Boundary Waters Experience (BWX)

Chip Addington...

My name is Chip Addington and this will be my third summer working at BWX. This summer I will be supporting the camp by being its Guide Team Leader, helping to manage base camp details and support the guides, plan routes and building the overall community of the camp. Its an experience that I am really pumped for, and I am truly looking forward to it.

I am currently a student at Bethel University in the Twin Cities, and will be a senior this fall majoring in both Studio Art and Environmental studies. Making, creating, and exploring are all passions of mine, I love to travel and experience new places and people, and do things I've never done before. I can't wait to see you all in the woods.

Couple of good men...

The BWX is still accepting applications from men for the Trail Guide position for the 2009 summer.  If you are interested in working with us, please let me know.  If not, please pass the work along to folks that you know who may be interested.  Thanks, Marcus

Kristin Parden...

My name is Kristin Parden and I'm originally from a wonderful area of North Idaho called Coeur d'Alene. I attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where I studied Chemistry and learned a lot about relating to people who are both very similar to myself and very different. In addition to the outdoors, I like to read, swing dance, draw, and hold long theological conversations. This past year I have been working as a nursing assistant in my home town's emergency room and I will be attending medical school this fall.

I love outdoor activities, especially canoeing, downhill skiing, and hiking, and I am so excited to be a part of BWX this summer! I feel God's overwhelming peace and power when I am out in nature and there is nothing else on earth that compares. It is my desire to experience the challenges of canoeing while growing in faith with others.    

Mary Saviano...

My name is Mary Saviano and I'm a music student at North Central University.  I have a wide variety of interest.  I enjoy traveling, playing piano, reading, being outdoors, meeting new people, and doing almost anything that presents a challenge.  I love helping other people overcome challenges and do things they never thought they'd be able to do.

I spent this past summer working with BWX, and the experience gave me a whole new perspective on God and nature.  Being so close to His creation, I realized that I didn't have to go "searching" for Him... He was right there with me.  Through the things around me, I could see His power, goodness, and beauty.  Instead of feeling like I had to do something special in order to please Him, I realized that I, too, am part of His creation, and I please Him just by being alive and loving Him.  On trail I watched Him work in the lives of campers, leading them to depend on Him, and trust each other through the challenges they faced.  It's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything, and I'm looking forward to going back.

Meet the BWX Guides...

We are starting a series of posts to introduce you to the BWX 2009 Guide Staff.  In the next weeks, each guide will post a bit about themselves for you to get acquainted with them.

New Website...

The BWX has launched a new website this week.  It has many new features, including videos, resources for leaders and campers, as well as a way for people to ask questions directly to Trail Guides, former clients, and the BWX staff.  Check it out. 

Trail Video

BWX Fall Newsletter

Download News Letter

Wilderness to cyberspace...

The BWX has gone electronic.  The camp has some new tools to help people learn about the ministry, stay connected with friends, share stories and pictures from the trail, watch our video, and share it all with new people.

To the right of this posting, you will see links to our group site at Facebook, our video in You Tube, and our website.

We hope that you will enjoy these, use these, and share these places.

It begins...

Politics are among of my favorite things.  I love to think about them, to talk about them, and to learn about them.  In the course of my friendship with Doug Pagitt, we have had many "spirited" conversations about government and politics.  We have seen eye to eye on some issues and disagreed wholeheartedly on others.  At the end of each conversation I have left with a stronger friendship and a broader view of our system.  Today, Doug has announced his bid for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2010.  This is a good thing. 

http://dougpagitt.com/

Coming along well...

Ross' new cabin next door to the camp is getting close to being done.  It is fun to make the progress...
 

Introducing...

The 2009 BWX Guide Team Leader is Chip Addington.  Chip has been a wonderful part of our Guide Staff for the past two summers.  He brings much to the ministry component of leading trips, he is a skilled outdoors man, and he also has deep knowledge of wilderness medical procedures.  In this job, Chip will work with the Guide staff to ensure a high quality of trip content through planning both the spiritual and physical components of our experiences.  We're glad to have him.

After a long & good summer...

Canoes for Sale...

