Course Information
L E T S C E L E B R A T E !
We invite you and your family to join us for the VOBS/MOBS 60th Anniversary Staff & Trustee Reunion at Homeplace!
This website contains a basic description of the weekend’s schedule, activities, travel information, and a packing list so you know what to expect when you arrive. Under each tab, you'll find a list of topics. Click on these topics to expand the information. Don't forget to register for the event!
VOBS/MOBS 60th Anniversary Reunion
August 30, 2024 - September 1, 2024
HOMEPLACE - ELY, MN
Pricing & Options:
- Reunion weekend: $140 (includes all meals & lodging at HP. Shuttles available to/from Duluth)
- Children ages 12 and under are Free!
- Saturday pass: $60 PP (Folks who live in Ely or nearby and want to attend on Saturday only)
- New Option to Attend! $30 PP local drop-by and 1 meal
Self-Guided Expeditions - If you want to go on your own BWCA trip pre or post-reunion, we can help!
- Trips can support you with food and gear
- Cost per person per day - $18/day
- We can provide you with a first aid kit (without any prescription medications)
- Drop off or pick up on the Ely side of the BWCA - $50 per drop off or pick up (based on availability of vehicles/staff)
Reunion Schedule Outline*
*While the schedule outline will remain the same, be aware that details (such as evening activities) may change.
**Check-in will continue all Friday afternoon and Saturday, as needed. When you arrive, you will receive a welcome packet and other information for the weekend.
Homeplace, Voyageur Outward Bound School Basecamp, Minnesota
Homeplace is located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. Situated where the Kawishiwi River meets Birch Lake in the Superior National Forest, the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp provides an ideal location for launching/ending BWCAW paddling and dogsledding trips, and practicing white water paddling skills. The surrounding boreal forest also makes Homeplace a great location for spotting moose, wolves, beavers, deer, woodpeckers, eagles and black bear.
Reunion Activities
While we are still finalizing some of the weekend’s details, we can guarantee you that there will be a variety of options to fill your days. All activities are optional; you’ll have plenty of time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
We'd love to hear your ideas for activities, discussions, & presentations that you would like to see or engage in over the weekend. (During the 50th celebration we had a square dance, generational skits, and other personal expedition presentations as examples)! If you have any ideas or interest in being involved please reach out to Penny Jeffers, at penny.jeffers@vobs.org.
Rock Climbing – Come try your moves on Homeplace’s very own rock site, Quiet Rocks! Whether you’ve climbed it once or a hundred times, site managed or supported climbing days there, or belayed in pouring rain or brilliant sun, Quiet Rocks will offer the challenge you need.
High Ropes Course – Traversing elements among the treetops is a time-honored tradition at Homeplace. From White Ropes’s terrifying dismount to the seatbelt on Red Ropes’s zip platform to the Moon Steps of the new course, a lot has changed since you last saw the ropes course. Just try to run across the Lily Pads without holding on to your tethers—we dare you.
Canoeing & Sea Kayaking – Canoes and sea kayaks will be available on the waterfront for those interested in cruising Birch Lake. You can borrow a PFD and paddle from us, or bring your own.
Whitewater Paddling – Opportunities may be available to play in the rapids of the South Kawishiwi River, right next to Homeplace. Bring your own boat, or borrow one of ours (subject to current whitewater policies, of course)!
Waterfront Fun – Camp Kawishiwi is here to stay! Think lawn games, jumping off the dock and swimming with floaty toys. A good time is guaranteed.
Sauna – Enjoy the Northwoods tradition of getting really hot and dipping in the chilly river.
Discussions & Presentations – We’ll provide some space for presenters and discussion leaders to share their adventures and/or create space for open or topical discussions during scheduled blocks of time. If you’d like to present something interesting, please contact 60reunion@vobs.org.
Dog Yard Visits – VOBS added a mushing component to the winter program in the early 1980s, and the dog yard has grown to house 60+ dogs, depending on the year and season. We’ll schedule visits to the dog yard with experienced winter staff so you can meet our friendly, hard-working pups. If you’d like a sneak peak, you can visit the VOBS Adopt a Dog webpage.
