Northern Tier High Adventure Program Summer Participant Handbook

2023

Northern Tier High Adventure Program

Summer Participant Handbook

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 1

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 2022– page 2 
 
Contents 
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?................................................................. 5 
ADULT LEADERSHIP ....................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 
RISK ADVISORY .....................................................................12 
PREPARE FOR HIGH ADVENTURE .............................................12 
TRIP ORGANIZATION .............................................................12 
ELECT A CREW LEADER...........................................................13 
SELECT YOUR TREK PROGRAM OPTIONS ...................................14 
TRIP PLANNING.....................................................................15 
WHAT GEAR IS NEEDED? ........................................................17 
GEAR PROVIDED BY NORTHERN TIER .......................................22 
ARRIVAL AT BASE ..................................................................24 
HIT THE TRAIL .......................................................................28 
NORTHERN TIER POLICIES ......................................................33 
NORTHERN TIER AWARDS ......................................................37 
PREPARING FOR NORTHERN TIER – COVID-19 PROCEDURES.. Error! 
Bookmark not defined. 
 
   

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 3

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Ely: Ee’ lee

Atikokan: At’ i coke’ can

Bissett: Beh set’

Quetico: Kwet’ i ko

Atikaki: At’ i käk’ ee

OKPIK: Ook’ pick

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 2022– page 4

WELCOME TO NORTHERN TIER NATIONAL HIGH ADVENTURE!

NORTHERN TIER DELIVERS WILDERNESS ADVENTURE!

The mission of Northern Tier High Adventure Programs is to provide

high quality character development experiences for all of Scouting’s

participants through challenging wilderness adventures - featuring

expedition canoeing and extreme-temperature winter camping - in

the rugged North Woods of Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba.

Welcome to the Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs

and the great North American Canoe Country. This region is

associated with a rich history. The Fur Trade Era, from the late

1600s through the late 1800s, is certainly a colorful piece of our

history. Several fur trading companies hired French-Canadian

Voyageurs, a hearty breed of adventurers, to paddle birch bark

canoes and haul trade goods and furs thousands of miles each

summer by water and portage trail. This handbook is presented to

you, the modern Voyageur, as a reference for the history and

adventure of the Canoe Country, both past and present. We hope

you are dreaming of your wilderness canoeing adventure and the

thought of traveling the beautiful canoe country excites you.

Northern Tier operates three high adventure bases located in Ely,

Minnesota; Atikokan, Ontario; and Bissett, Manitoba. From these

facilities millions of acres of sky-blue lakes, meandering rivers,

dense boreal forests and wetlands are available for paddling and

portaging. The mystique of the wild outdoors and historical

features will lure you to explore, to learn and to seek new

challenges. Read and reread this handbook carefully, as it informs

you of many details that will help you prepare for your trip. The

Personal Equipment List is very important for you and your crew.

Bring only the items mentioned and try to share as many items as

possible amongst other crew members. Remember, you will be

carrying everything you bring. Proper planning before your trip will

assure you and your crew an enjoyable wilderness adventure!

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 5

What are the Requirements to Attend?

All Northern Tier Participants:

• Must be 14 years of age or be 13 years of age and have

completed 8

Grade upon arrival at Northern Tier.

• Must fall below the maximum (295 pounds) allowed weight

for participation and it is strongly recommended that no

participant weigh less than 100 pounds. See Appendix D.

• Must have a current (within 12 months) and completed

BSA Health and Medical Record. The doctor completing

the form must review the Northern Tier Risk Advisory

included with the form. The Northern Tier form can be

found at https://www.scouting.org/health-and-

safety/ahmr/

• Must be classified as a BSA swimmer, see appendix E.

• Must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of

America.

The Boy Scouts of America and Northern Tier takes Youth

Protection very seriously. Some of the Youth Protection policies

that apply to participants at Northern Tier (and throughout

Scouting) relate to registration and training. The complete set of

Age

BSA/Youth Protection Policies

Under

• Must be registered in a Youth position

18-21

• Must be current in Youth Protection training

• Must be registered in an Adult position

21+

• At least two Registered leaders are required

• A Registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present

for any activity involving female youth

• All leaders must be current in Youth Protection training

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 2022– page 6

Youth Protection policies may be found at

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/

Northern Tier will strictly enforce Youth Protection policies, which

include the Barriers to Abuse within Scouting

All registered adults must have current BSA Youth Protection

Training (certified within the past two years). This means all

participants 18 years old and older who are registered in Venturing,

Exploring, Sea Scouting, or as an adult volunteer must have current

Youth Protection Training. Because of the great concern the Boy

Scouts of America has for the issue of child abuse in our society,

the Youth Protection program has been developed to help

safeguard both our youth and adult members. Adult BSA

Registration requires verification of Youth Protection Training. All

adults participating in a Northern Tier expedition must be

registered. Youth Protection Training and documentation are

available at your local council or online at

https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/.

Adult Leadership – BSA Policy

• As shown above, each crew MUST always have at least

TWO BSA registered adults (called “Advisors”) age 21 or

older.

• All adult participants are required to present proof of BSA

Youth Protection training upon arrival at Northern Tier. At

least one adult in each crew must have proof of current

CPR, Wilderness First Aid and Weather Hazards training.

Northern Tier also recommends at least one adult

complete BSA paddle Craft Safety training.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 7

Co-ed/Female Crew Policies

• Crews with coed youth members must function under

appropriate co-ed unit policies.

• Scouts BSA Troops: Scouts BSA is a single gender program

and units must register and paricipate as single-gender

units.

• Venuring Crews: The venturing program is a co-ed

program and units may register and participate as a co-ed

crew. All youth must have a buddy of the same gender on

the crew.

Crews with female youth are required to provide two adults

age 21 and over, at least one of those adults must be a female

Advisor. A female adult is required, even if female youth’s

father is in attendance.

Northern Tier Crew Makeup Policies

Ely, MN Canoe Programs

Max crew size is 8 participants

Min crew size is 6 participants

Min 2 registered adults age 21+

Crew must be majority youth age 14-18

Atikokan, ON Canoe Programs

Max crew size is 11 participants

Min crew size is 6 participants

Min 2 registered adults age 21+

Crew must be majority youth age 14-18

Bissett, MB Canoe Programs

Max crew size is 11 participants

Min crew size is 6 participants

Min 2 registered adults age 21+

Crew must be majority youth age 14-18

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 2022– page 8

Youth Participants:

• Must be at least 14 years old OR have completed the 8

grade and be at least 13 years old prior to participation.

