Applications now being accepted!
Veterans to the BWCA
When was the last time you were able to get away and forget about all the stresses in your life? The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is an amazing experience, one of peace and reflection that cannot be matched by any other place in the world.
We at the Center are committed to honoring and preserving the best stories in the Northland. In order to educate the public, the center relies on veterans to provide their stories and artifacts. We appreciate the trust veterans place in us to tell their stories and want to give back to the veteran community.
We are aware of the many issues facing veterans today. In an effort to assist in healing and build healthy relationships within our community we are offering a FREE BWCA trip for veterans. Nothing but fishing, canoeing and camping the entire time. By bringing veterans into the wilderness away from noises and stress we hope it will help them heal, recover and just relax.
2021 Trip Dates
We will be taking two trips in 2021. The first will be from July 12 to 18 and the second from July 26 to August 1.
The entire trip is six full days. Four of those days will be spent in the BWCA. The trip includes two nights at Veterans on the Lake Resort in Ely, MN. We will enter the BWCA at entry point #35, Isabella Lake, where we will make our way across the lake to find a base camp.
The trip is being fully outfitted by Canadian Waters Outfitting. This means, canoes, packs, food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc. are provided. You will only have to provide clothing, fishing gear and any camping gear you want to bring. Keep in mind, you will have to carry your own pack on this trip. If you don’t already have a Minnesota fishing license, you will need to purchase one prior to the trip. If the cost of a fishing license presents a hardship for the veteran, we can reimburse them for the cost of the license.
Transportation will be provided from Superior to Ely and back.
Selection Process
We understand that many veterans may be interested in this trip, but we can only bring 7 on the trip. More information on the selection process will be provided in the application packet.
Trip Timeline
Day 1 Travel to Veterans on the Lake
Day 2 Enter the BWCA
Day 6 Leave the BWCA
Day 7 Leave Veterans on the Lake and return to Superior
Submit your application to participate in 2021
We are now accepting applications for our 2021 trips! Individuals seeking to apply may use any of the three application methods below to apply. To be included in the first review of applications, all materials (application and DD-214) must be received on or by Friday, May 14. A final application deadline of Friday, May 21, allows for participants who missed the first review to still be considered for participation.
2021 BWCA Trip for Veterans Application – Microsoft Word
2021 BWCA Trip for Veterans Application – Fillable PDF
2021 BWCA Trip for Veterans Application – Google Forms
Review Process
Each application will be reviewed by our trip leaders and staff. Applicants will be notified by email on May 28, 2021 of their status as either a full participant or alternate for a trip. If selected as a full participant or alternate, you will need to submit acknowledgement forms and trip commitment paperwork to the Bong Center (by email or mail) on or by June 11, 2021 to guarantee your spot on the trip. If a spot opens up, alternates will be notified of their ability to move up to a full participant.
Questions?
Anyone with questions regarding the trips may contact Dustin Heckman at (715) 392-7151 or heckman@bongcenter.org.
Sponsor the BWCA Trip