As a part of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations, we will be offering options for staff expeditions before the reunion!
Please click on the link above to sign up. Once you register a member of our crew will reach out to you to complete any necessary additional paperwork & to take payment.
There will be two options for BWCA trips:
- Guided expeditions (led by a current OB staff person)
- Self-Guided trip (participants partake in their own expeditions, with gear provided by VOBS.)
Guided Expeditions
If you want to journey into the Boundary Waters, but seek the camaraderie of others and/or the support and expertise of a current instructional staff, we have an opportunity for you! Prior to the Reunion Weekend, we will offer a 5-day expedition into the BWCA (8/25/24 - 8/29/24). We’ll supply the gear, food, equipment, and an instructor….you bring your clothes/personal belongings and an adventurous attitude! This expedition is reserved for former staff & trustees only.
Self Guided Expeditions & Gear loan
Want to explore the BWCA yourself? Revisit some of your favorite lakes. We are here to support you! Here are some details….Please call or email us if you'd like to take advantage of this option and we'll get you set up! 218-491-6789, or email us at, student.services@vobs.org.
Food & Gear:
- Trips can support you with food and gear
- Cost per person per day = $18/day
- We can provide you with a first aid kit (without any prescription medications)
Additional options:
- Drop off or pick up on the Ely side of the BWCA (based on availability of vehicles/staff) = $50 per drop off or pick up
- Permit - if you’d like us to get you a permit, we can do that.
- Fees = $6/reservation fee and $16 per adult on the trip.
- Note: You can also reserve your permit online and ‘pick it up’ at VOBS by listing us as the issuing station.
Registration for the 60th Reunion Celebration has closed. If you did not register but, would like to attend please reach out to us at 218-491-6789 or email us at, student.services@vobs.org.
In the hopes that your reunion weekend is as pleasant as possible, we would like to recommend that you bring certain items. Please be aware that the clothing and equipment you will need for the weekend will vary depending on your lodging (especially camping vs. indoor housing), activity selections (e.g., whitewater boating vs. indoor socializing), and personal preference.
VOBS will provide all equipment necessary for scheduled activities, such as helmets, harnesses, paddles, PFDs, etc. If you do not have the necessary gear for the weekend, additional equipment & clothing (e.g., sleeping bags, raingear, warmer layers, tents, sleeping pads, etc.) may be available to borrow from the Trips House.
Bring whatever you need to be comfortable, especially if you’re pitching your tent!
(you will have the opportunity to tell us your accommodation plans & preferences. Tenting at HP is an option)
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag
Cabins at home have rustic accommodations so bring what you need to feel comfortable!
Recommended items include:
- Sleeping bag & pillow material (sleeping bags available by request)
- Twin sheets if desired
Reunion activities, meals, and social gatherings will be relaxed—think family reunion clothing. If you’re planning on participating in the scheduled activities, be prepared to spend 3-4 hours outside in variable conditions. You may want to bring athletic or outdoorsy clothing if you plan on paddling or rock climbing. Even if you plan on spending as much time inside, raingear is highly recommended for traveling between your housing and other buildings.
Outer Layers
- Fleece/warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Bug protection (e.g., loose-fitting button-up shirt)
Other Clothing
- Everyday outfits
- Active outfits (if desired)
- Long underwear if the forecast looks chilly (especially if you are staying outdoors)
- Swimwear & towel
- Wool socks
Personal Items & Accessories
- Headlamp or flashlight (truly necessary)
- Sun hat
- Warm hat (if the forecast looks chilly)
- Appropriate footwear for desired activities (see above)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses w/ keeper strap
- Toiletries, including shampoo/conditioner, towel, and shower shoes (if desired)
- Water bottle
- Camera & battery charger (plenty of picture-taking opportunities!)
- Medical insurance card
You may have questions about whether or not you can or should bring something. Here are a few answers to commonly asked, Can I bring....questions!
