Wahpekute Lodge Mato` Leadership Challenge 2025

Mato` Leadership Challenge 2025
Sunday, July 13 - Saturday, July 19, 2025
BWCA
$300 per participant; limited for 5 youth, Adults as space allows

The Mato` Leadership Challenge is designed to be an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every youth participant.  An adventure that will encourage scouts to try new things; thing that may be out of your comfort zone.  It is an experience, but one that has its underpinnings in the application of the leadership skills youth have learned in the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), NYLT and/or NAYLE.

It is, as is all of Scouting, an adventure with a purpose.  The Mato` Leadership Challenge is to allow participants to grow in their abilities as leaders during an adventure that tests them mentally and physically while in a high adventure setting.  In this case, that setting is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness.

While embracing the challenge of a high adventure trek, scouts will learn and practice new leadership skills while refining prior skills.  Reflections and dissection of each day's successes and less-than-optimal outcomes are all part of the challenge, in addition to guided discussions and leadership dilemmas while around the evening campfire.

Gear and Faculty:  This adventure crew's gear is provided including tents, portaging packs, lightweight Kevlar canoes, PDFs, food, and all other crew gear.  Participants will bring their personal gear (list will be provided).  Your adult leadership instructors are former scoutmasters and lodge members Chris Sandquist and Tony Dittrich.  

The BWCA entry point is number 37, Kawishiwi Lake. 

Program Training Date:  This date will be determined based on registered participant availability.  Expect at least 2 full days of preparedness training in early to mid-spring 2025.

Trek Dates:  Sunday, July 13, 2025 (6pm report) - Saturday, July 19, 2025 (return to Mankato).

Cost:  $300 per participant

Requirements: 

Youth must be a current member of the Wahpekute Lodge with  membership dues paid in full for 2025

At least 14 years of age by July 13, 2025

Health forms part A,B, and C

BSA Swimmer

Must know basics of canoe usage (requirements of the canoeing merit badge)

BSA height/weight requirements are guidelines but participants must demonstrate they are able to meet the physical requirements of a BBWCA trek (ability to walk 1 mile while portaging a 45lb canoe or 60lb pack)

All participants over age 16 must have a valid MN Fishing License (even if you don't intend to fish).

Registration:  Registration is limited to 6 youth.  After that, please use waitlist.  Adult members of the Wahpekute Lodge are invited to sign up on a waiting list.  If not all youth spots are taken by the close of registration, adults will be considered.

Registration closes May 1, 2025.

Question contact Chris Sandquist at 507-327-5149 or csandquist.law@gmail.com

Annual Health & Medical Form Parts A,B,C Fillable