FAQ

 

Q: I have never been camping before, am I able to participate in Collegebound?

A: ABSOLUTELY!  Our trips are designed for students with no previous outdoor experience and for those who grew up in the outdoors. You will learn basic camping and outdoor skills, leave no trace outdoor ethics, and specialty skills based on which trip you choose to participate in. In addition to camping experience, no previous rock climbing, canoeing, or backpacking experience is needed to participate.

Q: Do I need to buy or bring my own camping equipment?

A: No, you can rent a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and hiking/canoeing backpacks from us for free. You can rent just one or all three items. We will ask participants to share a pack and will pair up participants who request to rent one. We also provide tents, tarps, stoves, cookware, and other camping supplies for each group.

Q: What equipment will I need to bring on the trip?

A: Upon registering for the trip you will be sent a personal equipment list, with items you will need to bring for yourself. You are responsible for all of your personal clothing and toiletries. A few important pieces of clothing and equipment you will want to have are a good rain jacket and pair of rain pants, hiking boots or sandals (must be able to get wet for canoers), and plenty of warm clothes.

 Q: How are risks managed on Collegebound?

A: Each upperclassman facilitator is trained in risk management, outdoor skills and soft skills. At least one facilitator from each group is Wilderness First Aid trained and has experience with backcountry camping and first aid. Safety precautions are taken before the trip and on the trip to minimize the risks associated with backcountry camping such as: requirement of lifejackets for all canoers, hiking boots for all hikers, adequate food and water for all participants and facilitators and emergency plans in case something should happen.

Q: I have never traveled to the Boundary Waters before. What should I expect?

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is a remote wilderness area with thousands of lakes and rivers. This is an incredibly beautiful area surrounded by coniferous trees with abundant wildlife. This is a remote area with no roads, cell phone towers, or bathroom facilities. You will travel by canoe across lakes and traverse short trails while portaging your canoes and carrying your belongings. You are likely to see other canoers and groups along the way and incredible wildlife. Bears and moose live throughout the area and you may encounter them along the way. Cell phones do not work in the Boundary Waters, and there are no showers, toilets, or sinks. These lakes are some of the cleanest lakes in the world and are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Q: What types of food will we eat during the trip?

A: Each group will be provided with a supply of food for the week. Common meals include bagels, tortillas, peanut butter and jelly, oatmeal for breakfast; Bagels, tortillas, peanut butter and jelly, summer sausage and cheese for lunch; Fresh vegetables (first night only), Soups (wild rice, creamy potato, minestrone), chili, pasta and a variety of sauces for dinners; trail mix, nuts, and a variety of other snack mixes for snacking or other meals. Our meals allow for flexibility and for participants to be creative with their meals. You will be the chefs for the week. We are able to accommodate vegetarian, lactose, gluten and other food allergies. Please contact us to discuss these in more detail.