The BWX is selling it's  We-no-nah "Tuf-Weave Boundary Waters" canoes with portage pads and skid plates.  Three are 2007 models ($1,275) and one is 2008 ($1,375). The canoes cost $2,129 new.  They are in great shape, and were used by a camp in this summer.  The canoes are in the Twin Cities now.  Call Marcus at (612) 743-7700 or e-mail at bwx@mac.com.

A better place to be...

Last week Abby and I were thinking about being somewhere else - anywhere else.  It seems that the animals conferred about messing with us.  It started out being kind of fun, when two wolves came out of the woods onto the road while I was driving to the dump.  I stopped to take a look, and they came closer.  I realized that they were sniffing at the bed of the truck, where the garbage was that I was hauling.  I moved on.  The next three were less than fun.   While brushing my teeth a spider dropped a line from the ceiling and ended up sitting on my toothbrush, which was in my hand.  After that, Abby was in the bathroom, when the ceiling vent swung open under the weight of the mouse that rode it down.  The real prize happened while we were driving, and a snake came out of the engine and began slithering up the front window.  It was an arm length away.  It stuck its toung out.  I hate snakes.

Thoughts on "A Christianity Worth Believing"...

By: Stacy Schnaare
North Central University

This year the BWX staff has been reading and discussing Doug Pagitt’s book, A Christianity Worth Believing.  The underlying theme of this book is that there is more to the Christian life and Christian living than our fallen state and following static rules.  Christianity is a vibrant way to live in the ways of Christ and is a hopeful and positive experience, to live in the Kingdom of God.  So often, the culture that many of us have been raised in emphasizes our inherent evil nature and paints a bleak picture, one in which we are depraved of any ability to connect with God without fulfilling certain qualities or conditions first.  Pagitt explains a view of Christianity that is filled with hope for life of living in the ways of God now, rather than biding our time here, depraved and hopeless, until one day everything will be perfect.  God wants us to live with Him now and invites us into that journey and adventure, integrated into what God is doing!

The BWX staff has enjoyed and been challenged by the concepts in Pagitt’s book and would recommend reading this work.

Nice letter from one of our groups...

Hello Everyone,

I made it back from our Boundary Waters trip last weekend.  I think I could live up there.  I  took a group of 8 kids/adults from our church on a wilderness ministry trip for four days.  The "roughing it" part was a little more than I thought, but it was no less than perfect.  I didn't think any trip could top the Grand Canyon or Australia, but the past four days were by far the most memorable and spiritual journey I have ever been on.  I have attached some of the pictures I had developed. As soon as everyone else turns theirs in, we are going to put them in a slide show and present them after church in the next few weeks.  Hopefully we can get another trip together for next year.  The kids stubbornly came off the water saying they would rather have had the week long trip and what was I thinking only planning for 4 days.  I am using that to measure the sucess of the trip.  I highly encourage you to think about using the Boundary Waters Experience organization to experience the Boundary Waters.  You will experience more than if you just went on your own.   Family...think about this for a get-a-way possibility.  The website is www.bwexperience.com.  Enjoy the pictures.   Thank you Boundary Waters Experience Staff.  We are praying for the continued success of your group and mission.  You have an unbelievable thing going.  We can't thank you enough--especially Jacob.

God Bless,

Jessica Ollinger

Happy Birthday to Brittaney...

Happy 21st Birthday to Chip...

BWX Olymipcs

  Congratulations to the folks that participated in the BWX Half Marathon that runs from the Base Camp at Mine Lake, 13.1 miles to Ojibway Lake along the Fernberg Road just east of Ely Minnesota.

 

A family walk in the woods...

We went for a walk to gather berries on Ojibway Lake Road yesterday.  Selah picked rocks until she figured out that she could eat the raspberries.  It was a nice time.

Congratulations to Elyse and Damien...

Last week Elyse and Damien got married in a beautiful setting filled with loved ones.  Abby and I were able to fly to Colorado and participate in the festivities.  In addition to Elyse, Abby, and I being there from the BWX, Matt Peterson, and Benny were also a part of it.  It was great fun, and good to happen.

As a staff, we have been reading and chatting about this...

Doug Pagitt:  "A Christianity Worth Believing"

Soon members of our staff will share thoughts about the book and our conversations on this blog...