- My Family- Yes! We welcome you and your family, to join us for this fun-filled community weekend. The 60th Reunion Expedition is reserved for former staff & trustees.
- Dogs or Pets- No. We kindly ask that you leave your dog or any other pet at home.
- Alcohol- As a part of the weekend celebrations VOBS will be serving some beer & wine. You are welcome to bring additional beverages. Please enjoy responsibly!
- Food or Snacks - Yes, and keep in mind that you will need to store any food in a way that does not attract animals in your housing. (Ie. in your car or a storage container).
- Boats, paddleboards, or a giant inflatable island - Yes!!
Below you will find all of the information you need to start planning your trip to Ely. If you have chosen the full weekend reunion package, which includes transportation, a shuttle from Duluth to Homeplace will be available and details are below.
Below are descriptions of the variety of available lodging options for the reunion weekend, including those at Homeplace and in the vicinity. After you register for the reunion you will be sent a survey regarding travel & lodging where you can tell us whether you plan to stay at Homeplace or in Ely. If you plan to stay at Homeplace please note we will do our best to honor your preferences but, options are limited.
Homeplace Accommodations
If you haven’t been to Homeplace in a while, the variety and amount of available “indoor” housing might surprise you! Nevertheless, all of the housing options are fairly rustic. No option has indoor plumbing, though some do have electricity. Some housing assignments will be made based on accessibility requirements rather than strict preference. Please request your preferred housing option through the 60th Anniversary Reunion RSVP Questionnaire:
Space to Pitch a Tent
Self-explanatory. We can offer a variety of grassy, (mostly) flat locations where you can pitch a tent. These sites will likely be farther from indoor plumbing, though open-air latrines (“slammers”) will be available. If you don’t have your own tent, you may be able to borrow one.
Bug-screened Tent Cabin
Located in Student Village or a staff housing area, tent cabins offer walls, a roof, and mesh windows. Most tent cabins have 5 bunk beds in them and can sleep a total of 10 people, so space will likely be shared with others. No electricity, though they are closer to washhouse facilities than the tent spaces.
Indoor Bunkhouse (limited)
Homeplace has a few indoor bunk-style accommodation options, including The Wedge, The Myron, and The Ice Palace. Each bunkroom can sleep 8-10 folks on bunk beds or cots. Bunkhouses feature electricity and closeable windows and doors.
Indoor Hamilton Room (very limited)
The Hamilton Cottages are primarily summer staff housing, so the number of available units will depend on the amount of remaining staff. Each cottage is divided into four units with their own doors. Each unit features two bunks—one on the lower level and one in a loft (accessible via ladder). Some units feature a double bunk in the loft. All Hamilton units have electricity, though they are located slightly farther from the washhouse facilities than other housing options.
Ely Accommodations
The town of Ely offers a variety of hotel and motel options, and Ely’s Chamber of Commerce (www.ely.org) has information on all hotels, lodges, and B&B’s in the area. Some recommendations with detail are below. Be aware that the Homeplace reunion will span Labor Day Weekend, and rates may be higher than listed below. If you plan on staying in town, we strongly suggest you reserve your room early.
Ely is a small town of about 3,700 people. Spread out over several miles, our quaint community has fun stores to check out downtown and several local restaurants. The only national chain stores are Dairy Queen, Subway, and Dollar General. The motels listed below are about 1 mile from the main strip, yet are within closer walking distance of a convenience mart (gas station), the grocery store (Zup’s), DQ, and Subway.
Sample hotel options and rates (subject to change based on your needs):
Northwoods Inn and Suites:
1605 E. Sheridan St.
(218) 365-2873
Prices: $160 (+ tax)
The Adventure Inn
1145 E. Sheridan St.
(218) 365-3140
Prices: $145 - 155 (+ tax)
A Stay Inn Ely
112 W. Sheridan Rd.
(888) 360-6010
Five attractive wood-paneled rooms with private bath, that share a kitchen,
dining and living room; ranging from $135 - 175/night (+ tax)
Grand Ely Lodge
400 N. Pioneer Rd.
(218) 365-6565
Nearby Campgrounds
Homeplace is surrounded by the Superior National Forest, which offers two recreational campgrounds off Highway 1 near Homeplace.
