Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 12–14 · $1,276/week
Directory · United States · Minnesota · Ely
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 12–14

Intro to Canoeing (9 days)

YMCA Camp Widjiwagan · $1,276/week

Wilderness canoe and backpacking trips focused on leadership and personal growth.

▌ Editor's read Camp Widjiwagan is an ACA-accredited wilderness camp, with accreditation valid until 2025, as indicated by the ACA search tool. The camp has a long history, operating since 1929, suggesting extensive experience in outdoor programming. It is part of the YMCA of the North, a non-profit organization. The website mentions a commitment to safety, including staff background checks, stating, 'All staff are carefully screened, including criminal background checks.' The camp specializes in wilderness trips, such as the 'Intro to Canoeing' program, and emphasizes leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. Social media handles for Instagram (@campwidjiwagan) and Facebook (CampWidjiwagan) are active, providing additional insights into camp life.
★
ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
⌬
Since 971929+ years operating
◍
Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 12–14

Intro to Canoeing (9 days) is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway 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
97 (1929 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 12–14
  • Address: 3788 North Arm Road, Ely, MN 55731
  • Phone: (612) 822-2267
  • Cost notes: Cost is for a 9-day session, not per week. Calculated from $1640 for 9 days.

2 sessions (0 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from Jun 11 to Aug 18.

Sessions ⛓

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

  • Session 21 Jun 11 – 19, 2026 · 2 weeks · $1,640
  • Session 22 Aug 10 – 18, 2026 · 2 weeks · $1,640

↗ What parents like

  • Wilderness canoeing focus
  • Develops leadership skills
  • Emphasis on teamwork

↘ Watch for

  • Physically demanding portages
  • Some programs are invitation-only

Logistics

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

Frequently asked about Intro to Canoeing (9 days)

What ages does Intro to Canoeing (9 days) accept?
Intro to Canoeing (9 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 (9 days) cost?
Intro to Canoeing (9 days) publishes $1,276/week for the standard session. Cost is for a 9-day session, not per week. Calculated from $1640 for 9 days. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
Is Intro to Canoeing (9 days) accredited?
Yes — Intro to Canoeing (9 days) is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 1929 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 (9 days)?
Intro to Canoeing (9 days) is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 1929 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 (9 days) provide lunch?
Intro to Canoeing (9 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 (9 days) compare to other overnight/sleepaway camps in Ely?
Intro to Canoeing (9 days) is one of 9 overnight/sleepaway 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 (9 days) with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Intro to Canoeing (9 days).