My son is entering his senior year of HS. We’ve been doing college tours and all that and I think he’s seriously starting to consider taking a “gap year” before starting college and spending it working at an outfitter or camp. We have been visiting the Gunflint area for several years now and he has been on a trip via Menogyn as well. Has decent canoe skills and experience running boats on all the motor lakes up there, is a strong and intelligent and respectful kid. Ely wouldn’t be out of the picture but he knows the GFT better and likes the more remote feel vs living in a small town like Ely.

I’d love to hear from some folks who have worked at outfitters, or maybe from other parents who have had kids do the same. What was the experience like for you? What kind of jobs did you do? Did you find the work rewarding? Did you find you had time to experience the BWCA or were you too busy working? How were the pay and living arrangements? Any general advice or tips on how to get from the thinking to acting stage on all this?

If it helps he is looking to start either in summer or fall of 2025 and work for a full year. He would then either start school fall 26, or keep working up there if he loves it.

Thanks everyone!

he should contact menogyn now, since he's been a camper there he would probably have a shot at a job.

i worked at a lodge and outfitter and could fill your ears for a long time...

its best to find the right fit between the business and his personality and work ethic

I worked at an outfitter when I was 18.

I don’t know what to say about a job like that. It’s an entry level job that pays probably minimum wage, requires little skill, and a lot of hard work during the busy season.

My outfitter was awful. They charged us rent for a cabin without running water. There were 8 of us in there. They charged us for meals too but I was Ok with that. I was making $3.35 an hour before they took out our room and board.

I quit have way through the summer and most of the rest of the crew left soon after me. That outfitter is no longer in business believe it or not. They were in business for many decades but the son took over the Father’s business that year.

I do not think most outfitters work that way. It might be time to let go of the kid and let him do what he wants to do. Live and let live as they say. Let him go figure out life. If he wants to work in the woods and hear the loons at night, or if he wants to work at a Burger King in the city, let him do it.
Tom

Mocha— He made some good connections at Menogyn with the guides as he was closer in age to them than his tripping partners. He got put in a group of 14-15yo girls and quickly became their mascot. I think the guides (also both girls) were impressed with his ability to manage that dynamic. At the same time, he’s not sure he wants to work just with kids. Would you mind if I send you an email with some follow-ups?

Tom— wow, that sounds like an experience! For the record, he is in the drivers seat 100%. He can try anything he chooses as long as it doesn’t involve living in my basement rent free. He’s not a member of the board here so I agreed to post his questions since this place is such a wealth of info.

Don't have any expirence with outfitting work, but whenever I go through Sawbill Outfitters, their summer help always seem to be really jovial, hardworking, and just excited to be there. Also, the location of Sawbill really gets that wilderness feel pretty easily.

My daughter worked at Tuscarora for 3 summers during college years. She will tell you it was the 3 best summers of her life. Her main job was food packing for outfitted groups but she worked wherever needed in outfitting and even did some tow boat rides on Sag. They do get time off and kids usually grabbed permits for quick 2 night trips and they get to use outfitter gear. Pay was just ok but they also give you room and board which adds up. Made a big difference in her life as far as outdoor skills and confidence in all life aspects.

Minnesotian: "
Don't have any expirence with outfitting work, but whenever I go through Sawbill Outfitters, their summer help always seem to be really jovial, hardworking, and just excited to be there. Also, the location of Sawbill really gets that wilderness feel pretty easily. "

That's been my observation there as well. That and they have a lot of repeat staff.

Encourage your son to go with what he thinks he wants to do. At his age he will not likely have this freedom of choice in a few more years. When I was his age I would have loved to work for an outfitter or camp but instead I worked for Uncle Sam in the western Pacific. When I got home it was time to get serious about my future. It has only been in the last 18 years of early retirement that I have had my freedom to choose what I really want to do.

I have known all the owners of Sawbill since early 1990's when my daughter was on their crew for 3 years during college.

I have always been impressed with their staff and way they run their business.

Reach out to Clare@sawbill.com

The forest service has a volunteer program that is worth checking into. Volunteers work alongside rangers patrolling and doing maintenance in the wilderness. They provide free housing for days not on trail and a large enough daily stipend to cover costs and save a little. Maybe not as lucrative as other positions but an excellent experience that can lead to a ranger job in subsequent years.

I would highly recommend Williams and Hall Outfitters on Moose Lake in Ely. I've been doing business there for over twenty years. They are on a beautiful piece of property and have always had an excellent staff. Blayne and Charlene are the owners. They run a top notch business and it sounds like your son would be a great fit there. All the best to both of you.