I don't have outfitter advice, but have taken my daughter and friends kids this age to the BWCA many times and had a blast. Here are some miscellaneous thoughts: For this first trip, stay in the BWCA (rather than Quetico) so you have toilets, that's just one less new thing for the girls to deal with. Also, depending on how long your trip is, plan at least one lay-over day, preferably two, maybe on different lakes. If it was me with a group of girls this age, I would plan to travel 6 or 7 miles and 3-4 portages a day MAX, and keep portages to less than 60 rods or so since they may be mostly carrying the boats with two or more people rather than overhead.

Consider renting kevlar MN III's, they really paddle easily with 3 people and still carry ample gear. Remind them to bring footwear for swimming, this age can be a little wimpy about rocks... Have a rain tarp that is REALLY big enough and stories to read aloud on rainy days. Avoid very large windy lakes. Also, don't drink out of the lake any more, too much giardia, it pays to filter or use iodine now. By mid to late August the bugs are sometimes gone, which can be a real plus especially with kids. Make your permit reservation NOW, some of them really fill up early these days. Have a wonderful trip!

Posted by lah on March 15, 2002 at 11:52
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