• Must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America

and may participate in a Northern Tier trek in one of the

following ways:

✓ As members of a chartered unit—Troop, Crew, Post, or

Ship.

✓ As members of a council contingent or district

contingent with required leadership.

✓ As individuals in Northern Tier’s individual programs.

• Each participant must meet the health requirements as

outlined in the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.

Tenting Policies

Tenting arrangements at Northern Tier follow BSA's

tenting requirements

(https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/)

and must meet the requirements shown below:

• Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male

and female adults as well as for male and female youth

• Youth (14-17) cannot share tents with anyone 18 or older

(including parent)

• Youth under 18 may share tents only if no more than 2

years age difference

• Spouses may share tents

• Unregistered guests or family members are NOT

permitted to camp at Northern Tier. There are no

scheduled programs or available housing

accommodations for family members of expedition

participants.

In keeping with the policies of the Boy Scouts of America,

registration and participation in Northern Tier National High

Adventure programs is without regard to race, color or national

origin. The above are minimum requirements. The National High

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 9

Adventure Department of the BSA recommends that age, BSA

membership and swimming ability not be the only criteria for

determining participation on High Adventure expeditions. The

following should also be considered:

1) Maturity

2) The ability to carry a heavy load (≥70 lbs.) over steep,

muddy and rugged portages.

3) Camping/canoeing experience

4) Height/weight requirements

5) Physical condition

BE A SWIMMER

Everyone in your crew must be classified as a swimmer prior to

arriving at Northern Tier. To qualify as a swimmer, you must be

able to swim 100 yards (75 yards any forward stroke and 25 yards

in a resting backstroke) and to rest by floating. The Swim

Classification Form, sent to your advisor and available online at

www.ntier.org, must be completed prior to your arrival verifying

each and every participant is classified as a swimmer. Non-

swimmers and beginners cannot participate in a wilderness canoe

trek. It is the responsibility of the contingent, unit and/or crew

leader to make sure all participants (including adults) are

swimmers as indicated in the Safe Swim Defense Plan. If you are

not a swimmer, be sure to talk to your leader(s).

GET A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND PARENTAL PERMISSION

All participants, youth and adult, MUST bring a current annual BSA

Health and Medical Record. A blank BSA Health and Medical

Record form is available at the Northern Tier website

www.ntier.org. Be sure to provide your doctor Parts A, B, and C of

the form as well as the Northern Tier risk advisory when you go for

your physical exam. A physician must review the risk advisory,

SPECIAL NOTE:

It is Northern Tier policy to wear a life jacket, your “wet boots” and

to follow the BSA Safe Swim Defense Plan anytime you are

swimming.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 10

prior to completing the form. Confirm that your physician has

completed the form accurately prior to arrival at Northern Tier. A

parent or legal guardian must complete the medical history and

sign the medical form if you are under the age of 18. Every

participant, youth and adult, must have a physical examination

performed by a physician within 12 months of your expedition end

date.

When you arrive at Northern Tier, your advisor will turn in all BSA

Health and Medical Records for the duration of your trip. Keep a

copy for your records. If anyone arrives without a medical form

signed by a physician and a parent or legal guardian if under 18,

your trek may be delayed for a day or longer until the situation is

rectified. The only medical form Northern Tier will accept is the

Annual BSA Health and Medical Record. Good physical condition

is essential. Each participant in a Northern Tier expedition should

not exceed the maximum acceptable weight for height in the table

shown on the Annual BSA Health and Medical Record. Those who

fall within the recommended weight limits are much more likely to

have an enjoyable trek and avoid incurring injuries and health risks.

The following table shows the recommended weights for each

height, as well as the maximum weight for that height.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 11

Northern Tier requires that each participant not exceed the maximum

weight on the table for their height. Northern Tier REQUIRES that you

fall below the maximum (295 pounds) allowed weight for participation.

Additionally, Northern Tier strongly recommends that no participant

weigh less than 100 pounds. Smaller participants will have a very

difficult time due to the strenuous nature of the trek and the heavy

weight of items to portage.

Weight-to-Height Table

Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs

Height

Recommended Weight

(pounds)

Maximum Weight

(pounds)

***Participants weighing less than 100 pounds will have a very

difficult time and are discouraged from attending.

5’ 0”

100 - 138

166

5’ 1”

101 - 143

172

5’ 2”

104 - 148

178

5’ 3”

107 - 152

183

5’ 4”

111 - 157

189

5’ 5”

114 - 162

195

5’ 6”

118 - 167

201

5’ 7”

121 - 172

207

5’ 8”

125 - 178

214

5’ 9”

129 - 185

220

5’ 10”

132 - 188

226

5’ 11”

136 - 194

233

6’ 0”

140 - 199

239

6’ 1”

144 - 205

246

6’ 2”

148 - 210

252

6’ 3”

152 - 216

260

6’ 4”

156 - 222

267

6’ 5”

160 - 228

274

6’ 6”

164 - 234

281

6’ 7” +

170 - 240

295

Maximum Allowed Weight

***No participants weighing more than 295

pounds will be allowed to participate.

295 pounds

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 12

RISK ADVISORY

Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Northern Tier

National High Adventure Programs have an outstanding safety

record. The Boy Scouts of America and Northern Tier emphasize

safety through education and strict adherence to established

policies and procedures. The safety of your group is dependent

upon your attention to these procedures as well as being physically

fit, properly equipped and trained for the rigors of remote

wilderness canoeing. Following these policies and procedures

maximizes the potential for a safe and enjoyable experience for all

involved. Parents, leaders and participants should be advised that

despite our best attempts at risk management, it is not possible to

remove ALL risk from a wilderness expedition.

For more information about possible risks at Northern Tier, see the

Advisor Planning Guide at www.ntier.org.

PREPARE FOR HIGH ADVENTURE

Your adventure begins at home. Months before arriving at

Northern Tier, you should begin planning and training. A famous

explorer once said, “The key to successful planning is living the

experience in advance.” This guidebook has been developed to

help you anticipate what to expect in order to better prepare

yourself and your crew. The more thorough your planning is, the

more successful your experience will be.

