This summer I am working as a guide in the Boundary Waters for the first time. I’ve been on several trips in the past, but this will be my first extended stay/first time leading.

Is there any advice for a female college student spending the summer up north?

Thank you!

Be prepared to do all the work and pleasantly surprised when a client willingly pitches in. Better to be the latter than frequently disappointed at the former.

Will you be working at a camp (Northern Tier - Scouts, Widjiwagan, etc.) or with an outfitter?

I’ll be working with a camp, leading high schoolers for the most part.

Check out Jodi Middendorf's YouTube channel. She works at an outfitter off the Gunflint Trail and uses her videos to document life working in the industry, things to do on off days, and general honest thoughts.

Take it slow, be patient and bring some good books for the downtimes.

SearchingForMoose: "I’ll be working with a camp, leading high schoolers for the most part."

I don't know, as I've never done it, but my guess is the expectation of both the employer and the trip participants is different for a teen camp vs an outfitter.

I would talk to your employer and also ask if there is a past guide you could speak with regarding expectations and experiences. What's the goal for the teen trip? Work to meet that goal. Once that goal is known - this board will likely be able to assist to help you be successful.

Patience, lots and lots of patience. Also be prepared for someone to shut down and refuse to carry their pack one step further, or twist their ankle and require a carry. People that need a guide are likely to pack too much and not realize how much effort portaging takes. So figure out what the best course of action is and talk to other guides and see how common that sort of thing is.

Then there is the dealing with teens portion. Figure out what the (your) rules are and be sure to tell everyone the rules before each trip. You are going to want to prepare a quick speech to go over everything at the beginning of each trip so everyone is on the same page and help the teens recognize that you are in charge. Then figure out which rules you can bend or break and when. Some are more like guidelines and some you can build a little rapport by seeming less uptight than the job calls for.

The thing about seasonal jobs is; they come to an end. If you keep that in front of you it will help. There will be challenges, personalities, drama(especially with young people) , even some conflicts. But, it will be over soon enough. Hopefully the reward will outweigh any of those things!

The motto for guides at Voyageur Wilderness Programme in Atikokan back in the 1970s was "Love the people you're with, love the place you're in and love yourself".

Treat folks with respect when you have to give them direction. When someone messes up tell them what they need to do to make it right and let it go. Next interaction should be a friendly, positive one. In a rare instance that someone is really having a tough time getting with the program go out of your way to find a task that they can help you with (getting the canoes secured for the night was one of the task I used). Ask them for help, stick with them until its done and thank them. You will likely end up with someone looking to help you and others the rest of the trip.

Everything will take two times longer than you expect. A lot of patience is required.
Tom

Not BWCA guiding specific, but watch out for your health, there is no one their to take care of you.
I've see plenty of adults go down while working with youth because they are focused on the health and welfare of those that they are leading, and don't attend to themselves enough.
Not drinking enough water is usually where it all starts (heat exhaustion, sun burn, hypothermia), I've had hypothermia start to creep up on me in those circumstances (the umbles were starting).
Working with youth is fun, frustrating, challenging, exciting, and rewarding, sometimes all at once.

sedges: "The motto for guides at Voyageur Wilderness Programme in Atikokan back in the 1970s was "Love the people you're with, love the place you're in and love yourself".


Treat folks with respect when you have to give them direction. When someone messes up tell them what they need to do to make it right and let it go. Next interaction should be a friendly, positive one. In a rare instance that someone is really having a tough time getting with the program go out of your way to find a task that they can help you with (getting the canoes secured for the night was one of the task I used). Ask them for help, stick with them until its done and thank them. You will likely end up with someone looking to help you and others the rest of the trip."

I have never been a guide, so perhaps shouldn’t even comment, but it seems to me that the above advice is spot-on.

I did work with many groups of teenagers, over many years, in both school and church situations. If they are motivated, they can move mountains. If they are angry or insulted, they may put the mountains back in a really uncomfortable place. And if they love you, they will give you memories to last a lifetime. In my opinion, respect is the key. Respect and high expectations, lots of reinforcing the positive.

