Location
Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base
8291, 14790 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731
As of 7/18/21 - 1 spot is open for Session 9
OA Northern Tier Programs
OA Wilderness Voyage
The Order of the Arrow Wilderness Voyage program is an experience like no other! For two weeks, you will join together with Arrowmen from around the country and experience all that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota has to offer.
The first week of the program is spent giving back to the Boundary Waters through portage trail restoration work. Participants have the opportunity to leave their mark on the Boundary Waters that will enable thousands of visitors each year to better enjoy their experience. Trail work involves restoring and protecting trails that have existed for centuries and are in dire need or repair.
The second part of the program is a trek planned by the crew! From the 8-1/2 mile "Grand Portage" leading to Lake Superior to the Height of Land, even the pictographs on Fishdance Lake, crews have done and seen all in the Boundary Waters.
Cost: $250 per participant (includes BSA High Adventure Base COVID-19 surcharge) - Travel to and from Northern Tier is not included in the fee. A shuttle from Minneapolis-St Paul International airport for an additional charge.
NOTE - 1/25/21 Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the BSA is notifying all registrants scheduled to attend one of the national High-Adventure bases of a one-time COVID-19 surcharge fee of $50 per participant. This fee will offset the additional costs associated with operating High-Adventure Bases in accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines, and precautionary measures intended to keep all participants safe. Northern Tier COVID-19 Updates
OA Wilderness Voyage Requirements
To attend the Order of the Arrow Wilderness Voyage program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Every participant must be at least 16 years of age by the day your program starts, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
- Participants must also be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
- A complete physical examination in required. (BSA's Health and Medical Record will be sent to those who are accepted.)
There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Wilderness Voyage program is both an honor and a privilege.
OA Canadian Odyssey
Due to ongoing border restrictions with Canada related to COVID-19, OA Canadian Odyssey will not be offered for the summer of 2021
The Order of the Arrow Canadian Odyssey program is an experience like no other! For two weeks, you will join together with Arrowmen from around the country and experience the wild beauty of the Quetico Provincial Park of Ontario, Canada.
Like its U.S. counterpart, the first week of the OA Canadian Odyssey program is spent giving back to the Quetico through portage trail restoration work. Participants have the opportunity to leave their mark on the Quetico that will enable thousands of visitors each year to better enjoy their experience. Trail work involves restoring and protecting trails that have existed for centuries and are in dire need or repair.
The second part of the program is a trek through the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada designed to challenge and inspire. Due to the international travel involved with this program, it is required that all participants must have a valid passport as well as a clean criminal record or they will NOT be permitted to cross the international border and will be sent home.
OA Canadian Odyssey Requirements
To attend the Order of the Arrow Canadian Odyssey program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Every participant must be at least 16 years of age by the day your program starts, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
- Participants must also be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
- A complete physical examination in required. (BSA's Health and Medical Record will be sent to those who are accepted.)
- Every participant must have a valid passport as well as a clean criminal record or they will NOT be permitted to cross the international border and will be sent home. It is critical to submit paperwork for a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) prior to arrival on base by at least 6 weeks.
There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Canadian Odyssey program is both an honor and a privilege.