Last weekend from Friday, February 20, through Sunday the 22nd, another group of adventurers headed north for the 19th Annual Camp Menogyn dogsledding trip. With Minnesota weather being what it is, AKA wildly unpredictable, the trip was delayed by a day to make for safe travels. With 24” of fresh powder and strong winds hitting the Arrowhead region last Wednesday, the decision was made to hold off and leave on Friday instead. Then to top it off, Grand Marais has another 5-9” on Monday, just a day after everyone made it home! Thankfully we were able to thread the eye of the storms and make the much loved trip happen!
With so much snow, we can officially say this trip was one for books! While we missed one day, we did not miss out on one single adventure.
This year we had 20 participants, including 12 people served, seven staff and one volunteer; drove four vans and one big all-wheel drive truck; and transported two wheelchairs and more gear than we can easily count. To make it even more fun we had a film crew join us to capture the magic that is Menogyn! Located up off the famed Gunflint Trail, this trip generally takes close to five hours to make the drive, but with special needs and many stops, it usually takes us a couple hours longer. Months of planning and dedicated staff are required to make everyone comfortable and to ensure the trip is both accessible and possible.
This year we had a few first timers, with three staff taking the trip for the first time, and five people supported making their inaugural trip. All three staff tried the epic polar plunge and one of the newbies from our Carmen house dipped his toe in cold water after a visit to the sauna. Others who have been on the trip many times also suited up for a dip and thoroughly enjoyed the sauna with the group! Everyone went on a dog sled ride, and three people took an epic hike to Caribou Rock to see an incredible vista. There were smores, and dancing, a talent show and many meals shared as a group.
This trip is offered at no cost thanks to generous donations, allowing everyone we support the opportunity to take part. For nearly two decades, our collaboration with Wilderness Inquiry and the YMCA has helped make this experience welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. Because of the unique accessibility needs of our group, the combined dedication and teamwork of all three organizations are essential to making each trip possible. The dedication and care shown by staff ensures that participants can fully enjoy the experience, and the commitment to accessibility from Wilderness Inquiry and Camp Menogyn make the trip both possible and a highlight of the year for many.
Since the very first trip, 270 people have traveled north to share in this adventure, and we remain committed to continuing this meaningful tradition.
A winter adventure like this takes excessive planning as well as staff and volunteers who are willing to go the extra mile 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. With a great team mixed with outdoor enthusiasts and people who just want to make dreams happen, this year people from nine of our homes were afforded the opportunity to have a trip customized to their needs.
Over the course of two nights and three days, AJ, Patsy, Mike and Cindi from 3801; Mike, Marsha and Brace from Star Lane; Gene, Sarah, Kim and April from Orono Woodlands; Nate and Mike from France; Will and Daniel from 3807; Tifany and Stacy from Lyndale; Noah from Carmen with help from Heather at Northland and volunteer, James—were able to experience a snowy winter adventure. Another fun part of the trip is that people from different houses get to spend quality time getting to know each other. Patsy bonded with Noah and wants to go visit him at his house. Brace was a great support to April’s crew. And Brace found new friends with staff from all organizations.
April Stevens, Program Manager at Orono Woodlands, has been Gene’s primary caregiver for over two decades. It was her first time on the Menoyn trip, but in her personal life she is an avid outdoorswoman. She loves to fish in all seasons, hike, kayak and be in nature, so it was the perfect trip for her. She was so happy she went and wants to go again next year. When asked what she liked most about the trip, she said, “There is not one standout part about the adventure, the whole thing was pure magic!” She also noticed that Gene was happy and content and that he was all smiles, all day every day, which warmed her heart and brought tears to her eyes.
It is an epic way to spend a few days surrounded by friends and fresh air. From everyone at Living Well, huge thank yous to our donors, Wilderness Inquiry, YMCA Camp Menogyn, and our staff who made this trip a reality for nearly two decades.
To see more, you can watch a clip from WTIP Radio who joined us last year, here.
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