Thanks for the Jodi Middendorf recommendation! I just watched some of her videos.

I would stress relationship. Develop a relationship with each person...nothing deep, but make an individual connection with each person. Ask them about themselves, what they do, where they are from...ask follow-up questions to show that you are listening. Show interest in them as people, and check in with them as the trip goes by. You'll be surprised about what you will learn about their strengths and weaknesses, preferences, and attitude. It will also make delegation easier. Those with whom you have established a "relationship" will be more likely to help when you ask, if only slightly in some cases.

And praise. Praise goes a long way. If you have a slacker, but the slacker does something positive, consider praising them in front of others.

Just a few thoughts.

Mike

^^^ Mike, that’s great advice. The crew members look up to the Guide as being pretty cool.

Even though in the moment you may wonder what the hell am I doing, I can tell you that the experience you are giving them or enabling them to have or teaching them - it’s going to be a highlight of their lifetime. They will never forget it. I think in the tough times, that knowledge would be helpful. Good for you. It will likely change some of their lives in ways you’ll never know. Also remember, they learn a lot by observing... you! Keep your cool. Model the behavior you’d like them to learn.

Good for you. You have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of some young people. Mike's advice is very sound; get to know them. You will be able to instill in your groups the LNT ethic and appreciation for the wilderness. I envy you the chance to introduce these young folks to the wild. Strive to make them good stewards of the land. Your influence can open up a lifetime of great experiences for them. I hope you will tell us how it all went in the fall. Good luck.

SearchingForMoose: "Thanks for the Jodi Middendorf recommendation! I just watched some of her videos."

I also went down that rabbit hole haha

SearchingForMoose: "This summer I am working as a guide in the Boundary Waters for the first time. I’ve been on several trips in the past, but this will be my first extended stay/first time leading.

Is there any advice for a female college student spending the summer up north?

Thank you!"

I am about to start my fourth season guiding youth trips and I can tell you that it is worth it every step of the way!

For me, the camp guiding is so much more rewarding than commercial because the goals are different. I worked some time at a commercial outfitter too so I have seen both sides, but I love being in a position where the goal is to challenge the kids to overcome fears/discomfort and really grow as people (instead of my goal being to give someone a great vacation.)

My advice? You don't have to be the master. A few trips really puts you leagues ahead of most of the students. You don't have to be the incredible hulk who can carry all of the things (though some of that will come with the season.) As cliche as it sounds, just be yourself. New guides often can get caught up in "this is how I HAVE to do this thing" or they get stressed about the details. Don't worry about it! Most campers won't have enough of a clue if you get a little turned around navigating a lake or if the meal prep doesn't go excatly how it went in practice. But it is important that your approach to these things has a HUGE effect on them. If a bad thunderstorm rolls in or the waves get bad and you start stressing out, that's only amplified in campers. That's not to say be fearless, but you instantly become their mentor when you pull them out of their comfort zone. With that, the opposite is true. If you show them confidence, excitement, and all the positivity you can muster, they will have an awesome time too.

Finally, a lot of the season is spent alone with groups, so use the time in base to lean into coworkers. You will learn from each other as the season goes along and, through mutual life experience, you will relate in some incredible ways. Don't get caught up in "this guide knows more than me" or "this guide has taken 100 BWCA trips" because chances are there is something else that you excel at that they never could. Working and growing together will make you both better through the season.

I'm super excited for you. I hope it's a wonderful season, but be careful! If you get too hooked you may come back again, and again, and then maybe you'll spend a winter too and then longer (speaking from experience.)

I'd read up on teenage psychology. There are certain motivational aspects that apply to each age group of adults. It's easier being a teenager (perhaps marginally :)) than having to guide them or parent them. Vary your approaches to how you might manage each situation as it arises in the backcountry.

