Location
Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base
8291, 14790 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731
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'll join Arrowmen from across the country to explore all that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota has to offer.
First Week: Giving Back
The first week is dedicated to portage trail restoration work, giving back to the Boundary Waters. Participants will have the chance to leave a lasting impact, enabling 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 of repair.
Second Week: The Trek
The second part of the program is a trek planned by the crew! You'll travel to historic sites such as the Height of Land or ancient pictographs, and see natural wonders like untamed waterfalls and geological formations. Each Voyage is as unique as your crew.
Cost: $450 per participant. Travel to and from Northern Tier is not included in the fee. A shuttle from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is available for an additional charge, currently $275 round trip. Participants flying in should plan to arrive on the day their program begins and depart on the final day.
Please note that $50 of your deposit is nonrefundable, and once approved, the entire deposit becomes nonrefundable. Do not book travel until you receive your participant packet. The Order of the Arrow is not responsible for any costs associated with travel or changes.
OA Wilderness Voyage Requirements
To attend the Order of the Arrow Wilderness Voyage program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and not yet 21 by its conclusion.
- Be a registered member of Scouting America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
- Be physically fit and able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs. (Northern Tier height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
- Complete a physical examination (Scouting's Health and Medical Record will be sent to those who are accepted).
- All participants must complete a swim test prior to arriving at Northern Tier. Swim tests will not be conducted at the Base. A current and fully completed Scouting swim test form must be presented during check-in on the day of arrival. A link to the form is available below.
There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Wilderness Voyage program is both an honor and a privilege.
Each session must adhere to Scouting America Youth Protection (YPT) requirements. In the event of an unforeseen YPT concern, participants may be asked to choose an alternate session that complies with YPT standards.
Scouts from the same unit are welcome to attend the same session.
Link to Northern Tier swim test - Click Here
OA Canadian Odyssey
The Order of the Arrow Canadian Odyssey program offers a unique experience! For two weeks, you'll join Arrowmen from across the country to explore the wild beauty of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.
First Week: Giving Back
Similar to its U.S. counterpart, the first week is dedicated to portage trail restoration work in the Quetico. Participants will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact, enabling 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 of repair.
Second Week: The Trek
The second part of the program is a trek through Quetico Provincial Park, designed to challenge and inspire. Due to international travel, all participants must have a valid passport and a clean criminal record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in being sent home.
Cost: $450 per participant. Travel to and from Northern Tier is not included in the fee. A shuttle from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is available for an additional charge, currently $275 round trip. Participants flying in should plan to arrive on the day their program begins and depart on the final day.
Please note that $50 of your deposit is nonrefundable, and once approved, the entire deposit becomes nonrefundable. Do not book travel until you receive your participant packet. The Order of the Arrow is not responsible for any costs associated with travel or changes.
OA Canadian Odyssey Requirements
To attend the Order of the Arrow Canadian Odyssey program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and not yet 21 by its conclusion.
- Be a registered member of Scouting America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
- Complete a physical examination (Scouting's Health and Medical Record will be sent to those who are accepted).
- Be physically fit and able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs. (Northern Tier height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
- Have a valid passport and a clean criminal record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in being sent home. It is critical that the paperwork for a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit be submitted at least six weeks prior to arrival. Instructions on how to do this will be communicated after your registration is approved.
- All participants must complete a swim test prior to arriving at Northern Tier. Swim tests will not be conducted at the Base. A current and fully completed Scouting swim test form must be presented during check-in on the day of arrival. A link to the form is available bel
There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Canadian Odyssey program is both an honor and a privilege.
Each session must adhere to Scouting America Youth Protection (YPT) requirements. In the event of an unforeseen YPT concern, participants may be asked to choose an alternate session that complies with YPT standards.
Scouts from the same unit are welcome to attend the same session.
Link to Northern Tier swim test - Click Here
Participants will receive an email when their registration is submitted and a second email when the Lodge and Council have approved the application. These emails are automated and may be flagged as junk/spam. Please add no-reply@registration.oa-bsa.org to your safe sender list and check your junk folder if you do not see the emails.