VOBS Course Activities

Canoeing

On our canoeing courses, you will learn basic paddling skills that allow you to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Through dedicated practice, develop the finer details of stroke, angle and navigation along your route. Canoe expeditions create a perfect balance between group and duo travel. Cross land bridges, walk around rapids or traverse bogs and stretches of forest to get from one lake to another. Known as portages, these crossings from lake to lake can involve a quick shuttling of gear and boats or a longer and more challenging hike over rocky and boggy trails.

Courses

Backpacking

Load everything you need to thrive into a pack on your back, and forge into dense woods and up rocky ridgelines, crossing rivers that cascade over huge rapids on their way to Lake Superior. Your team will share leadership responsibilities as you take your turn navigating this lush terrain.

Courses 

Sea Kayaking

Exploring the largest freshwater lake in the world requires a boat worthy of the sea. Our sea kayaks allow you the maneuverability you need to negotiate intricate coastline and ocean-sized waves on Lake Superior. Much more than a sport, sea kayaking is a graceful way of traveling based on centuries of tradition.

Learn paddling techniques, rescue procedures and navigation skills for crossing open water. The more you paddle, the more you understand how your kayak responds to the various paddling strokes, the tilt of your body and the waves you encounter. Use weather radios to track storms and other factors that may affect your route.

Courses

Desert Backpacking

Learn desert backpacking skills, including map and compass navigation, backcountry cooking and camping, how to find water and how to minimize the sun’s impact in the dry environment. Together, you and your group will shoulder all supplies needed on this expedition as you discover fossilized trees, millions of years old, and explore steep-walled canyons and cliffs.

Courses

Dog Sledding & Skiing

Learn to cross country ski on a frozen snow-covered lake in the north woods. Breaking the trail for the dogsleds that follow, you will learn to navigate through forested trails connecting the lakes called portages.

A team of enthusiastic huskies joins you on your expedition, helping pull the sled full of food and camping gear. As student mushers, you join in all aspects of dog handling, including setting out lines, feeding and watering, harnessing the dogs and packing the sled. Also, learn map and compass navigation, ice rescue and how to select and prepare good firewood.

Courses