Lots of good advice! I would add that you enjoy the time. The pay won't be great but it may be the best job you ever have.

aruthenb: "Check out Jodi Middendorf's YouTube channel. She works at an outfitter off the Gunflint Trail and uses her videos to document life working in the industry, things to do on off days, and general honest thoughts. "

+1

Freddy: "
Lots of good advice! I would add that you enjoy the time. The pay won't be great but it may be the best job you ever have."

That’s what a lot of people have been telling me! I’m going for the experience more than pay for sure.

SearchingForMoose: "This summer I am working as a guide in the Boundary Waters for the first time. I’ve been on several trips in the past, but this will be my first extended stay/first time leading.

Is there any advice for a female college student spending the summer up north?

Thank you!"

I bet you are making your dad jealous.

;)

Drab: "

SearchingForMoose: "This summer I am working as a guide in the Boundary Waters for the first time. I’ve been on several trips in the past, but this will be my first extended stay/first time leading.


Is there any advice for a female college student spending the summer up north?


Thank you!"

I bet you are making your dad jealous.


;)"

I bet I am!

Ha.

Looks like you are getting great advice from the crowd here.

I am jealous, but also proud and excited for you.
And worried, cause that is what parents do.

You will do a great job I bet!

TuscaroraBorealis: "

aruthenb: "Check out Jodi Middendorf's YouTube channel. She works at an outfitter off the Gunflint Trail and uses her videos to document life working in the industry, things to do on off days, and general honest thoughts. "

+1 "

She's guided you? (or related to you?)

cyclones30: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "

aruthenb: "Check out Jodi Middendorf's YouTube channel. She works at an outfitter off the Gunflint Trail and uses her videos to document life working in the industry, things to do on off days, and general honest thoughts. "

+1 "

She's guided you? (or related to you?) "

Not related but, we've done a bunch of trips together. She's been around the block.

I hope the "search for moose" is successful.

TuscaroraBorealis: "I hope the "search for moose" is successful. "

The goal is to spot at least one moose this summer. Over the years, I’ve seen many moose tracks but never a moose.

SearchingForMoose: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "I hope the "search for moose" is successful. "

The goal is to spot at least one moose this summer. Over the years, I’ve seen many moose tracks but never a moose."

Dont know where you're gonna be based out of? But, while is doesn't compare to seeing one out in the wilderness, I've had good luck spotting moose on or near the Gunflint Trail (past Trail Center) the past few years. Both early in the morning and just before dark at night.

Drab: "Ha.

Looks like you are getting great advice from the crowd here.

I am jealous, but also proud and excited for you.
And worried, cause that is what parents do.

"

Reading between the lines it looks like you are a second generation bwca.com member. That is really cool, and welcome to the board as your own independent person.

You likely have more experience than I ever did going into guiding, I'm sure you'll do great. I am short on advice other than to echo what others have said about it being the favorite job of a lifetime.

!) Take care of your feet. Make sure to rinse and dry them well every evening. Rinse any mud or sand out of your socks and then ring them out well. Rinse the mud and grit out of your boots. At the first sign of foot fungus, treat it!

2) Keep up with sleep. A good night sleep helps you stay patient with the teenagers.

3) When working with first year campers do not over estimate the distance they can travel safely and enjoyable. The goal is for them to have fun. Better to end up with a short day of travel versus dragging tired, crabby kids over portages late in the day. Better to make camp and then have fun swimming, exploring, fishing, or playing games. II had a counselor my 2nd year who wanted to push, push, push. She would ignore the fact that we were all hungry and exhausted. The bright side was I learned early on to recognize when people needed to stop and have food and I took charge a lot on that trip.

4) Watch out for makeup getting snuck into bags even after you have checked what they plan to take on trail...LOL. I never understood the powerful need to bring makeup since I am the kind of woman who even refused to wear makeup at my wedding...

5) Make sure everyone finds something to be successful at whether as simple as gathering firewood or as challenging as being the group navigator. BTW, if you find you are not a natural navigator, find the kid on the trip who is and TRUST them.