TRIP ORGANIZATION

Northern Tier uses the term “crew” to describe the group of

Scouts/Venturers and adult advisors attending a Northern Tier

canoe base. An organized crew quickly accomplishes its chores and

has more time to enjoy canoe country. Ideally, you and your other

crew members are organized before your arrival at Northern Tier.

This will be easier if your crew is made up of members from your

Troop or Venture Crew. If your crew is a part of a Council

contingent and is made up of Scouts or Venturers from various

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 13

Council units, Northern Tier recommends that the crew members

have several organizational meetings and/or training outings to

help crew members and leaders prepare for the canoe trip.

Your crew size will vary by the base you are attending:

• Ely - 6-8 participants

• Atikokan - 6-8 participants in the Quetico and 6-11

participants in the Crown Lands

• Bissett - 6-11 participants

In addition to the participants you are coming to Northern Tier

with, your crew will be assigned an Interpreter, who will

accompany you on your trip.

ELECT A CREW LEADER

Each crew should elect a crew leader from the youth members

before beginning a trek. The crew leader is responsible for

organizing and planning the crew’s activities. He or she leads by

example. This responsibility requires someone with leadership

ability who is respected by all the crew members. The crew leader

must be aware of the interests and capabilities of everyone in the

crew.

ROLE OF YOUR ADULT ADVISOR

Your adult advisors will counsel and advise the crew leader and

crew while letting the crew leader lead the crew. The advisor

provides discipline should it be required and offers suggestions to

help the crew leader. Your advisor is responsible for the safety and

well-being of each crew member and if needed will be assisted by

the Interpreter assigned to your crew.

ROLE OF THE NORTHERN TIER STAFF MEMBER –THE INTERPRETER

When you arrive at Northern Tier, your crew will be greeted by a

wilderness canoe counselor known as an Interpreter. The

Interpreter will join your crew and stay with the group for the

entire wilderness canoeing expedition and lead you through the

first day orientation/outfitting procedures before you hit the trail.

The Interpreter is an adult male or female who has been trained as

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 14

a BSA National High Adventure Base Staff member. The Interpreter

provides training support, interprets outdoor skills and acts as a

resource person to the crew leader, the crew and the adult

advisors. In an emergency or any situation involving safety, the

Interpreter will act in conjunction with the adult advisors. The

Interpreter is not a “fishing guide” but acts as a resource person for

the skills pertaining to Scout camping and wilderness canoeing. He

or she is a specialist with the equipment and food carried on canoe

trips. The Interpreter has been trained in the history of the canoe

country and special safety practices to be observed on a wilderness

canoe trip.

SELECT YOUR TREK PROGRAM OPTIONS

Before you arrive at Northern Tier, examine the program

opportunities listed below. You will have the opportunity to do

some of the following. Discuss with your other crew members and

prioritize your top choices to discuss with your Interpreter upon

arrival.

• Fishing

• Swimming

• Ecology

• Observing Wildlife

• Star Gazing

• Photography

• Cooking and Baking

• Low Impact Camping

• Backcountry Navigation

• Historic Trail Award

• Float Plane Drop off/Pick Up (Bissett Only)

• Lake Monitoring Program

• Duty to God Program

• Extra Miler Emblems

More information on awards can be found online at

www.ntier.org/TripPlanning/Awards.aspx

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 15

TRIP PLANNING

Prior to arriving at Northern Tier your crew should answer the

following questions:

1. How many nights is our trip?

2. How far do we want to paddle each day?

a. The average crew paddles/portages approximately

2 to 3 mph

i. Easy days will encompass 8 to 12 miles

ii. Moderate days will be 13 to 17 miles

iii. Difficult days will be 18 miles and above

3. Do we want to have a layover day (stay in a campsite 2 nights

and a full day)?

4. Do we want to fish?

5. Which of Northern Tier’s special awards do we want to

earn?

a. What’s the priority?

b. These awards can be found at

www.ntier.org/TripPlanning/Awards.aspx

6. Do we want to try to avoid portages or challenge ourselves

to overcome as many as possible?

7. Do we want to go on big lakes, small lakes, rivers or a

combination?

8. Do we want to see waterfalls?

9. Do we want to see pictographs/petroglyphs?

10. Do we want to really get away from others, or embrace the

other wilderness visitors?

The answers to these questions will be used to plan your trek on the

day you arrive at Northern Tier.

GIVE YOUR PARENTS THE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER AND

YOUR NORTHERN TIER CREW NUMBER

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 16

For an emergency, it is best to call between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM

and talk with a full-time staff member. During off hours a duty

officer will answer the emergency line. An emergency message

MUST include the full name and the Northern Tier Expedition

Number. Northern Tier will not be able to contact the person if

they are on their trek; however, the message will be attached to

the crew file for delivery upon the person’s return to base.

MAILING ADDRESSES FOR PARTICIPANTS

ELY BASE - You will be attending the Ely Base if your expedition

number begins with “E.” Mail for participants attending the Ely

Base only should be addressed as shown below. Sending mail is not

encouraged as it must be sent shortly after the person has left

home to ensure receipt. All mail must have a return address so it

can be returned to the sender if the letter arrives after the person

has left for home.

ATIKOKAN AND BISSETT BASES - If your crew number begins with

an “A”, you will be attending the Atikokan Base. If the crew

number begins with a “B”, you will be attending the Bissett Base.

Telephones are available for use by participants at all 3 bases.

These numbers are strictly for emergencies:

Ely Phone: 218.365.4811

Ely Fax: 469.913.4817

Full Name and Crew Number

Northern Tier National High Adventure Base

14790 Moose Lake Road

Ely, MN 55731

Mail delivery to Canada takes a very long time.

Please do not plan to have mail sent to Atikokan or

Bissett - It will probably arrive long after you have

already departed for home.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 17

REVIEW CAMPER INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Northern Tier fee includes accident and sickness insurance

coverage. This applies for your travel to and from Northern Tier as

well as while you are on your canoe trek. This policy is secondary to

a family policy. Insurance information of the family policy should

be noted on the BSA Health and Medical Record. A BSA Camper’s

Accident and Sickness Insurance pamphlet is available at

www.ntier.org.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

Use your BSA Handbook, Fieldbook and Canoeing Merit Badge

Book to sharpen the following skills:

• Assigning Duties

• Backcountry Cooking

• Using Map and Compass

• Being Physically Fit

• Canoeing Skills

o Trimming Your Load

o Paddling a Canoe

o Avoid Swamping

o React to Swamping

o Lifting/Flipping a Canoe

o Wet Foot Portaging

o Portaging

WHAT GEAR IS NEEDED?

