This will be a three day canoe camping adventure on a wild river in southern Wisconsin, likely the Wisconsin River but dependent upon conditions. Using canoeing as our travel mode we will experience immersion in the wildness, biodiversity, and timelessness that these special places offer. We will learn wilderness skills in the gathering, cooking, camping and paddling that we do but an equal amount of our learning will be focused on nature observation, tracking, and awareness of everything from the wildlife we are surrounded by and trees over our heads to the incoming weather and the watercourse. We will also take periods of reflective time for full absorption of this experience and personal connection to these places. This is designed to be a well-supported and dynamic experience in wild camping, deep nature connection, wilderness skills, and cooperative functioning in the wild.

This trip is open to any experience level. However it is important that participants be sure they are comfortable sleeping in the outdoors and be capable of swimming, long days, and exerting oneself in the situation of windy day paddling or the like. There is current, but not rapids, on the lower Wisconsin.

This trip is not designed to push you to your limits, but rather is made to offer a solid experience in canoe camping with meaningful depth and skilled instruction offered in the areas of tracking and observation, outdoor skills like cooking on the fire, navigation and foraging, finding connection and comfort in Nature, and in an active, retreat-like atmosphere of cooperation, camaraderie, and support. Please be aware this trip will happen away from all amenities and conventional comforts, but filled with the wonder and deeper comforts of the Wilds. We will be discouraging the use of cell phones and the like but understand that some folks are likely to have specific communication needs while on this trip. Staff will have emergency communication options covered in the case of a need.

Dates: Wed-Fri, Aug. 9 - 11
Ages: Adults only
Location: Likely the Wisconsin River or Black River
(exact location to be provided closer to the date)

Canoe rental costs are included in the ticket price. A discount is offered at $50 per person for providing their own canoe, if appropriate for this trip. If providing your own canoe, please use the discount code CANOE50 to receive the discount. If your group comprises multiple people who will not need canoe rentals, please register them separately using the discount code (it can only be applied once per booking).

Please see "Instructions" below for other gear requirements.

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines

Supporter Level Ticket: $900

Sustainer Level Ticket: $800

Supported Level Ticket: $700

Instructions

Participants will need to provide their own gear in the form of sleeping bag, and proper tent (compact and resistant to winds), but canoe rental is included in the price. There is some equipment available for loan for this trip, tents and sleeping bags particularly. Please inquire if this makes the trip more possible for you.

A follow up communication will be sent to participants providing further details and requesting some further personal information from participants about allergies, dietary needs, and personal comfort levels in the outdoors.