2025 St.Vincent Scouts Boundary Waters Expedition

Attendee Eligibility:

  • Scouts - at least 14 years old on July 4, 2025

  • Venturers

  • Registered Leaders

Attendee Training Requirements:

  • Swim Test Completed - BSA Swimmer

  • Wilderness First Aid

Where: Boundary Waters (Minnesota)


When: Early July 2025 (~10 days with travel)

Cost: Less than $1,000

Deposit: $100 (Deposit will save your spot for the trip)

Trip Contact: Doug Thurber - cubmasterdoug3049@gmail.com

About Boundary Waters

Paddling and Portaging: Paddling can be hard work and portaging can be even harder — it’s a fact of life! That being said, there are various ways to enjoy the Boundary Waters, and many times, the biggest rewards come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. In time, you just might be surprised at how much you’ll love a buggy, half-mile portage!

Mosquitoes, Flies, and More Bugs: There can be a lot of bugs in the Boundary Waters — so be prepared. No matter the season, bring a bug net. Bring a couple in case you lose one. Bugs can be especially bad in the early season, so be sure to pack plenty of bug dope. The good news is that they go away once you get on the water.

Bears and Other Wildlife: Black bears make their home in the Boundary Waters, and unfortunately, many know that humans carry a lot of yummy food with them and are not shy about walking into an occupied campsite. The best way to keep bears and other critters from disrupting your camp is to make your site as uninteresting as possible. Clean up after yourself. Store food in a way that locks away the scent and doesn’t make a mess.

Unfamiliar Noises: Sound carries over the water. If you’re camping on a calm night, you’ll hear many noises, which can freak you out. A duck flapping its wings on the other side of the lake can sound like it’s right outside of your tent. Then, the chipmunks or birds in the camp can sound like bears. And if you never heard a beaver slap the water with its tail, the sound can be terrifying. There’s nothing to be worried about — it’s just unfamiliar sounds!

Rain and Weather: Rain happens. And sometimes the wind will prevent you from paddling. But as the old saying goes, there really isn’t any such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Rainy days are ideal excuses to drink extra hot chocolate or Cup-of-Soup packets. And if you’re stuck in a tent, games of Gin Rummy, Cribbage, and 500 are great reminders of how much fun people had before Wi-Fi.

Other People: You’ll probably run into other people when you’re in the Boundary Waters. They’re out here for the same reason you are: To them. Keep noise down (sound travels over water). Start early and camp early to ensure you get a good site.

Remember, every trip is different, so no matter how well you prepare, your bound to discover something magical and new when you’re out there.