Prerequisites: Students should have the ability to carry a backpack (loaded with 30-50lbs of equipment, food, and supplies) for at least 3-5 miles per day. Some previous hiking or backpacking experience is helpful, but not required. Previous experience in the wilderness is also helpful, but not required.
Head to Isle Royale National Park for a hiking and camping adventure on one of the least-visited national parks! Prior to leaving the mainland, we will cover basic principles of Leave No Trace Ethics, what to expect while on the island, review health and dietary needs, and finalize packing for the trip. Group gear, such as tents, cooking equipment, stoves, water filters, will be distributed on Sunday evening. While on the island, we will explore the northeast end around Rock Harbor, Three Mile, and Daisy Farm. Some highlights include hiking to the top of Mt. Ojibway and Mt. Franklin, swimming in Lake Superior, a possible moose sighting, and great star gazing!
Participants will be hiking every day with their camp on their back, including personal gear, as well as a portion of group gear and food. Past explorations have seen moose on this trip, but a sighting is not guaranteed. Expect to have fun, hike a lot, see many unique and awe inspiring sights, and bring home plenty of stories from this remote location! Plan for it to be considerably colder in the evenings on the Island.
What to bring: This course requires an extensive packing list of outdoor gear. See the What to Pack page of the SYP website for more information.
Special note: Live-in only.
Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931