It’s an expedition local Scouts have been taking for the past eight years and it’s all thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and a promise to deliver the magic of Scouting to all. Every summer since 2017, our council’s Northern Tier Scoutreach program has sent Scouts from Kansas City to Ely, Minnesota and the Northern Tier High Adventure Base.
The program was developed with one single purpose in mind, provide Scoutreach youth the opportunity to experience the fun of high adventure at no cost to them or their families. Since the program’s inception, 272 local Scouts and leaders have been able to canoe, camp and explore the backcountry waterways of Northern Minnesota and Canada – an experience most of them could have never imagined possible. These adventures are made a reality through the generosity of local donors and the Northern Tier’s Scholarship program.
In fact, the Heart of America Council was the only council in the nation to participate in this program in 2020 and 2021 during COVID restrictions and the only council to utilize the program this summer.
And the results are life-changing.
“Northern Tier has changed me as a person. I will never forget the experience and this trip has inspired me greatly on my trail to self-improvement.” -Breenalyn | Girls Crew
In total, two crews, one all-female and one all-male, braved the backcountry this July for an intensive ten days. Getting off the grid puts the adventure of Scouting into tangible experiences. It also challenges those volunteer leaders and guides that sacrifice so much to make this program possible.
"It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done. Pushing myself to finish the challenge reminded me of the mental and emotional strength it takes to be successful on life’s journey. I was deeply moved by how the young men rose to the challenge and pushed themselves beyond what was possible.” -Ben | Boys Crew Advisor
"One of the most amazing things I saw was the growth and the fortitude of these girls. They were put to the test daily and grew as a team. It's difficult to put into words the view and the vastness of the Boundary Waters, but it's one thing you just have to experience for yourself." -Heather | Girls Crew Advisor
From problem solving to portaging, the crews put into practice Scouting skills and daily team building to overcome obstacles in the northern forest and beyond. Each crew is equipped with the necessary outfitting needed and a private interpreter to ensure their trip is a success in the wilderness.
But more than just canoeing and camping, Scouts also left the trip with a minimum of two, but in some cases as many as five, special Scouting awards, including the BSA 50-Miler Award, BSA Historic Trails Award, Northern Tier Trail to Courage Award, Duty to God, Lake Monitoring Award, and the Canoeing Merit Badge.
But maybe most importantly, the Scouts formed a bond and an experience they’ll never forget.
“Not just the outdoors was cool, but I got stronger, too. Portaging and rowing worked out my arms for sure. Even my mind got stronger. I’m a lot better at working together now and I’m even more brave.” –Izzy | Girls Crew
“What Northern Tier meant to me was freedom. I was free from troubles and the tasks at home.” -A.J. | Boys Crew
“Northern Tier proved to me that I can do more than I think I can.” –Lydia | Girls Crew
Thank you again to our amazing volunteer leaders, donors and staff for making this annual trip possible. For more information, including eligibility and 2025 program inquiries, contact our Northern Tier Ambassador Dan Hughes at dlh5400@aol.com.