Frequently Asked Questions
What special equipment do I need?
Grinnell will furnish all group equipment such as canoes, tents and cooking equipment. Participants will need to bring their own personal equipment and clothing. Some items such as raingear and sleeping bags may be rented from the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program for a modest rental fee. Click here for a full personal clothing /equipment list.
What will the food or diet be like?
Most dinners will consist of a hot pasta or rice-based meal. Breakfasts are generally hot cereal. Breakfasts and dinners are usually prepared over a fire. Lunches usually consist of crackers or biscuits with peanut butter, jelly, sausage, cheese, trail mix and dried fruits. We can accommodate a vegetarian diet, but not vegan. Please contact Grinnell College if you have questions concerning food allergies. Click here for a sample menu
What kind of weather can I expect?
You can get almost any kind of weather on a 5-day trip in northern Wisconsin in early August. Generally, the lakes are warm enough for swimming. Days can be sunny and temperatures in the upper 80s. However, thunderstorms and night time temperatures in the low 40s are also possible.
How much of a wilderness is this area?
Unlike the B.W.C.A.W. in Minnesota, the lakes of northern Wisconsin are not a designated Wilderness area. Most of the Lakes have some private homes but with a great deal of state owned land, many lakes still have a wilderness feel to them. The rivers are for the most part in a natural state. The area has a wilderness feel to it, yet groups are never more than half a day’s travel from a road access point. Groups will camp at fairly primitive DNR campsites. (Most sites have pit toilets, picnic tables and fire pits.) All groups are entirely self-supported and will have no access to running water, electricity or other amenities.
How are these trips prepared to deal with an accident or injury?
All leaders have had training in injury and accident avoidance. In the unlikely case of a serious injury, leaders are trained in CPR and Wilderness First Aid. All trips carry a first aid kit and cell phone to aid in medical advice or evacuation. While we try to avoid injuries, participants need to realize that this is a wilderness experience which has dangers not common in city life and that professional medical help is further away.
Are there limitations on what I can and can not bring on this trip?
Our personal clothing and equipment list will tell you the appropriate clothing and personal items for this trip. Due to size and weight limitations, you will not be able to bring much beyond this. Alcoholic beverages and illegal are not allowed. Participants found using any of these items may be sent home or back to Grinnell College at their expense.
Will this trip be difficult?
On average, the time spent traveling each day should only be about 5 hours and there should be plenty of time for relaxation and socializing. However, all participants are expected to focus on good canoeing technique. Portages will require carrying loads of 50 to 90 pounds. Each trip is likely to paddle into stiff winds at some point in time. In addition to canoeing and portaging, all participants are expected to help with chores such as meal preparation and setting up camp. These trips are self-supported and will have no modern amenities.
Do I need to disclose my medical history?
The remoteness of these trips require leaders be informed of health related issues which may affect the trip. All participants will be required to fill out a medical release form prior to this trip. Leaders are expected to be respectful regarding this information, however complete confidentiality can not be guaranteed in all cases. Participants who required prescription drugs are encouraged to bring an extra supply for the leader of the trip to safe guard.