a Community Choice, LLC venture

Near the end of a particularly difficult hiking trip I asked my 8 year old daughter what she learned from the experience*.  As we sat on the bluffs of Lake Superior on a beautiful late October day she pondered.  Finally she said "I don't know...  but I think I will someday".  That's exactly right I thought.  I learned much between the ages 9 - 15 when I started camping and canoeing at YMCA Camp Icaghowan in the early 70's and 80's.  It shaped my life in ways difficult to describe.  I could not realize it at the time.

 

Their two week Pioneer and Challenger canoe trips for 13 and 14 year old boys and girls affected me most deeply.  Long days in the canoe, cooking over an open fire, the daily routine of pitching and striking camp begin to root in your soul after about five days on the river.  Getting down to bare essentials you learn what is truly important in life.  Friends, family, food, water, warmth and sleep. 

 

When returning to your complicated life things are seen in a much different light.  You realize that life is much the same as canoeing.  You go to work or school so you can have the same basic essentials and that's it.  All of a sudden a great burden seems lifted from your shoulders.  You find true freedom and peace.

 

But there is something more.    Things that can not be taught, only experienced.  A greater understanding of oneself and confidence to tackle life's greatest challenges.  And finally Nature imbues her awesome presence.  You realize in solitude that there is a power much greater than yourself and that it is all around you. 

 

Our mission is to share this experience with youth, adults and families.  I can't recommend Camp Icaghowan more strongly for kids through age 14.  At Gods Country Canoeing we expand on that tradition and make it available to everyone.

 

* For the complete story see our Split Rock 2005 journal coming soon.