some fun winter camp opportunities for kids or families.

Reach out if you have other questions.

Thank you for the helpful feedback!

My son is a junior in high school, so I think this is his last chance to go to camp. I wish we’d done it sooner, but I’m glad it’s on our radar now.

He has rain gear and boots, I just didn’t know if he needed his own pack and things of that nature.

One more question for now: on a 12-day trip, how much time do they spend at Menogyn -vs- in the actual woods?

I think they leave for trail on day 3 and get back to camp the day before the bus departs....

I believe that they minimize the time in camp more than in my camper/staff days. Most groups arrive early afternoon on Day 1 and immediately start their preparations: food packing, swim/swamp practice, nurse visit, route plan. By Day 2, they are usually heading out on trail.

They arrive back to camp the afternoon before they are scheduled to return home. They have a welcome event staged by in camp staff and work campers, clean up gear, take a sauna, have a banquet, and follow up with a closing campfire where groups put on a short skit about their trip. Tons of fun!

Camp provides canoes, paddles, PFDs, packs, tent, cooking gear and all food.

You can find a suggested packing list on their website. The Camper Handbook has lots of great recommendations about the gear (boots, sleeping bag, raincoat).

My son just did the Outward Bound - Boundary Waters course between his junior and senior years of high school. He loved the experience and I think I have gained a life long tripping partner.

My son was able to get signed up for a 12-day canoe trip out of Menogyn. I was glad I remembered to get online the morning of -- for his three preferred dates, all of the boys trips were sold out and the all-gender trips each had only a few spots remaining.