Homeplace, Voyageur Outward Bound School Basecamp, Minnesota

Homeplace is located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. Situated where the Kawishiwi River meets Birch Lake in the Superior National Forest, the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp provides an ideal location for launching/ending BWCAW paddling and dogsledding trips, and practicing white water paddling skills. The surrounding boreal forest also makes Homeplace a great location for spotting moose, wolves, beavers, deer, woodpeckers, eagles and black bear.

Reunion Activities

While we are still finalizing some of the weekend’s details, we can guarantee you that there will be a variety of options to fill your days.  All activities are optional; you’ll have plenty of time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

We'd love to hear your ideas for activities, discussions, & presentations that you would like to see or engage in over the weekend. (During the 50th celebration we had a square dance, generational skits, and other personal expedition presentations as examples)! If you have any ideas or interest in being involved please reach out to Penny Jeffers, at penny.jeffers@vobs.org. 

Rock Climbing – Come try your moves on Homeplace’s very own rock site, Quiet Rocks!  Whether you’ve climbed it once or a hundred times, site managed or supported climbing days there, or belayed in pouring rain or brilliant sun, Quiet Rocks will offer the challenge you need.

High Ropes Course – Traversing elements among the treetops is a time-honored tradition at Homeplace.  From White Ropes’s terrifying dismount to the seatbelt on Red Ropes’s zip platform to the Moon Steps of the new course, a lot has changed since you last saw the ropes course.  Just try to run across the Lily Pads without holding on to your tethers—we dare you.

Canoeing & Sea Kayaking – Canoes and sea kayaks will be available on the waterfront for those interested in cruising Birch Lake.  You can borrow a PFD and paddle from us, or bring your own.

Whitewater Paddling – Opportunities may be available to play in the rapids of the South Kawishiwi River, right next to Homeplace.  Bring your own boat, or borrow one of ours (subject to current whitewater policies, of course)!

Waterfront Fun – Camp Kawishiwi is here to stay!  Think lawn games, jumping off the dock and swimming with floaty toys.  A good time is guaranteed.

Sauna – Enjoy the Northwoods tradition of getting really hot and dipping in the chilly river.

Discussions & Presentations – We’ll provide some space for presenters and discussion leaders to share their adventures and/or create space for open or topical discussions during scheduled blocks of time.  If you’d like to present something interesting, please contact 60reunion@vobs.org.  

Dog Yard Visits – VOBS added a mushing component to the winter program in the early 1980s, and the dog yard has grown to house 60+ dogs, depending on the year and season.  We’ll schedule visits to the dog yard with experienced winter staff so you can meet our friendly, hard-working pups.  If you’d like a sneak peak, you can visit the VOBS Adopt a Dog webpage.

Reunion Schedule Outline*

Friday, August 30

12 pm Check-in begins**
5:30 pm Circle-up and welcome from Executive Director Jack Lee
6 pm Dinner
7 pm  Evening Activity

Saturday, August 31

6:30-8:30 breakfast
9 am Daytime activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and ropes course
12-1 pm Lunch
6 pm Dinner
7 pm Evening Activity

Sunday, September 1

7-9 am Breakfast
9:30 am Farewell address and closing circle

*While the outline of the schedule will remain the same, be aware that details (such as evening activities) may change.

**Check-in will continue all Friday afternoon and Saturday, as needed.  When you arrive, you will receive a welcome packet and other information for the weekend.

As a part of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations, we will be offering options for staff expeditions before the reunion!

FIND OUT MORE & SIGN UP HERE!

Please click on the link above to sign up. Once you register a member of our crew will reach out to you to complete any necessary additional paperwork & to take payment. 

There will be two options for BWCA trips:

1. Guided expeditions (led by a current OB staff person)
2. Self-Guided trip (participants partake in their own expeditions, with gear provided by VOBS.)

Guided Expeditions

If you want to journey into the Boundary Waters, but seek the camaraderie of others and/or the support and expertise of a current instructional staff, we have an opportunity for you!   Prior to the Reunion Weekend, we will offer a 5-day expedition into the BWCA (8/25/24 - 8/29/24).  We’ll supply the gear, food, equipment, and an instructor….you bring your clothes/personal belongings and an adventurous attitude!  This expedition is reserved for former staff & trustees only. 

Self Guided Expeditions & Gear loan

Want to explore the BWCA yourself? Revisit some of your favorite lakes.  We are here to support you!  Here are some details….Please call or email us if you'd like to take advantage of this option and we'll get you set up! 218-491-6789, or email us at, student.services@vobs.org.

Food & Gear:

• Trips can support you with food and gear
• Cost per person per day = $18/day
• We can provide you with a first aid kit (without any prescription medications)

Additional options:

• Drop off or pick up on the Ely side of the BWCA (based on availability of vehicles/staff) = $50 per drop off or pick up
• Permit - if you’d like us to get you a permit, we can do that.   
• Fees = $6/reservation fee and $16 per adult on the trip.  
• Note:  You can also reserve your permit online and ‘pick it up’ at VOBS by listing us as the issuing station.