If you would prefer to camp and commute to the weekend’s festivities, you can reserve a site at the South Kawishiwi River Campground (closer) or Birch Lake Campground (farther). These campgrounds offer standard National Forest system amenities such as vault toilets, potable water, and boat ramps.
The South Kawishiwi Campground also features a swimming beach. Reservations can be made through www.recreation.gov, and we have also reserved some sites in case of Homeplace overflow.
Driving Directions to Homeplace
Homeplace, one of the wilderness base camps for the Voyageur Outward Bound School, is located about 11 miles south of Ely, Minnesota off of Highway 1. There are three common routes to get here from the Duluth area (details for each are below):
- The first is the scenic route through Two Harbors and includes travel through wooded areas without cell service and services. If you choose this route, make sure you have enough gas to travel about 1.5 hours after leaving Two Harbors.
- This route is a little longer than the first option and not as scenic, yet it has more houses, services, and cell service, in case you need help.
- The third option is if you want to go through the town of Ely before arriving at Homeplace.
Homeplace’s physical address is:
Voyageur Outward Bound School
1007 Spruce Road
Ely, MN 55731
**Some GPS devices and online mapping services have trouble recognizing it, so be sure to check your directions ahead of time.
The Scenic/Quickest Route:
- Take US 61 north of Duluth for about 25 miles to Two Harbors.
- Turn left at the Holiday gas station/Hanlees onto Highway 2 (4th Street).
- Follow Highway 2 forever or until you hit the end of the road (about 45 miles). There is one stop sign in about 25 miles where you take a right and then in about .3 miles you make a left. You will still be on Highway 2 during this time.
- At the end of Highway 2, you hit a T intersection with Highway 1. Take a left.
- Follow Highway 1 to mile marker 297, where you will take a right onto Spruce Road where there is also an Outward Bound sign.
- Follow Spruce Road for about 2 miles and turn left at the Outward Bound school sign (also a small blue fire road number 1007). Homeplace is a couple of miles down this road.
Through Virginia/Babbitt
- Take US 53 north from Duluth to Virginia (about 60 miles)
- Continue along 53 until you see the sign for Highway 169 to Ely (about another 5 miles)
- Turn right onto Hwy 169.
- After approximately 7 miles, take a right onto Highway 21 directly across from the Silverado Saloon (blue building with flashing yellow sign).
- After traveling for about 12 miles on Rte. 21 you’ll reach Embarrass. Continue on until you reach the outskirts of Babbitt. A golf course will be on your right. You need to take a left to continue on Hwy 21.
- Take Highway 21 until you see a landfill sign, half mile past this; take a right onto County Road 120 (towards Ely Airport). Continue on 120 until you hit a T junction with Highway 1.
- Turn right on Hwy 1. Just past mile marker 297 you will see a sign for Spruce Road along with an Outward Bound School sign. Turn left here.
- Follow Spruce Road for about 2 miles and turn left at the Outward Bound school sign (also a small blue fire road number 1007). Homeplace is a couple of miles down this road.
The Longest Route, Through the Town of Ely:
- Take US 53 north from Duluth to Virginia (about 60 miles)
- Continue along 53 until you see the sign for Highway 169 to Ely (about another 5 miles)
- Turn right onto Hwy 169. Take 169 to Ely (approximately 45 miles).
- Turn right onto Highway 1, at the Chamber of Commerce.
- Travel about 10 miles, then turn left onto Spruce Road where there is also an Outward Bound School sign. Follow Spruce Road for about 2 miles and turn left onto VOBS road.
When You Arrive
Parking may be limited at Homeplace due to the high number of current and former staff and trustees expected to attend. When you arrive, please follow signs indicating where you should park. Please continue down the gravel road to the Pieh Building (our main administration building), where registration will occur starting at 12pm on Friday, August 29th.
