Over the weekend of February 20-23 an intrepid group of explorers from Living Well caravanned north for another amazing outdoor adventure. These 24 participants, with five vans, two cars, and three wheelchairs, all headed up to Grand Marias, then west on the Gunflint Trail, and eventually across a frozen lake to YMCA Camp Menogyn. It was our 18th annual trip, and it was glorious. You can watch a video with clips from the trip here.
Since we began offering this winter excursion, which is free to all who want to participate and covered by donations to Living Well, our partnership with Wilderness Inquiry and the YMCA has made an inclusive and accessible trip possible for the people we support. Because of the accessibility needs of a group like ours, it takes all three partners to make each trip a success. Without the high level of commitment from staff from all three organizations, trips like this would be impossible. To our delight, since the first trip 250 people have now ventured north to have FUN, and we are proud to make this trip a priority.
A winter adventure like this takes excessive planning as well as staff and volunteers who are willing to go outside of their comfort zones to make a winter adventure possible for the folks they support. Not everyone loves the cold air and snow, but everyone loves providing opportunities like this to people who are interested and cannot do it alone, or without support. So, with a great team, this year 12 people from eight of our homes were driven up north by 12 staff and volunteers who were dedicated to helping them have a blast!
Day one started with everyone packing their vehicles and heading out early. The crew from 3801 stopped to check out Duluth then had lunch in Grand Marais. Another crew stopped at Judys Café in Two Harbors. And another stopped at the DQ in Grand Marais and skipped rocks on the ice in the harbor by Artist Point. Once everyone got to town, a caravan followed the leaders from Wilderness Inquiry on the Gunflint Trail to camp. Upon arrival at the parking lot all baggage was loaded onto sleds to cross the lake on a 20-minute walk over the ice to the campground. Pulk sleds were used to transport people who need additional support or cannot walk. It was a full team effort and everyone else pulled mini sleds with their belongings behind them.
Over the course of three nights and four days, Pao and Anissa from Cloman, Shaun and Talasia from Selkirk, Angie and Kelsey from Paul’s Place, Curt and Mike from Douglas, James and Daniel from France, AJ, Peggy, Doug and Caroline with Cindi and Heidi from 3801, Braeden and Cynthia from Thompson, and Stacey and Tiffany from Lyndale, with help from Heather at Northland and volunteer, James, along with staff volunteers Nate and Anh—were able to experience a customized winter adventure.
Last year there was not enough snow for dogsledding, but this year, there was plenty of snow and more than enough enthusiasm to make up for it! Everyone who wanted a ride got one, and everyone learned about the art and history of dogsledding and how it dates back 10,000 years. The dogs lapped up the attention and enjoyed pets and cuddles from the dog lovers.
There was an incredible cross-country ski trek to the Boundary Waters in fresh snow. The trip was made possible by James, a dedicated volunteer, and Hannah from Wilderness Inquiry, who worked together to push and pull Angie and make it possible for her and some staff to see the BWCA sign.
There was sledding, snowshoeing, a hike to Caribou Rock, a sauna experience with many dips in the frozen lake following the warm air. Many puzzles were attempted and completed. A fireplace and hot cocoa warmed everyone up after lots of fresh air. There were smores and lots of smiles. And this year we arranged for a couple night hikes for staff to get a break and to enjoy the stars while their folks were partying in the lodge with Wilderness Inquiry and other staff. Oh, and a talent show where the other group at camp, a moms group from Shakopee, stayed to watch the entertainment.
So, what did everyone think about the journey north? AJ, from 3801 said, “It was a LONG drive, but it was worth it! I like the dogs and hanging out with people I haven’t seen in a while, and meeting new people.” Doug added, “I liked helping build a bonfire on the lake and making snow angels.” And Caroline, said, “I can’t wait till next year!”
Caroline has gone on every trip since she joined Living Well and is an ambassador of sorts who talked her crew into coming, including Program Manager, Cindi Sharp, and APM, Heidi Casey. Cindi has been with Living Well over 40 years and Heidi for 27 years—and this was the first time they joined the trip. They all had a great time, and both want to return again next year! Heidi said, “It was enjoyable to see all of us out of our element yet pitching in to ensure everyone was included and supported!”
Tiffany from Lyndale has been going for years and tells everyone it is one of her favorite things every year. This year Stacey joined her and was a total pro, trying every activity offered to her, including two dips in the water!
Cynthia Hinojosa, Program Manager at Thompson, said, “To be honest I was a little hesitant to come to this trip as I’ve been on work trips before with other companies and I come back exhausted. I did it anyways because I thought the person served would benefit from this experience and the person leading it had such joy talking about it that it was contagious. Once there, wow. It deepened my appreciation for my coworkers, the company I work for and love for the people we serve. We don’t only help them live the life they want to live but help their dreams come to life. And tho’ I did come back tired I came back with a full heart knowing my work went to the right place.”
Daniel Dorff, DSP, has gone on over 15 trips, and said, “The larger participation this year made this trip special for me. I loved seeing folks who hadn’t been on the trip in a few years back on it, seeing how much they enjoyed it again was fantastic. Seeing the smiles and joy on people’s faces who hadn’t participated before was great as well (both people served and staff).”
Anh Kinzer, HR Manager came this year and said, “Doing the polar plunge for the first time I couldn’t believe I was in the freezing water for four minutes! The initial shock was intense, but as I focused on my breathing, a strange calm took over. Emerging from the water, I felt alive, energized and unstoppable. It was much more than an icy dip, it was a test of resilience, and I’d do it all over again!”
Heather Heier, Communications and Events Manager, says with a laugh, “I talked more than a couple people into this trip after having so much fun last year. I can happily report they all had a great time and want to go again next year!” She adds, “Watching direct care staff on a 24/7 trip is incredible, and I have so much respect for them and the work they do. It is not easy, and they somehow make it look like fun. I am so proud to work for an organization that supports people with disabilities and their staff.”
No better place to see a starry sky!
As you can imagine, it really was a special trip. Thanks to all who made this possible. The staff at Camp Menogyn, Wilderness Inquiry and Living Well, are incredible. As are the donors, advocates and volunteers who all go the extra mile. Or in this case over 300 miles one way, to make magic happen.
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