BWCA Great summer employers for college kids? Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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scotttimm
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10/04/2022 09:51AM  
Hey Folks,

My son, Grant, is a freshman studying electrical engineering at ISU - but he would like to spend some summers working outside and up north before he gets stuck in an office or internships. He's been around the block in the BWCA, completed the Kruger Waddell Challenge with me in July - he's gone every year since he was 5. He is very outgoing, friendly, healthy and strong and has a ton of experience canoe camping, fishing, etc. As much as I would LOVE to have him around this summer, I myself worked in adventure camps during college and have very fond memories of those "mental break" summers between semesters.

Those in the know - maybe you have kids, friends, etc...who/where are some of the best outfitters or camps that you would recommend for college kids?

He so far has Seagull and Hungry Jack Outfitters on his list. Any leads would be appreciated.
 
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JATFOMike
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10/04/2022 11:05AM  
I would suggest Tuscarora Outfitters on Round lake off the Gunflint trail. The staff members I have interacted with are happy working there and the owners run a good operation. You have easy access to 3 entry points there for day tripping/fishing and a couple of hiking trails close by.

Mike
 
10/04/2022 11:35AM  
My daughter worked 3 summers at Tuscarora and loved every minute of it. Even took some vacation time a year or two later to help after labor day, when college kids left, to help finish up the season.
Should be no problem landing a job up there. Last couple of seasons they have been begging for good help.
 
scotttimm
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10/04/2022 11:45AM  
cowdoc: "My daughter worked 3 summers at Tuscarora and loved every minute of it. Even took some vacation time a year or two later to help after labor day, when college kids left, to help finish up the season.
Should be no problem landing a job up there. Last couple of seasons they have been begging for good help."


After those two comments and a quick search, Tuscarora looks like an awesome one! Room and board and good pay...hmm...maybe I can take three months off for a temporary gig next summer...

Yes, we've also noticed the extreme lack of help up there in the summer and winter, I'm sure he'll find something - but not all gigs are created equal. I'm still friends with folks that I worked with at a Girl Scout Camp in Wisconsin over 25 years ago. Best job ever...had my own cabin, fished twice a day, goofed around with kids in canoes...and my mom was the cook!
 
RedwoodRez
member (7)member
  
10/04/2022 01:59PM  
I worked at Sawbill. Best job I ever had. My daughter ended working her college summers there as well.
 
10/04/2022 04:15PM  
tell him to contact the employers he's most interested now! those are small places that only hire a limited number and want the best.
 
Grandma L
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10/04/2022 07:31PM  
He might think about Menogin. StraightHairedCurly worked there, still has ties there and like many alumni, speaks highly of them. Spending the summer on canoe trips could be fun.
 
10/04/2022 07:58PM  
Man wasted youth on my part.

I'd give anything to experience a summer up there but just too old now to be able to. I hope a great place is found and good memories are embedded for a life time.
 
straighthairedcurly
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10/04/2022 08:35PM  
Grandma L: "He might think about Menogin. StraightHairedCurly worked there, still has ties there and like many alumni, speaks highly of them. Spending the summer on canoe trips could be fun."


YMCA Camp Menogyn is a very special place and if he wants to guide trips with teenagers, I highly recommend it. The location is amazing and there is an incredible spirit to the people and the place. They send groups out on canoe, backpack, and rock climbing trips. They also have special sessions focused on fishing, paddle building, or other skills. Shorter trips are BWCA centered and longer sessions travel to Quetico, other Ontario locations, and the longest trips head to the Arctic and Alaska.
 
scotttimm
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10/05/2022 06:40AM  
straighthairedcurly: "
Grandma L: "He might think about Menogin. StraightHairedCurly worked there, still has ties there and like many alumni, speaks highly of them. Spending the summer on canoe trips could be fun."



YMCA Camp Menogyn is a very special place and if he wants to guide trips with teenagers, I highly recommend it. The location is amazing and there is an incredible spirit to the people and the place. They send groups out on canoe, backpack, and rock climbing trips. They also have special sessions focused on fishing, paddle building, or other skills. Shorter trips are BWCA centered and longer sessions travel to Quetico, other Ontario locations, and the longest trips head to the Arctic and Alaska. "

Thanks Grandma Lori and SHC - this is a great idea. He's such a personable young man and has so much experience, leading or co-leading trips would be an awesome fit. It's what I did in my college years and I loved it. I've passed this info on and will start nudging him to get applications and inquiries out soon.
And thanks all for the recommendations, keep them coming! Best to all of you, I'll update this eventually if/when he lands a gig.
 
cyclones30
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10/05/2022 07:18PM  
As far as outfitters go, Tuscarora seems to be a good one from what I've seen in their social media and talking to others. There are many others of course but as far as ownership and leadership...
 
portagedog09
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10/06/2022 07:49AM  
scottimm,

Off the Gunflint area and closer to Ely, I can recommend William & Hall Moose Lake Outfitters. They are off the Fernberg Rd. about 20 minutes east of Ely on - of course - Moose Lake. I've been outfitting through them since '99 and know the owners well - wonderful folks, great place. They offer workers lodging and meals on site, great working environment. Worth a look for sure. As others have said they all need help up there and finding good, committed workers has been tough. He should have no problem finding a place to work for the summer. Best of luck to him.

pd
 
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