Views from the trail...

Jacob Annis (one of our second year Trail Guides) captured some nice images from the Basswood Lake area.

 

News from the trail...

By: Erin Gilliland
For my first week on trail I was so blessed to lead a group of ninth grade students from Cristo Rei High School, which is located in Minneapolis, MN. The group included two adult leaders, Mr. Franke, a social studies teacher and Miss Anderson, the school’s social worker and five campers. Some of them had been on trail with us before, but most of them were excited about their first times in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
We loaded up and headed out on Lake One early on a Sunday morning, then traveled that day to Lake Four, by which I was extremely impressed.  They had such positive attitudes, while learning to paddle for the very first time! We stayed at a really fun campsite on Lake Four called “Woo Hoo.” The campers loved the space we had and used it for fishing and relaxing on the rock slopes of the shoreline. We began exploring our lives and experiences with our “Life Stories” and ended each night with a discussion and prayer about the Bible. 
We then headed east to Lake Insula, and spent a couple days there enjoying the sunshine and awesome weather!  Following Lake Insula, we began our trek back through the lakes, and set our final camp at Lake One for lots of laughs, a great affirmation session, and some solo time. We met up with the staff at the landing early Friday afternoon and ended the trip with smiles and good memories. It was a rewarding trip for all!

Visitors...

Peggy (Abby's mom) came to visit last weekend.  Ross came this weekend.  Nicks parents came during the week to meet everyone.
 

Staff Training Trip...

  

Jack - zero, other dog - one...

Jack got beat up last week.  I didn't do it to him either.  It was another dog that was visiting the camp.  A little surgery and he's better now.

Bathtime in the woods...

 

2008 Summer Guides...

We've been training for the past week.   We'll be training for the next week.  Off to the woods tomorrow.

Guide Staff at Kawishiwi Falls... 

Practicing medical emergency scenarios... 

 

Eric Sundell - our friend, Wilderness First Aid Trainer, and a BWX Board Member...

Moving Day...

We're off to camp for the summer.  Tomorrow the staff will show up, and we'll be in for a couple of weeks of training.  Then come the campers..  Should be a good one.

Been a while...

Since I have heard her voice
Since I saw her smile
Since she held my baby
Since I have hugged her

Mom left us a year ago this evening.  I wish that we could spend ten minutes with her.  I love her.  I miss her.

Dad's Blog Here

Work Weekends Reminder..

May 30th - June 1st

The Boundary Waters Experience is gearing up for another season.  We have much work on the base camp property near Ely to accomplish in order to be ready for the summer. We are asking for your help!  There is work for everyone: rebuilding the staff cabin, trimming trees, readying boats, cleaning gear, etc.  We have a place for everyone to stay, and will provide food.  All that you need to do is arrive and lend a hand working.

We are also having smaller work weekends in the weekends of May 17th and 24th to get ready for the larger one.  People are welcome to come to these smaller work gatherings as well.

Please join us for the weekend(s) – e-mail or call Marcus to RSVP (invite friends too)! BWX@mac.com or (612) 743-7700.

Race for the Cure...

It is the time of year again, when we gather to be with the women and families who have been affected by breast cancer at the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure.  This event was always very important to my Mom, and she enjoyed having all of her family and friends around to support her in it.  She asked all of us to continue participating in it in the future. Unfortunately, the cure did not come in time for Mom; however, she never gave up hope.  We can join in her hope of curing this disease by supporting studies to cure it.  We have set up a website that will allow people to donate directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Please visit it and consider contributing.  Click Here

John & Steve are coming back...

Two of our most committed and helpful friends and volunteers are coming back to the BWX this spring to help us build up the camp.

John is coming in from Washington between May 17th - 25th.  We will be at the camp that entire time if anyone wants to help out and chat up the politics. 

Steve will be running the show on the big May 30th - June 1st weekend.  We would appreciate all help and company! 

Happy Birthday Abby...

My gal is starting a new decade.  I hope that it all goes your way.  Happy Birthday Abby - I love you.

Happy Birthday Selah...