The following checklist is for you and your crew to help you ensure

that you have everything you need for an enjoyable and successful

Northern Tier Trek. Most items may be purchased through the

Northern Tier Trading Post Store at store.ntier.org.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 18

REQUIRED Personal Gear

Clothing

Quantity

Item

Special Notes

Pair of

Boots**

All participants are required to wear

boots that have full ankle coverage, a

rugged stitched or vulcanized sole and

drainage at the instep. Boots should not

be waterproof. If you are unsure if the

boots you are planning to bring meet this

requirement, please feel free to contact

us prior to your arrival. Crews arriving

with inadequate footwear will be asked

to purchase boots in the trading post

prior to departure on water. The health

and safety of our participants is of

utmost importance to us, for this reason

there are no exceptions to the boot

requirement.

Pair of Camp

Shoes

All participants are required to bring

closed-toe/closed-heel camp shoes with

hard soles, such as lightweight sneakers.

Rain Jacket**

All participants are required to pack a

quality rain jacket with a hood. Ensure

that your rain gear is waterproof, not just

water resistant. Ponchos are not

acceptable and are very dangerous in the

event of a capsized canoe

Shirts**

Long-sleeved, Lightweight

Pants**

Quick Dry – recommend Zip Off Legs

Pair of Socks**

Synthetic or Wool – NO Cotton

Pair of

Underwear**

Recommend Synthetic, Quick Dry

Hat**

Broad Rimmed or Baseball Style

Jacket**

Lightweight Fleece

Hat**

Knit/Stocking Cap

Facial

Coverings

2 masks to wear while on base

Clean/Dry

Clothes

For wearing on base and to and from

Northern Tier for Travel

Flip

Flops/Sandals

For wear in the shower – these are NOT

permitted on trail

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 19

Uniform

BSA field or activity uniform for travel

1-2

Face Masks

All Northern Tier participants, regardless

of vaccination status or test results, will

be required to wear a cloth or disposable

face mask in all buildings and any time

social distancing cannot be achieved.

Other Personal Gear

Sleeping Bag

All participants should bring a sleeping

bag that is compact, synthetic,

lightweight and rated to 35°F with a

compression style stuff sack.

Waterproof

stuff sack**

25-30 Liter dry bag for clothing and other

gear – this will be packed in our gear

packs

Sleeping

Pad**

Closed Cell or self-inflating foam

1-2

“Camp

Towel”**

Bandanna, Buff or Synthetic Camp Towel

Belt or

Suspenders**

Toothbrush**

Mess Kit**

Plastic or Metal: 12 oz Bowl, 8-12 oz

Cup/Mug, spoon/spork

Water

Bottle**

1 Liter, wide mouthed with Carabiner

Style Clip

Headlamp**

Whistle

Lip Balm**

Sunglasses**

With keeper strap

Prescription

Glasses

IF needed with keeper strap

Personal

Medications

If needed – 2 supplies to carry in

separate locations

Personal

Toiletries

Bathing Towel

For on base showering needs

OPTIONAL Personal Gear

Camera

With extra batteries and waterproof box

Head Net**

For mosquitos

Long

Underwear**

For cool nights and mornings

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 20

Rain Pants**

Could double as second pair of pants

Book **

For Reading

Journal**

For personal reflection

** Items marked with a double asterisk are available to purchase

at store.ntier.org.

REQUIRED Crew Gear

Quantity

Item

Special Notes

Small Pocket

Knife**

1 Knife per Canoe (3-4 total)

Small Compass**

1 Compass per Canoe (3-4 total)

Map Case**

1 Map Case Per Canoe (3-4 total)

Set of Maps**

1 Set of Maps Per Canoe – Do not

purchase your maps prior to arrival –

we help you pick the best set of maps

for your route upon arrival.

1-2

Sunscreen**

1-2 bottles per crew – SPF 15 or

greater – no aerosol cans

1-2

Bug Repellent**

1-2 bottles per crew – High Deet

content recommended – no aerosol

cans

Toothpaste**

1 Tube per crew is recommended

Medicated Foot

Powder**

1 Bottle per crew is recommended

Crew First Aid Kit

Complete list is outlined at

http://www.ntier.org/filestore/North

ernTier/pdf/FirstAidKit.pdf

OPTIONAL Crew Gear

Fishing Poles

Fishing Equipment is available to

check out. Crews are allowed 1-2

poles per crew.

Fishing Tackle**

Limited fishing tackle is available to

check out for each crew. You may

want to bring some of your favorite.

Make sure it is lightweight and

compact.

Repair Kit

Multi-tool, duct tape, small sewing kit

Binoculars

Fillet Knife**

** Items marked with a double asterisk are available to purchase

at store.ntier.org.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 21

What Not to Bring

SPOT Satellite

Messengers or

other

Emergency

Beacon

Devices

Northern Tier provides all necessary

Emergency Communications devices

and manages all emergencies in

conjunction with local authorities. All

crews will be asked to lock any such

devices up with their valuables prior

to departure on water. These devices

are not permitted on the trail.

Canoe Chairs

that clip or

strap into

canoes.

These damage factory canoe seats

and make portaging difficult.

Standard Crazy Creek style camp

chairs may be brought for use in

camp sites and can double as a

sleeping pad.

Electronic

Music, Game

or Video

Devices

The beautiful wilderness of Northern

Minnesota, Southern Ontario and

Manitoba are the reason you’re at

Northern Tier, right? Enjoy it!

Cell Phones

Northern Tier provides an emergency

communication device for each crew on trail, it is

unnecessary for crews to bring cell phones for use as

a communication device (virtually no cell reception).

