Camp · Adventure · Ages 12–14 · $1,275/week
Directory · United States · Minnesota · Ely
▌ Adventure · Ages 12–14

Intro to Canoeing (12 days)

Ely, MN · $1,275/week

A longer introductory canoeing experience in the Boundary Waters for 7th-8th graders, with more time to develop skills.

▌ Editor's read The website for Camp Widjiwagan loads successfully and provides detailed information about their wilderness adventure programs. The camp is ACA accredited, with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to industry safety and quality standards. The 'Intro to Canoeing (12 days)' program is an overnight wilderness trip designed for campers aged 11-13, focusing on basic canoeing skills, portaging, and wilderness living. The camp is operated by the YMCA of the North, a non-profit organization, and has been operating for 75 years. The website states that all staff undergo background checks and extensive training. Google reviews for 'Camp Widjiwagan' show an average rating of 4.9 stars from 127 reviews, with many parents praising the transformative experiences and skill development their children gained. Social media handles found are @campwidjiwagan on Instagram and 'CampWidjiwagan' on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 195175+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 12–14

Intro to Canoeing (12 days) is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. adventure programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1951 (75 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Adventure
  • Ages: 12–14
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 3788 North Arm Road, Ely, MN 55731
  • Phone: (218) 288-9912
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $2185 for 12-day Intro to Canoeing trip.

Runs 24-hour residential, 8 sessions (0 one-week, 8 multi-week blocks), from Jun 15 to Aug 14.

Sessions ⛓

Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.

  • Session 1 Jun 15 – 26, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 2 Jun 22 – Jul 3, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 3 Jun 29 – Jul 10, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 4 Jul 6 – 17, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 5 Jul 13 – 24, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 6 Jul 20 – 31, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 7 Jul 27 – Aug 7, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185
  • Session 8 Aug 3 – 14, 2026 · 2 weeks · $2,185

↗ What parents like

  • Longer introductory trip
  • More skill development

↘ Watch for

  • Registration page has an error

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Intro to Canoeing (12 days)

What ages does Intro to Canoeing (12 days) accept?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) is open to children ages 12–14. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Intro to Canoeing (12 days) cost?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) publishes $1,275/week for the standard session. That sits close to the $1,275 median for adventure camps in Ely. $2185 for 12-day Intro to Canoeing trip. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Intro to Canoeing (12 days)'s hours?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Intro to Canoeing (12 days) accredited?
Yes — Intro to Canoeing (12 days) is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 75 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Intro to Canoeing (12 days)?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 75 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Intro to Canoeing (12 days) provide lunch?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Intro to Canoeing (12 days) compare to other adventure camps in Ely?
Intro to Canoeing (12 days) is one of 18 adventure camps in Ely that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Intro to Canoeing (12 days) with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Intro to Canoeing (12 days).