Overview

Join Other Alumnae for This Canoeing Adventure

Explore and enjoy the Namekagon River in Northwestern Wisconsin by joining other Macalester alumnae for a professionally guided canoeing and camping adventure. We will be recreating a treasured Macalester tradition, led by Ruth Schellberg in the 1940s and '50s.

Our Guide

Our guide will be the incredible Chris Heeter, founder and lead guide of the Wild Institute. Chris has guided women’s wilderness trips since 1984, and has a deep understanding of the restorative nature of women traveling together in the outdoors. She is a patient teacher who specializes in creating safe, playful environments for women to renew and explore and laugh… a lot!

Experience Not Required

You do not need any previous canoe or camping experience for this trip. Women new to canoeing and "seasoned paddlers" have traveled together with us on this route. Participants should be ready, willing and able to canoe — Chris will show us how to paddle easily through the faster current, or take time to play in the waves. Our guide will follow the American Canoe Association standards for instruction and safety.

The focus on this trip is not about pushing yourself beyond limits or learning that you can handle stressful challenging situations—you already know that, and you probably do it every day. This trip is designed to provide great fun in a beautiful natural setting as you camp and paddle, all while connecting with interesting and adventurous women from the Macalester community.

Meals

Food matters! Our guide will bring hearty and delicious, primarily vegetarian, fare. You may be surprised by the amount of fresh vegetables and mouth-watering menus we can prepare outdoors. Sunday's lunch through Wenesday's breakfast are included in the trip's overall cost.