Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: and concerns for a 20 year woman working in bwca?
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cowdoc |
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treehorn |
I think about the fact that she'll be largely off the grid/internet and all its trappings. I think the worst thing people that age get caught up in is iphone addiction, Instagram competition, social status, internet drama, etc. That stuff is soul sucking. All that will be pretty limited up there. She'll be feeding her soul, not having it sucked out of her. Good for her. |
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pswith5 |
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jillpine |
five decades of adventures (nearly all of which as solo female, or solo female with tiny kids or elderly parents), is this: GE + AB = RT GE = gas engine (car, boat, atv, snow mobile, chain saw, lawn mower, snow blower, tractor, etc) AB = alcohol beverage RT = risk of trouble In terms of this equation, BWCA is minimal risk. She will have an adventure of a lifetime. Be proud, papa! |
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RedwoodRez |
I worked for an outfitters during my college summers nearly 40 years ago. My daughter has worked for same outfitters for three summers. She's going back for a fourth. Fun fact, two of the guys I worked with had daughters work there as well as one of the women I worked with. It's not for everyone but if you love the BWCA it will be the best job of your life. |
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Drab |
Marten: "It will make memories that will last a lifetime, just tell her she can't even think about going into the Rootbeer business." That made me laugh. |
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straighthairedcurly |
My dad still tells the story of the year when my long trip had to pull off trail in Canada due to forest fires. We were stuck in a small Manitoba town for quite awhile waiting for roads to open so we could go to Ontario and start a new route. We used our time well by helping cook food for firefighters. The news media caught wind of our group of young women and a local TV station camped out by my parents house. When they interviewed my mom, they were sure they would get some "made for TV news" tears from a frantic mother. When asked if she was worried about me being so close to the forest fire area, my mom calmly replied, "Oh no, I'm not worried. My daughter knows how to take care of herself." Disappointed reporters packed up their cameras and left. They never aired a word of the interview. Your daughter will go and have amazing experiences. She will come back stronger (physically, spiritually, and mentally) and wiser. Be a proud dad! |
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Drab |
But I am still a dad, and so can worry and provide some guidance, etc. |
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Drab |
She has just received a job offer to work with a Methodist church camp as a BWCA guide for the summer. I am kind of jealous of her, to be honest. But, you know, I am a dad. And along with being proud and excited, I have dad worries about a 20 year old woman out there all summer. Any thoughts? |
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drnatus |
Sounds like you have done a great job so far. Make sure she is educated on those things you think she ought to know... dehydration, preventing water borne illness, emergency first aid for massive bleeding, keeping body temperature out of extremes....etc. Talk to her about situational awareness.... not putting herself in high risk situations . None of this is paranoia that others will brush off, this is your duty. Educate, prepare and then enjoy her time in the bwca. I agree that she is less likely to be in trouble than if she were going to some city for the summer. |
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Portage99 |
It’s so cute when guys think you don’t know how to build a fire because you’re a girl. Tell her to be confident and enjoy every second! |
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Marten |
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JimmyJustice |
Cool opportunity but I too as a dad would ask the same questions. |
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Pinetree |
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Grandma L |
I led canoe trips in the 1980's and my daughter started guiding trips in the 1990's. Best experience ever for both of us. Your daughter will be safer in the BWCA than in the cities on the freeway! Mocha is right, accredited camps are required to send 2 adults on canoe trips. They are also required to follow many trip standards that apply to planning, preparation and safety. Lots of time and thought goes into risk management. I too am jealous - best memories are frim some of those trips. |
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nooneuno |
Drab: You are quite within your rights to be worried, as I surely would be, think realistically about the savagery she faces: sunburn, poison ivy, sprained ankles, running out of contraband beer; the horror. Be thankful that she does not want to work as a Senate page, a White House intern, google, facebook, wall street.............. |
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OneMatch |
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tomo |
Female groups were occasionally subject to mildly condescending remarks from groups of guys, which was annoying but not frightening. Groups terrorized in the BWCA |
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Beavers |
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tonyyarusso |
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nctry |
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johndku |
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Northwoodsman |
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Drab |
CoachBigD: "inspector13: " I had the exact same thought... :) |
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deerfoot |
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yogi59weedr |
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djwillco |
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LDB |
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heavylunch |
I would say that the biggest risk to get into some sort of trouble is when she is NOT in the BWCA and takes a night to venture into Ely with other staff working at the canoe base. I speak from my general experience there bumming rides into town and back. |
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heavylunch |
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inspector13 |
Yeah. Methodists seem like a shifty bunch. : ) |
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KarlBAndersen1 |
tonyyarusso: "She might like it too much and never come home again." That was the reply I was going to use when I read the post. Dude - just let her go. She'll have the time of her life. Anyone would. |
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VoyageurNorth |
JimmyJustice: "Maybe reach out directly (pm) to the women on this site who have been part of outfitters or guide services, for their thoughts and perspectives. Lynn at VNO comes to mind. |
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Mocha |
I agree...let her go. I went up to do my college internship in 1987 and didn't leave until 2016. ;) |
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riverrunner |
drnatus: "You are her dad. You have certain responsibilities to educate, provide and protect your children. Exactly |
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Blatz |
Beavers: "The BWCA is safer than any city. Probably one of the safest places she could spend the summer."Been saying this for years |
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Pinetree |
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andym |
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adam |
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BadgerFan |
I'll be honest and say I was worried the whole time she was out there. It's what dads do :) But she was just fine and had a great experience. And now she can work a chain saw better than anyone I know!! |
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CoachBigD |
inspector13: " Reminds me of one of my favorite movie scenes Blazing Saddles |
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Drab |
We are headed up to squeeze a three night trip in starting on Sunday, as a sort of consolation, I guess. |
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MikeinMpls |
Drab: "Follow up - as is probably no surprise. Her job was cancelled. I'm very sorry for this. It would have been a great experience. She sounds adventurous, so maybe another door/opportunity will open for her soon. Best of luck to her. Mike |
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pswith5 |
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