“I’m looking for someone to share in an Adventure…”

-Gandalf

We need adventure

There are certain places that uniquely awaken the deep parts of a man’s heart. Wild places, adventure, and the company of trusted brothers create sacred space for God to meet us and shape us.

In our everyday lives, we often lack this kind of experience. Many men quietly long for adventure, a test of strength, and a place to come alive again in heart and spirit.

Our digital attachments—through social media, entertainment, and work—keep us numb to the heart’s true cry. We need opportunities to unplug, step away from the noise, and return to the primal simplicity of community, struggle, and joy.

Simple Life Missions – Forging Men Wilderness Trip

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)

Where We’re Going

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a pristine, protected wilderness on the border of Minnesota and Canada. Thousands of interconnected, crystal-clear lakes provide a wilderness experience found nowhere else in the country.

All supplies must be carried in by canoe—there are no towns, roads, cell service, or traffic. It’s a land of untamed forest where wolves roam, bears forage, and cool northern lakes hold trout, walleye, and pike. Within this wild landscape are hundreds of lakeside campsites where paddlers make camp under the stars.

This primitive environment offers both natural beauty and challenge—the perfect setting for the soul to come alive. Teamwork, cooperation, and sheer will draw out a strength in men that rarely surfaces in everyday life.

Cost

Early Bird (before March 31, 2026): $1,300
- After March 31: $1,500
Deposit: $300 due at registration to hold your place
Father and Son early bird (before March 31, 2026): $2,500 ($400 deposit)
- $2700 after March 31

Includes all lodging, outfitting, permits, gear, and food during the trip.
Not included: flights, shuttle/rental cars to Ely, MN, and food during travel.

Trip Overview

Length: 7 days (6 days within the Wilderness)

Day 1: Fly into Minneapolis or Duluth, MN, and shuttle to Ely. Group meets by 3:00 PM. Get outfitted, make camp, and prepare for early departure.
Days 2–7: Guided adventure through the wilderness.
- (Day 4 or 5 includes an 8-hour time of solitude, fasting, and prayer.)
Day 7: Exit the wilderness and shuttle back to the airport for afternoon/evening departures.

A Typical Day in the Boundary Waters

Morning

Dawn devotional and morning prayer
Early morning fishing
Breakfast, break camp, and paddle through crystal-clear lakes
Portage gear between lakes, explore rivers, and swim in rapids

Afternoon

Lunch break and midday prayer
Canoe several more hours
Arrive at campsite, set up camp, fish, swim, explore, or rest

Evening

Time alone with God
Dinner around the campfire
Evening debrief and prayer
Fall asleep to the call of the loons

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/HsqxaqRDxwSd56Qt6

Once you register you will be sent a separate link for the deposit and trip fees.

Spiritual Focus

Each day includes three times of prayer and devotion—morning, midday, and evening—held in awe-inspiring places: beside waterfalls, on portage trails, or along rocky northern shores.

Some devotionals are led by the trip leader; others by the men themselves. Each participant will lead at least one time of prayer or reflection.

Evenings feature extended debrief times for sharing and encouragement—powerful moments of encounter with God and brotherhood.

The Walkabout

For one full day, each man will spend time alone with God in silence, solitude, and fasting.
We close that evening with a feast and a time of testimony and worship.

Gear & Equipment

All camping gear, sleeping bags, tents, food, and canoes are fully outfitted.
You only need to bring:

Personal clothing for the trip
Fishing gear (optional)
A detailed packing list will be provided.

Transportation

Participants arrange their own flights and ground transportation to Ely, Minnesota.
Group shuttles from Minneapolis and Duluth are available.

How big is the group

The group (fellowship) is limited to 9 total companions as Elrond says in Rivendell. (as required by all backcountry permits in the BWCAW)

Can I bring my son(s)

Yes! There are few places that are as formational for a coming of age trip than the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You will make life-long memories and instill a confidence and strength forged through trials into your son. There will be some special and intentional times of connection for those who come with their son. All participants need to be 13 yrs or older and physically capable.

Why You Should Go

Your soul needs this.

After 13 trips to the Boundary Waters, I can say this place changes men.
It’s a landscape of adventure, beauty, and encounter with God.
You’ll come home stronger, more grounded, and alive in ways you didn’t know you could be.

Six days disconnected from technology, pushing your limits, and breathing in wilderness air alongside other men of faith—it’s something to invest in for your soul.