Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage

The OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage will return next year with an expanded schedule. The OA members-only voyage will be lengthened by three days to give the participants an extended adventure.

The Northern Tier program takes place at the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in the Central Region state of Minnesota. "This is a true wilderness experience," said Voyage Director Bobby Kuntsman. "The integrated OA program into the voyage makes for a memorable experience," he added.

This program is along the lines of its forerunner, the Philmont Trail Crew. It combines cheerful work with an unforgettable OA experience. The program not only has its physical challenges of the service work that is performed, but also has its mental and spiritual challenges as well.

It's not all work and challenges; after the crew members do their service work of one week, they are then treated to another week of touring the Boundary Waters area via canoe. Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the tasks to be accomplished are designed to benefit generations of Scouts and non-Scouts in the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

In addition to mastering portage trail maintenance techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, learn wilderness safety techniques and participate in many motivational activities.

The Northern Tier Voyage will be showcased at the High Adventure Exposition on Tuesday and Wednesday. There, Arrowmen will be able to get more information on the voyage from staff and talk to those who have participated in the experience. Arrowmen can also register for a chance to win one of four free voyages for next year. More information on this program can be found on the 2000 National Order of the Arrow Wilderness Voyage page on this site or on the OA Resource CD-Rom that came in the NOAC participant packet.

Revised 7/31/00.