OVERVIEW
The Voyageur Adventure is your gateway to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a rugged wilderness sanctuary straddling the U.S.-Canadian border. More than 2,000 lakes are interconnected by streams, rivers, and portage trails. Paddle, portage, hunt for grouse, fish for walleye and lake trout, and primitive camp in one of the world's premier canoeing destination.
Disappear by canoe on a true wilderness adventure. Paddle through the clear lakes and breathe in the fresh air. Majestic pine, birch, and aspen provide a peaceful backdrop for cascading waterfalls and some of North America’s most iconic wildlife: bald eagles, loons, fox, bear, moose, timber wolves, and more.
In the midst of this iconic landscape, you will experience relational space for refreshment and renewal. Each day you will be guided through prayer, biblical teaching, solitude, journaling, and reflection. You will also receive personal coaching and hands on instruction in basic primitive survival skills. This is an incredible opportunity to rediscover your heart and re-orient your life to the things that matter most.
Come engage with like-minded leaders, be strengthened and encouraged in your faith, and take an important step in your journey to live fully into your identity, freedom, and influence. Whether you are a seasoned paddler or experiencing the joys of canoeing in the wilderness for the first time, your Voyager Adventure will provide a fun and transformational memory of a lifetime.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
- Bilbo Baggins
HIGHLIGHTS
- 8 Nights in some of the most scenic areas of the BWCA
- Daily worship, scripture teaching, prayer, and journaling
- Canoeing, portaging, camping
- Basic instruction in survival skills and bushcraft
- Leadership development and encouragement
- Gospel friendship and shared learning
- Hunting grouse and fishing for walleye and lake trout
- Solitude and renewal
- Celebration Dinner
ITINERARY
Thursday, September 19th
All participants arrive at Minneapolis International Airport by 10:00AM. Earlier is better. We will then drive to Ely, Minnesota. Dinner, evening prayer, final packing, and stay the night at a lodge.
Friday, Sept. 20 - Saturday, Sept. 28
A typical day in the Boundary Waters begins with coffee and morning prayer. We eat breakfast together, which is followed by a biblical teaching and solitude time for journaling and prayer. Then we pack up camp, map our route, and hit the water.
We spend much of the day paddling – taking breaks to rest, eat, enjoy a view, or learn a primitive survival skill. Once we reach camp, group members set up tents and prepare dinner. We close the day relaxing around the campfire and enjoying the company of new friends.
Our trip culminates back at the lodge for showers and a celebration dinner.
Sunday, Sept. 29
We enjoy breakfast and morning prayer together. Then we make the drive back to the airport in Minneapolis. Please book your flight after 2:00PM to ensure we make it in time.
GEAR & CLOTHING
The key to staying comfortable while on an active adventure at high altitude is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and your guides.
Gear
The following items are required and brought by you:
- Backpack (55-70L) with rain cover
- Sleeping Bag (20 degree recommended)
- Sleeping Pad
- Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
- Bowl, Cup, Spoon
- Wide Mouth 1-Quart Water Bottles (Eg. Nalgene)
- Work Gloves
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Bandana
- Sun Block
- Lip Balm (with sunscreen)
- Insect Repellent with Picaridin
- Small Backpacking Camp Towel
- Toilet Paper and Personal Wipes (in Ziplock bag)
- Hand Sanitizer
Hygiene
Your instructors will explain about backcountry hygiene when you arrive. Please bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any prescription medications you need.
Clothing
The following items are required and brought by you:
- Outer Layer Rain Jacket (hooded, waterproof)
- Inner Layer Jacket (warm, fleece or down)
- Rain Pants (lightweight, waterproof)
- Hiking Pants (1 pair)
- Hiking Shorts (1 pair)
- Hiking Shirts (quick dry, 1 long sleeve, 1 shirt sleeve)
- Hiking Socks (2-pair, synthetic or wool)
- Hiking Boots
- Water Shoes (to wear while canoeing and portaging all day)
- Comfortable Shoes to wear around camp at night with warm socks (eg. Tevas, Crocs, etc.)