However, we do recognize that many people use

their cell phones as their cameras and this is

permitted. We would request that you leave them

in airplane mode and enjoy the Wilderness for what

it is. We would still recommend using a crew

camera over a cell phone.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 22

GEAR PROVIDED BY NORTHERN TIER

• Portage Packs w/Liner

Bags (1 for every 3

people)

• Food Box(es) and Pack(s)

w/Liner Bag(s)

• 1 Crew Equipment Box

and Pack

• Tents (2- and 4-man as

needed)

• 1 Dining Fly w/Ridge Line

and Stakes

• Parachute Cord

• 1 Shovel

• 1 Folding Saw

• 2 Bear Ropes and 1

Pulley/Ring

• 1 Fire Grate

• Dromedary Water System

• 2 Stoves, fuel bottles, and

fuel

• 1 Paddle/person

• 1 Life Jacket/person

• 1 Seat Cushion for middle

passenger/canoe

• 1 Emergency Radio or

Satellite Phone

w/waterproof box

• 1 Utensil Kit

o 1 Slotted Spoon

o 1 Regular Spoon

o 1 Metal Spatula

o 1 Nylon Spatula

o 1 Spreader Knife

o 1 Whisk

o 1 Pair Hot Pot Pliers

o 1 Soap Kit

• Dish Soap, Sanitizer

Tablets and Scrubbies

• Hand Sanitizer

• Stove Oil

• Strike Anywhere Matches

• 1 Polar Pure bottle/canoe

(for water purification)

• Cooking Equipment

o Cooking Pots (8, 4, and

1-quart sizes,

percolator, griddle

available)

o 1 Bakepacker and

Baking Liner Pans

o 1 Measuring Cup

o 1 Cutting Board

• Canoes (one canoe per

three people).

Lightweight canoes are

available in Ely and

Atikokan by reservation

(extra fees apply).

• Full Trail Food Outfitting -

3 balanced meals per day

and:

o Spice Kit with a wide

variety of spices and

seasonings available.

o Condiments

o Variety of hot and cold

drink mixes

o Supplemental

Baking/Cooking Items

(Bannock, Fish Fry,

Sugar, Popcorn)

• Toilet Tissue

• Fishing Equipment (Ely

only, available on a first-

come first served basis.

• GPS Units (available on a

first-come first served

basis).

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 23

Be aware that you are embarking on a rugged trip. Be cautious of

advice from people who were lucky enough to travel the canoe

country on a nice weekend, wore shorts and sandals and perhaps

traveled ten miles from their vehicle. Your trip will be more

adventurous! You will travel in all kinds of weather and will

probably average over 10 miles/day for 6 to 9 days. Northern Tier

recommends that everyone write their name and crew number

with a permanent marker on their clothes, uniforms, and personal

equipment. This will help in reclaiming lost and found items.

CAMERA

Although optional, a camera is rewarding to record memorable

experiences and beautiful scenes. Some crews select a crew

photographer who takes shots for everyone. Another weight

saving idea is for several crew members to share a camera. Not

every crew member needs a camera. Don’t forget additional

batteries and memory cards. Do not plan to use a phone as a

camera.

MONEY

Campers spend an average of $150.00 each in the Northern Tier

National High Adventure Trading Post. If major items such as

fleeces, vests, boots, paddles, etc., are desired, more money will be

needed.

• If travelling to the bases in Atikokan or Bissett, only

Canadian Currency is accepted in the trading post. Please

plan to stop and exchange money on your travels to

Canada.

LOOK SHARP EN ROUTE

Wear your Scout or Venture uniform proudly! You are members of

the Boy Scouts of America, the greatest youth organization in the

world. A properly uniformed, sharp appearing, well-mannered

crew makes a lasting impression on people who observe you. Use

the buddy system to keep track of everyone.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 24

ARRIVAL AT BASE

DAY ONE

The afternoon of your arrival will be busy! Please make sure that

you arrive on base between 1 and 2 PM. Be prepared for the

following:

• Meet your Interpreter

• Complete your first portage! Carry personal and group gear

to your crew’s assigned cabin or tent (may be up to a ¼

mile hike). Do not pack in roller luggage, it is a rugged trail

to your cabin. Pack in a backpack or duffel bag. If you plan

to store your gear in a Northern Tier locker, make sure you

use a frameless pack, so they collapse into the locker.

• Medical Screening of everyone.

• Crew Check In (presentation of paperwork, health forms,

and copies of your certifications) – see advisors guide for

more information.

• Gear and food outfitting

• Route Planning

• An Interpreter led shake-down of group and personal gear

• Dinner

• Crew Photo

• Visit the Trading Post

Check-in will be completed the afternoon of your arrival. Crews

arriving after 2:00 will not be able to complete these tasks and will

be delayed in getting on the water the next day. We cannot

accommodate early arrivals at Northern Tier, if your crew arrives

before the 1:00 check in time, we ask that you wait in the parking

lot and your staff will be there by 1:00 to greet you.

DAY TWO

Breakfast will be served the next morning. Your Interpreter will

lead you through any additional preparations which will include:

• Canoe Check Out

• Food Check Out

• Final Gear Check Out

• Store personal items in lockers or vehicles

The efficient crew will be on water by 10:00 am.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 25

VISIT THE TRADING POST

o ELY CREWS: Before departing on your trek you will

want to visit the Trading Post to purchase those last-

minute items. Many of the items not purchased back

home may be found in our Trading Post. Now is the

time to purchase items needed for the trail - there is

no place to buy items once you start your trip. We

encourage you to purchase your fishing licenses online

before you arrive.

o ATIKOKAN CREWS: The Atikokan Trading Post will

carry a few trail items, Northern Tier and Atikokan

souvenir items, trail maps and snack foods. Necessary

trail items are best purchased prior to your arrival at

the Atikokan base. We encourage you to purchase

your fishing licenses online before you arrive.

o BISSETT CREWS: The Bissett Base will carry a few trail

items, Northern Tier and Bissett base souvenir items,

and trail maps. Necessary trail items are best

purchased prior to your arrival at the Bissett base.

NOTE: Northern Tier High Adventure trail food is by necessity a high-

carbohydrate, high caloric diet. It contains wheat, milk products,

sugar, corn syrup and artificial coloring/flavoring. If an individual is

allergic to some food products or requires a special diet, suitable trail

food must be purchased at home and brought to Northern Tier.

Please keep in mind that while we try to be as

accommodating as possible, we will not be able to

accommodate all food needs and may ask participants with

certain needs to supplement the menu with their own food.

Individuals requiring special diet food, will be assessed a $75

charge. Individuals are welcome to bring their own, keep in

mind it must all be prepackaged and shelf stable. No fresh

foods.

Special diet restrictions not communicated to us more than 30 days in

advance cannot be accommodated.