6) Have fun with them! And enjoy your adventure. I loved my years as a camp guide. If you happen to be working at Camp Menogyn, reach out to me!

Embrace this experience! These kids will be looking up to you. Being a young age yourself they will really relate to ya and you can have potentially a big impact on them. But also be patient. They can say and do the darndest things.

I've worked with about a million kids and after all those kids and all those decades, here's everything I gleaned:

1. Work hard.

2. Love 'em.

gravelroad: "Be prepared to do all the work and pleasantly surprised when a client willingly pitches in. Better to be the latter than frequently disappointed at the former."

+1

gravelroad: "Be prepared to do all the work and pleasantly surprised when a client willingly pitches in. Better to be the latter than frequently disappointed at the former."

+1

All great advice here.
It is a great job and experience. One thing that has served me well is 25 years of canoe trips prior to guiding. I have enjoyed my guiding experience so much. I will miss it when I decide that its time to hang it up. I even made new friends.
It can be hard work, but doing something you love doesn't feel like work.
Have fun!

Looks like some epic trips...and they are all still smiling at the end! :)

Find some time to yourself for at least a short time every day, either early morning or a sunset solo paddle to decompress.

Nice mooseplums. Those are some great pics. Good for you.

lots of good advice here.
instead oftelling someone to go do something. you need to say, BOB. could you go up that way and see if you could fins some down fall for firewood ? people are usually helpful.

the big thing is watching peoples water intake [even yours] so you dont make bad decisions or just give up and let it flip, in a swell. calory consumption vs energy expelled. if you go into the negative, that exhaustion acts and sounds like hypothermia. it doesn't matter if its 80 degrees out.

Yep,

I thank everyone for the great advice you all have given my daughter.

Here is a gratuitous picture from SearchingForMoose's second trip

blackdawg9: "lots of good advice here.
instead oftelling someone to go do something. you need to say, BOB. could you go up that way and see if you could fins some down fall for firewood ? people are usually helpful.


the big thing is watching peoples water intake [even yours] so you dont make bad decisions or just give up and let it flip, in a swell. calory consumption vs energy expelled. if you go into the negative, that exhaustion acts and sounds like hypothermia. it doesn't matter if its 80 degrees out."

Guided for decades
& you sound like a nut.

Stumpy: "

blackdawg9: "lots of good advice here.
instead oftelling someone to go do something. you need to say, BOB. could you go up that way and see if you could fins some down fall for firewood ? people are usually helpful.



the big thing is watching peoples water intake [even yours] so you dont make bad decisions or just give up and let it flip, in a swell. calory consumption vs energy expelled. if you go into the negative, that exhaustion acts and sounds like hypothermia. it doesn't matter if its 80 degrees out."

Guided for decades
& you sound like a nut. "

maybe, maybe not. i have seen all sorts of people on the water and workplace. some are go getters and some are there just to take up space.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I recall a quote “ The beatings will continue until morale improves” Dont do that lolololol. Remember the good parts of each trip, and the bad parts just let them fly away .

You will be the leader and everyone needs to know you are the leader, but don’t fall into the camp nazi syndrome. Always remember that no matter how many times you have done something, even the new guy might have an idea that will work better. If someone has a thought on how to do something, listen to their idea then explain why your doing it the way your doing it. If possible when sitting around the campfire in the evening let the group know you have some free time the next day, let them decide within reason how to fill in that free time. People tend to produce more if they have even a small amount of input into the task. Lead by example, have fun and you will be successful.

Chrissy Turk is or was a guide at Northern Tier. She has several YouTube videos about camp,life. The most recent video her and a bunch of guides did a trip end of season 2020 Rainy Lake to Superior. Probably gives an idea of what base life will be like. I’m also sure you will get a lot of training before getting to guide a youth trip from the camp you are working for.

https://youtu.be/ojosAKM-pe8
“Things Charlie Guides do when not on trail - Summer 2020”