Carpooling
If you are interested in providing or receiving a ride for/from another reunion guest, please indicate your willingness on the 60th Anniversary Travel & Lodging Questionnaire:
When You Arrive
Parking may be limited at Homeplace due to the high number of current and former staff and trustees expected to attend. When you arrive, please follow signs indicating where you should park. Please continue down the gravel road to the Pieh Building (our main administration building), where registration will occur starting at 12 pm on Friday, August 29th.
If your travel has been delayed please call 218.491.6799.
Duluth Arrival Time
If you are flying or taking a shuttle bus to Duluth please plan to arrive no later than 4:00 PM. Duluth has limited flights. Based on the current options VOBS will plan to have two Shuttles transporting folks from the Duluth Airport to Homeplcae. If you are struggling to find flights that will get you here by this time please let us know and we can help accommodate!
Shuttle #1: Will depart the Duluth Airport around 1:00 PM.
Shuttle #2: Will depart the Duluth Airport around 4:00 PM.
**Expect to be on the shuttle for two to three hours while we transport you to Homeplace.
Arriving by Plane-Duluth:
Flying into Duluth International Airport (DLH, typically more direct, more expensive)
Arriving by Plane- Minneapolis:
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP, typically less expensive, more airlines).
If you fly to MSP, Groome Transportation offers shuttles from the MSP Airport Duluth. If you arrive by Groome Shuttle, Please indicate your drop-off location as the Duluth Airport. (Click on the orange text for info on Groome shuttles)
Arriving by Bus
Both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines serve Duluth at the Jefferson Lines Terminal (4426 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807).
Jefferson Lines (http://www.jeffersonlines.com/) connects Duluth to the Greater Midwest, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.
Greyhound (http://www.greyhound.com) runs a national network of bus routes.
VOBS can pick you up at the bus station, or you can meet us at the Duluth Airport by baggage claim. Please indicate your preference for pick up in the 60th Reunion survey.
Driving to Homeplace
You are more than welcome to Drive to Homeplace for the reunion. For driving directions please reference the 'Driving to Homeplace tab' under transportation.
Homeplace’s physical address is:
Voyageur Outward Bound School
1007 Spruce Road
Ely, MN 55731
Travel Problems
If an unavoidable travel delay occurs every effort will be made to support you and get you to the reunion! Please call 218.491.6799 as soon as possible on your travel day so that we can facilitate the pickup.
Duluth Accommodations
If you are unsure about reaching your pick-up point on time, we advise you to arrive a day early. The cost of your room is not included in your tuition. Airport shuttles to hotels are sometimes available, or you may need to take a taxi. There are several hotels near the Airport, Bus Station or Downtown Duluth. Some options include:
Near Airport:
Econo Lodge 218-722-5522
Country Inns & Suites 218.461.3312
Days Inn 218.727.3110
Near Bus Station and Downtown:
Super 8 by Wyndham 218.628.2241
Radisson Hotel 218.481.11185
The reunion will end at approximately 10:00 AM on Sunday, September 1st.
Folks needing transportation to Duluth will depart Homeplace before this time, and you may miss the closing circle. These logistics are still being worked out.
Returning to Duluth
Reunion guests requesting a shuttle will be transported to Duluth on September 1.
Please book your departing flights any time after 1:00 PM on September 1st.
You will arrive in Duluth in time for a 1:00 PM flight. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to make any flights or get a bus out of Duluth, MN, before 1:00 PM, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Reunion Schedule Outline*
*While the schedule outline will remain the same, details (such as evening activities) may change.
**Check-in will continue all Friday afternoon and Saturday, as needed. When you arrive, you will receive a welcome packet and other information for the weekend.
Pricing:
Reunion Weekend: $160 PP (includes all meals, shuttle to & from Duluth, & staying at HP)
Saturday Pass: $60 PP (Folks who live in Ely or nearby and want to attend on Saturday only)
Drop by & 1-meal: $30
Sign Up for Updates
Please fill out the form below to begin receiving our email newsletter.