Ntier.org/resources/food

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 26

Since the base facility is located within the town limits

of Bissett, there is one small store at hand to purchase

additional souvenirs, Manitoba fishing licenses, trail

items and snacks.

o NORTHERN TIER ONLINE STORE: Trail equipment and

Northern Tier souvenir items are available for purchase

through the Northern Tier on-line store, found at

store.ntier.org

ROUTE PLANNING

o Your Interpreter will meet with you and your crew to

plan a custom-made experience based on the desires

and abilities of your crew. The crew leader is

responsible for representing the interest of the entire

crew according to the priorities you and your crew

have selected from the TREK PROGRAM OPTIONS and

answering the TRIP PLANNING questions in this

booklet. A written itinerary is prepared showing when

and where you plan to camp. One copy of the itinerary

is carried by the crew and one copy is kept at base in

case of emergency.

SHAKEDOWN YOUR GEAR

o In a place designated by your Interpreter, you will

unpack everything. Your Interpreter will review each

item necessary for your trek and demonstrate the best

method of packing the items in the 3-person portage

packs. Store surplus gear and uniforms in your vehicle

or crew locker/storage area if you did not arrive in your

own vehicles.

FIRST NIGHT MEAL

• Your first meal at any of the bases will be dinner the

evening you arrive.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 27

PACK YOUR GEAR

• Northern Tier Provides a Portage Pack in which you will

carry personal gear for up to 3 people. Your tent(s),

sleeping bags (in compression style stuff sack), sleeping

pads, dry shoes and 25-30-liter stuff sacks or dry sacks

with your remaining gear will be packed into this

pack. Each pack comes with a plastic liner which when

packed properly (not over packed) will serve as a first

line of defense to keep your personal equipment dry. If

you are not using a waterproof stuff sack for your

clothes and personal items, packing them into zip

closure style freezer bags within your stuff sack

provides additional protection. When packing these

portage packs plan to pack them tall and narrow with

heavier items toward the top of your pack and closest

to your body to get the weight over your bone

structure so your muscles do not tire

easily. Remember to pack items you may need during

the day, so they are easily accessible. Items like this

may include, your crew first aid kit, maps, compass,

sunscreen, camera, and rain jackets.

• Do not pack aerosol cans (unless bug repellent or

medication) or glass jars because they are bulky and

prone to break or empty their contents and are also

not allowed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Wilderness or Quetico Provincial Park.

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

• Following the last orientation session in preparation for

your trip, it is best to return to your overnight

accommodations for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow

you hit the trail!

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 28

HIT THE TRAIL

• FOLLOW BUDDY SYSTEM

• As you are canoeing or portaging, always keep your

crew together and stay within hearing and visual

distance. The Buddy System is a part of the BSA Safety

Afloat policy. The lead canoe sets a steady pace that

allows everyone else to keep up comfortably and

makes sure the crew travels in the proper direction.

The sweep, or end canoe, calls a halt when anyone

needs to stop. This is done by passing the word to the

canoe in front of you until everyone gets the message.

Staying together is safer, avoids anyone becoming lost,

promotes teamwork and looks sharp. The crew leader

is responsible for making sure it happens. Normally the

crew leader should be positioned about midway in the

group, to monitor the progress and morale of everyone

else. The crew leader decides when to take a rest stop,

where to eat lunch, when to seek shelter from bad

weather and when to stop or turn back with the

counsel of the Interpreter and an advisor. Traveling in

a canoe or portaging after dark is not recommended

except in an emergency.

• SELECTING A CAMPSITE

o In the Boundary Waters, all campsites available will be

pre-established. It will be easy to tell what an official

Forest Service campsite is because all of them have a

fire ring and a pit toilet. Consider how many tents your

crew has and if there is a good tree for hanging a bear

bag when selecting a campsite. Not all campsites will

have enough space for all your tents. In the Quetico,

Crownlands, and Atikaki, you will not find these types

of sites. The campsites here are even more primitive

and often created by crews that came before you.

However, you should keep an eye out for a good bear

bag tree and plenty of tent pads just like you would in

the Boundary Waters.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 29

• MEALS ON THE TRAIL AND OFFERING THANKS

o All meals, starting with lunch on the day you start

canoeing through lunch on the day you return to base,

will be carried on the trail and cooked/prepared by you

and your crew members. Crews are encouraged to

give thanks before eating meals on the trail. The

Wilderness Grace is particularly appropriate.

WILDERNESS GRACE

For food, for raiment, for life

and opportunity,

For sun and rain, for water and

portage trails,

For friendship and fellowship,

We thank Thee, Oh, Lord.

Amen.

• FISHING ON THE TRAIL

o Some of the most spectacular game fishing in North

America is available in the waters covered by Northern

Tier. Fishing can highlight your high adventure

experience and supplement your trail food menu.

Decide if you are going to fish before you leave home

so you can prepare for it. Bring your rod and reel, a

small plastic tackle box, fillet knife, sharpener, pliers

with a side cutter and a pocketknife. For those crews

that do not have their own fishing gear, a small amount

of equipment is available to borrow from Northern Tier

(Ely base only). The Tips for Fishing By Canoe and

Canoe Country Nature Guidebook, written for Northern

Tier by Bob Cary, will describe the types of fish you can

fish for, the types of lures to use, the types of

equipment to bring, how to fillet a fish, knots for

fishing and information on catch and release. You can

download a copy at www.ntier.org. Whether you are

in Minnesota, Ontario or Manitoba, fishing licenses are

available for purchase either in the trading post (fishing

licenses are not available in the Bissett Trading Post),

ranger station, resort or store. Remember the most

efficient way to get your fishing license is to purchase

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 30

it online prior to your arrival. The types and prices of

fishing licenses for Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba

can be found online at these websites:

o Minnesota Fishing Licenses:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/

o Ontario Fishing Licenses: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/

o Manitoba Fishing Licenses: https://www.gov.mb.ca/.

o Many crews come to canoe country to fish. If you are

planning to fish while on your canoe trip, we want you

to do it safely. If fishing from a canoe, only have 2

people in the canoe. The buddy system of 2 canoes

must be followed as well as BSA Youth Protection

Policies. If fishing from shore, be careful with casting in

the vicinity of other people. When not fishing, make a

policy concerning the storage of hooks and lures while

in camp and while traveling. Enforcing such policies

will prevent an injury to someone walking by a lure and

getting snagged, or by stepping or sitting on a lure.