Yesterday was my little girl's first birthday.  Words can not suffice how great it has been.  We went to see friends as the coffee shop, then to the Children's Museum to play with Berit and Ed Schaefer, and Alice and Laura Smith.  Then we went for a walk at Lake Harriet, before her two grandpa's and grandma came to visit for dinner.  Good day.

Goodbye to an old friend...

For the past nine years, a big group of friends has come together on Thursday nights at Maxwell's.  It has been a steady date, where you could just count on being with friends.  It has been a place where people that have been a part of the camp have met to continue sharing life after the sumer.  Today Maxwell's was lost in a fire.  It is odd to feel so bad about losing a place, but it is a place that has been filled with good times - now memories.

Start of the hiring season...

The BWX is beginning the staffing process for the 2008 summer.  We are excepting applications for people who are interested in the Trail Guide position.  If you or someone you know are interested in applying please visit the BWX website and download an application or call Marcus Andrusko at 612-743-7700.

This day...

It is February 2nd.  It's Groundhog's Day.  More winter Phil tells us.  It is my mom's birthday.  Selah, Abby, and I went out to breakfast and then to visit mom's grave.  I just hate that rock with her name on it.  It is so cold, so hard, so final... the reality of those terrible dreams that I had for years.

Tonight we are cooking a big meal, and having friends over.  It is the sort of thing that mom would have loved.  It will be a room full of good people that loved her.  I can imagine her sitting in the corner laughing. 

BWX in the Winter...

Abby, Selah, Jack and I took a trip to the camp last weekend.  It was nice to snowshoe, rest, and visit friends.

Congratulations to Mimi & Steve Schirber...

Claire Elizabeth Schirber. Born December 11th, 8lbs- 8oz, 23” long, 10 fingers, 10 toes.

Carlton Peterson...

Last night I went to the memorial service of Carlton Peterson.  Carlton was a friend of the BWX, and the father of Matt Peterson, who is a close friend of mine and the camp.  I hate death.  I hate the ripping apart of relationships.  I know that we have the beauty and promise of God making things better and the great reunion in the afterlife.  I believe these things; however, there is nothing that I can conjure up to make me believe that anyone is even slightly better off by this mans passing.  I shave struggled with this for a long time with my own mothers death and now with watching my friend experience it. I now surrender to not getting it. 

Something else came to mind during the memorial.  Carlton was quite a man.  I was taken back by how he lived his life and what beauty he brought to so many.  It made me think of a lyric to one of my favorite singers songs.  Harry Chapin sang in, I wonder what would happen to this world these words that I believe are fitting for Carlton's life.

"Now if a man tried
To take his time on Earth
And prove before he died
What one man's life could be worth
Well I wonder what would happen to this world"

Happy 8 Months to my little girl...

We celebrated by going to the pumpkin patch, taking a nap, and painting pumpkins for the grandparents.

Retired...

We did it again - this time with no style or grace!  We found the finish line on a dirty-hot day. Running 26.2 miles in 81 degree heat is something to reckon with 

It was fun in an odd sort of way, great to do it with Abby, and nice to see so many friends cheer us on all along the way.  Congratulations also to: Carrie Anderson, Patty Richards, Naomi Schwenke, Mariissa Cwik, and Kent Andrusko.

Happy Birthday to Kenny...

You're a long way's from home on your birthday Kenny - I hope that Africa treats you well on this day.  http://www.nomadicmillers.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday to Selah...

Well - at least half birthday...  For the big event she gets....... mashed up avocado.  Her first food!

BWX Olymipcs...

Yesterday we took our last five trips off the trail - they went well.  That means that today is about closing down that camp for the winter - and of course - the BWX Olympics.  This morning five brave (or doltish) soles ran a half marathon (13.1 miles).  We ran from base camp at Mine Lake, out the Frenberg Road, to Ojibway Lake. 

Tents for Sale

We are closing camp and selling off some of the gear.  This year we are selling the "Mutha Hubba" MSR tents.  They are only two months old, with only two trail weeks on them.  They are three season, three person tents.  Call Marcus if you are interested in one (612) 743-7700.

Christmas in the Summer...

The staff celebrates Christmas in the summer each year.  It was last weekend.  Dan & Hillary came to visit us too.