- Underwear (2 pair)
- Fleece or Wool Hat (especially important for sleeping in cold)
- Personal Hygiene Kit
- All Medication
Optional:
- Tarp (8x8 or 9x9)
- Tent (1-2 person only) or Hammock
- Pocket Knife
- Multi-Tool
- Base Layer (top and bottom, synthetic or wool)
- Camera
- Ear Plugs
- Fishing Rod and Reel with very basic and minimal Tackle
Please reach out with any questions about appropriate gear or clothing. It is important that you prepare and pack well.
Food
Away from stocked cupboards and the temptation of the fridge, you will be amazed at how satisfying a very basic meal in the back country can be. You are welcome to bring your favorite snack and special dietary items.
Typical meals in the backcountry consist of the following:
BREAKFAST - coffee, oatmeal or granola, dehydrated fruit, power bar, etc
LUNCH - peanut butter and tortillas, summer sausage, bagels, cheese, tuna, trail mix. etc.
DINNER - the very best dehydrated meal pouches, and all the grouse and fish you can catch
Grouse shot with a sling shot on a portage.
What's Included
All food (except for lunch on day of arrival and personal snacks). All cooking gear. Tents (unless you would like to bring yours). All permits and fees. Leadership coaching. Survival skills instruction. All equipment (except what is required by you to bring - see the Gear and Clothing list).
What’s Not Included
Your flights to and from Minneapolis. Fishing license. Insurance of any kind. Items of a personal nature. Optional gratuities.
Cancellation Policy
We do not refund trips. If you have to cancel for any reason, you may donate your trip as a scholarship or receive credit for your trip that is good for two years.
“Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium.”
- Sigurd F. Olson
MEET THE TEAM
MATT KESSLER
Lead Guide & Spiritual Director
The Rt. Rev. Matt Kessler has 26 years of experience in ordained ministry - serving as a pastor, church planter, regional leader, and Anglican bishop. Matt has started and led several non-profits and taught numerous courses and workshops. He is a certified leadership coach and spiritual director. Matt and Amanda have been married for 23 years and have three children 18, 14, and 12.
DARRIK WALKER
Instructor
Darrik lives in Minnesota where he owns and operates several entrepreneurial businesses including Walkers Braintan Leather & Bushcraft. Darrik and Stacie married in 2009. They teach a variety of courses for both adults and youth. Darrik possess a vast knowledge of primitive living and survival skills and is a highly regarded instructor.
JOSIAH BUCKNER
Instructor
Josiah lives in Mississippi. He is an associate pastor of a local church and leads Kingdom Outdoors ministries. Josiah and Monica have been married 14 years and have four children ages 14, 12, 10, and 1. Josiah is an accomplished hunter and wilderness skills instructor. He is passionate about family and people thriving in their calling.
Preparing for the Adventure
You do NOT have to be an athlete or highly-trained to participate on a Revelo Voyageur Adventure. You DO have to be physically capable and active. Paddling and portaging is demanding. You will use your muscles in new and challenging ways, so begin now to work on your fitness and strength. Have some fun training for your adventure! Your efforts will pay off with enjoyment and comfort.
Also, be ready to be part of a team. Think about other team experiences you may have had in sports, school, or in business. Remember what helped your team be successful, and plan to be a positive contributor during your adventure.
Health Guidelines
Participants must arrive at the course start neither experiencing nor presenting any signs or symptoms of illness. If any signs or symptoms of illness exist, participants will not be allowed to start the course. Participants are encouraged to wear a mask when traveling and follow safe and consistent hygiene practices. There is nothing worse than planning and preparing for an epic adventure and getting sick the week before. (Updated February 1, 2022)
Substance Policy
No alcohol, illegal drugs, or unprescribed medication.
“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson
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