• LEAVE NO TRACE

o The wilderness areas used by Northern Tier crews are

all on public lands managed by federal or provincial

government agencies. The campsites in these areas

are all open to public use and are strictly on a first

come first served basis. Wherever your crew camps,

you are responsible for maintaining the wild character

of the wilderness area you are camping in.

▪ Keep your impact to a minimum and leave

each site cleaner than you found it. Carry out

all garbage and trash that you carried into the

wild.

▪ Crews also help by cleaning up sites littered by

other campers. This helps Northern Tier and

the Boy Scouts of America maintain the respect

of the government agencies and represents a

service project in keeping with the BSA

principle of good citizenship and our own

slogan: “Do a good turn daily.”

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 31

▪ The crew leader makes sure your fire is

extinguished, using the “white ash and cold to

the touch test”. Thoroughly police your

campsite before you depart.

o Help preserve the beauty of the North Woods and

respect others using the wilderness by pledging to

conduct yourself in an exemplary manner by following

the principles of Leave No Trace. If you want to know

more details, you can purchase the Lakes Region Leave

No Trace booklet from the Northern Tier Trading Post

or visit the LNT website at www.lnt.org.

KEEPING YOURSELF HEALTY AND SAFE ON THE TRAIL

Strict adherence to proper health and safety practices is crucial.

You are responsible to yourself to keep safe and healthy, but this is

also a crew responsibility. Failure to purify water or to thoroughly

rinse dishes may affect everyone in the crew. Read these trail

practices to keep you and your crew strong, safe and healthy.

KNOW WILDERNESS FIRST AID SKILLS and CPR. Every Northern Tier

crew MUST have an adult advisor certified in Wilderness First Aid

and CPR. Ailments most commonly requiring treatment are

sunburn, cuts (all types), sprains, blisters, burns, headache,

stomachache, constipation, diarrhea and embedded fishhooks.

Stock your first aid kit with supplies to handle these problems. Be

aware of anyone in the crew who has a medical condition. Every

injury or illness must be recorded in the base first aid log. While on

the trail, your Interpreter will fill out a report to be posted in the

base medical log upon your return.

• Practice good personal hygiene.

• Care for your feet:

o While you are canoeing and portaging, sound, healthy

feet are a must. Cut your toenails short and square;

don’t round the corners. We recommend wearing two

pairs of socks in your boots to help prevent blisters.

Your feet will be wet throughout the day while you’re

paddling due to the Wet Foot technique but be sure to

dry them thoroughly, air them out and apply foot

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 32

powder liberally to prevent trench foot and other

problems. Put on your dry camp socks and your camp

shoes as soon as you can when you get to your

campsite. Due to the sharp rocks, lost fishing tackle

and the potential for broken glass. DO NOT WALK

AROUND THE CAMPSITE OR GO SWIMMING

BAREFOOT. The only time you should be barefoot is in

your sleeping bag.

Know and be prepared to practice First Aid for the following

ailments:

o Bugs, bee stings and other insect bites.

o Hypothermia

o Sunburn

o Heat Exhaustion

o Heat Stroke

o Dehydration

• Prevent Accidents

o Most Accidents involve horseplay. Fatigue, hunger and

mild hypothermia or dehydration may impair a crew

member’s performance and judgment. Common

causes of accidents include rock throwing, improper

use of knife and axe, getting snagged by a fishhook,

running through campsites barefoot, and carelessness

around fires. Maintain crew discipline and practice

safety at all times to avoid injuries from accidents.

Always use the principles of Safe Swim Defense when

swimming and Safety Afloat when on the water.

Always wear your wet boots and PFD while swimming,

and always wear shoes in camp.

• Avoid Storms and Lightning

• Stay Put if Confused or Lost

• Purify All Drinking Water

• Wash and Rinse Dishes Thoroughly

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 33

NORTHERN TIER POLICIES

• Secure Your Food: Bears, chipmunks, mice and other

rodents are fond of trail food. Hanging your food and

‘smellables’ at night is necessary. Remember, perfumed

items (toothpaste, soaps, Chapstick, etc.) may smell like

food. Your Interpreter will advise you on what to do and

how to do it. Whether on the trail or on base, do not take

food into any tent or cabin.

• Respect Wildlife: We are visitors in the wilderness – please

be responsible and courteous guests. Do not bother or

provoke wildlife. Animals should be enjoyed from a

distance and should never be fed.

• Purify All Drinking Water: All water from natural sources -

including springs, streams and lakes must be purified by

bringing it to a rolling boil, treated with chemical purifier or

filtered.

• Wash and Rinse Dishes Thoroughly: Protect the health of

your crew by thoroughly washing, rinsing and sanitizing

dishes. Let dishes and utensils air dry. The dirty dishwater

should be disposed of at least 200 feet behind the

campsite and at least 200 feet from any water source.

• No Climbing Allowed: Rock climbing, rappelling and tree

climbing are not permitted. BSA regulations require

advanced training and equipment which is not available for

use on your trek.

• Swimming: All swimming and water activities must be done

in accordance with the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy. In

addition, wet boots, a lifejacket and a swimsuit or shorts

must always be worn by all swimmers .

• Diving: Diving is prohibited at Northern Tier per the BSA

Safe Swim Defense policy. Therefore, all entry into the

water must be feet first or by wading into the water.

Jumping feet first into the water is allowed from rocks or

ledges no greater than five feet above the surface of the

water, if the water is clear and the depth of the water is

10-12 feet deep. Lifejackets must always be worn.

• Cliff Jumping: Jumping into the water from any height

greater than 5 feet above the surface of the water is

prohibited.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 34

• Whitewater Policy: The running of rapids, whitewater or

waterfalls is prohibited. All Northern Tier crews will

portage around all falls, rapids, fast water, etc. During

times of unusually high water it will be necessary to be very

careful and watchful while traveling.

• Rock Throwing: Rock throwing is prohibited.

• Solo Canoeing: There will be no solo canoeing. There must

be a minimum of two canoes at all times with 2 canoeists

in each canoe.

• Boots and Shoes: You must wear boots or shoes in all

wilderness trail campsites, while canoeing, swimming,

fishing, etc. Bare feet and under-protected feet are a

major cause of foot injuries.

• Tobacco: The use of tobacco is never permitted within the

line of sight of youth. No smoking is permitted in any

Northern Tier building or vehicle. Each base has a single

established tobacco use area.

• Alcohol and Drugs: Possession or use of alcoholic

beverages, illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed drugs is

prohibited. Groups or individuals found in violation of this

national policy of the Boy Scouts of America will be sent

home immediately, as arranged with the council office or

parent.

• Firearms and Fireworks: Shooting firearms are not allowed

at Northern Tier. Do not bring firearms or archery

equipment with you. Fireworks are a safety hazard and are

prohibited by Northern Tier National High Adventure.

Leave them at home.

• Youth Protection Policy and Abuse: Boy Scouts of America’s

Youth Protection Policies must be adhered to. No one-on-

one activities between youth and adults are allowed. The

BSA two deep leader policies must be followed. No youth

and adults are allowed in the same tents. Physical, sexual

or emotional abuse (including hazing) of a camper by his or

her peers or by adult leaders is unacceptable anywhere.

Reporting of abuse is the law. The local, county, state or

provincial authorities as well as the BSA Council

representatives will be contacted if abuse is suspected.

• Forest Fires: Our forests are a beautiful and valuable

heritage. If you spot a fire or think you have, report it to

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 35

your Interpreter, who will report it to the base director by

radio or phone. Your crew should not attempt to fight

wildfires and should quickly leave the area. Because of the

wilderness status, some of the areas which have naturally

occurring fires may be left to burn naturally. Other man-

caused fires may be extinguished. Trained fire fighters will

monitor or extinguish the fires accordingly.

• Fires on Base: A fire on any of the Northern Tier program

base facilities needs to be reported to the base director or

staff person immediately. If the fire alarm is activated, all

crews are to report to the parking area of the base facility.

Each base has a fire guard plan posted.

WRAP UP YOUR ADVENTURE

Plan to return to base in the afternoon (between 1 and 3 pm) of

your final day. Atikokan and Bissett return time may vary due to

vehicle shuttle and float plane arrangements. Crews are

encouraged to spend their last night on base to get a good night’s

sleep before traveling.

• CLEAN AND CHECK IN CREW EQUIPMENT

o At your last campsite scrub your pots and pans to get

all the black off and clean other equipment thoroughly.

Upon arrival back at base you will check all your gear

into the Bay Post or equipment issue area. The staff

will check each item for damages other than normal

wear and you will be charged for any damages and for

lost items before your departure. Your advisor will also

be able to pick up the car keys and valuables while in

the equipment area (Ely) or shortly thereafter at the

Canadian bases. After equipment check-in, you will

have time to take a hot shower and sauna and change

clothes before dinner.

• VISIT TRADING POST

• EVALUATE YOUR TRIP

o Your crew leader and advisor are asked to complete a

written evaluation form. Many constructive

suggestions are implemented as a result of these post

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 36

trip evaluations. Your medical forms will be returned

to you with the blank evaluation forms.

• RECEIVE AWARDS

o Meeting the challenge of a Northern Tier National High

Adventure experience is worthy of recognition. An

emblem is awarded to every successful participant to

wear on the right pocket of the Scout uniform. These

awards are not for sale, they can only be earned. Be

sure to visit the Trading Post for any other awards that

you worked on while you were on the trail.

• DINNER AND EVENING PROGRAM

o After eating dinner there will be a closing campfire

program. The type of program will vary depending on

the base attended. After the program and/or another

visit to the Trading Post it will be time to get a good

night’s sleep for the trip home.

• HEAD FOR HOME

o A breakfast will be served to you, after which you are

ready to begin your journey home.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 37

NORTHERN TIER AWARDS

Northern Tier offers a wide variety of patches that can be earned

over the course of your trek. A brief synopsis of each patch or

program is offered here.

Mileage Awards

Northern Tier offers mileage awards for subsequent

miles – in 25 mile increments up to 200 starting at

50-miles. These are miles specifically traveled while

on your trip. Patches and plaques are available from

the Trading Post.

Northern Tier Lake Monitoring Program

Our Lake Monitoring Program provides your crew

with an experience to learn about the water quality

in the lakes of Northern Minnesota and

Northwestern Ontario and how it changes. It also

provides a community service opportunity for your Scouts as the

data collected is used by government agencies and scholars to

monitor water clarity and provide an assessment of suspended

material in the water (often algae). Long term monitoring provides

scientists with valuable data to detect trends in water quality and

detect signs of degradation to a lake.

Northern Tier Duty to God Program

While at Northern Tier, you will encounter

divine handiwork on many occasions. The

Duty to God program will help you reflect on

these special moments. This popular program

requires a crew-led religious service, participation in at least three

devotionals while on your trek, and the leading of grace at a

campfire meal.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 38

Triple Crown and Grand Slam of High Adventure Award

Scouts and Scouters who have participated in at least one

qualifying program at three of the four national

high-adventure bases operated by the Boy Scouts

of America (Northern Tier, Philmont, the Summit,

and Florida Sea Base) can earn the Triple Crown

patch and certificate. To qualify, you must earn a

high-adventure program participant emblem

(patch) from three of the four national high-

adventure bases.

Participants who complete a qualifying program at all four of the

National High Adventure Bases qualify for the Grand Slam of High

Adventure.

Note: To earn the Triple Crown, you must complete each high

adventure through the Scouting program. For example, canoeing

the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Quetico through

another outfitter other than Northern Tier will not qualify.

Northern Tier Participant Handbook 20 22– page 39

UP NORTH

Up North is a certain way the wind feels on your face and the way

an old wool shirt feels on your back. It’s the peace that comes over

you when you sit down to read one of your old trip journals, or the

anticipation that bubbles inside when you start sorting through

your tackle box in the spring.

Up North is the smell of a Duluth pack hanging in your basement

and the sound of pots clinking across the lake. It’s a raindrop

clinging to a pine needle and the dancing light of a campfire on the

faces of friends.

Up North is a lone set of cross-country ski tracks across a

wilderness lake and wood smoke rising from a cabin chimney. It’s

bunchberries in June, blueberries in July and wild rice in

September.

Each of us has an Up North. It’s a time and place far from the here

and now. It’s a map on the wall, a dream in the making, a tugging

at one’s soul. For those who feel the tug, who make the dream

happen, who put the map in the packsack and go, the world is

never quite the same again.

We have been Up North. And part of us always will be.