About Us
Building faith, leadership, and resilience through structured wilderness experiences since 2009
Who We Are
Coldwater Foundation is an outdoor ministry in the rugged and beautiful wilderness of Northern Minnesota, a prime classroom for gaining new insight and connection with God.
Whether backpacking in Superior National Forest, canoeing in the Boundary Waters or training at our Mink Lake base camp, Coldwater students encounter Christ through scripture, community and the wonder of creation.
Life change happens when we go through a challenging experience and reflect on it. In challenge, we’re compelled to take action and try new things. In reflection, we gain new understanding. When practiced with others, challenge and reflection are a powerful combination for personal growth.
Coldwater guides people to live as confident Christ followers, mature and ready to face whatever comes next.
A small ministry on the edge
of a big wilderness
- 3.9 million acres of Minnesota wilderness
- 2000+ lakes
- Countless streams and rivers
Coldwater courses are small, on purpose. Courses are limited to 5 to 7 students accompanied by 2 instructors. Each student is known, each story celebrated, and each conversation given full attention. Bigger is not always better. In contrast, this small ministry is perched on the edge of an enormous wilderness, Superior National Forest, and based only 15 miles from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Educational Values
God
What we believe about God changes how we see the world around us. Coldwater believes that God saves us; we cannot save ourselves. He is alive, good, dependable and interested in us. He is the source of all that is beautiful and our truest identity is found in Him.
Discovery
Rather than telling our students what to think, we encourage them to ask questions and participate in the search for answers. Learning lasts when a student is closely involved in finding a solution to a problem they care about.
Reflection
If we live life from experience to experience, without stopping to think, we are likely to miss the learning along the way. Intentional examination of our choices in reference to God’s truth is an important life habit that leads to maturity.
Challenge
Facing challenge is the means by which we become stronger, more aware, and more ready for whatever comes next. We believe that within struggle is a great opportunity for growth. Embracing challenge is a valuable mindset for when life gets difficult.
Community
At Coldwater, we pursue learning and faithfulness together. We need one another, and are designed for relationship. Each person has a vital role to play in the lives of the people around them, and must know that they belong.
Service to Others
We are designed to help others, and our deepest reservoir for giving is found in the life of Jesus Christ within us. We believe that a whole and healthy life includes both sensible self-denial and personal restoration.
Our Home Base
Mink Lake Wilderness Camp is Coldwater’s home base, surrounded by the wilderness of Superior National Forest. This special place has promoted life changing experiences in the wilderness since it’s beginning. Coldwater celebrates its rich history of hospitality and wilderness outreach, and is privileged to continue this tradition.
Our Instructors
Over and over we hear stories of how our leaders have left a positive impact on someone’s life by showing genuine care, actively listening, challenging, or encouraging them to take initiative. This kind of leadership makes a difference.
All instructors undergo a 7-week training block before they head out into the field. This includes a 21-day wilderness expedition, an 8-day Wilderness First Responder Medical Certification, a 14-day Wilderness Instructor Training Course, among other training.
At Coldwater, the young men and women we train to be leaders are the most valuable part of the experience we offer. They are eager to make a positive impact in the world and to help you along in your faith, character, and life.
Our Team & Board
Full-Time Staff
Kevin Sutton
Executive Director
Jen Sutton
Administrative Director
Eliza Kelly
Program Manager
John Farrell
Kitchen Manager
Board of Directors
Kim Shepson
Board
Travis Shelton
Board
Paul Christiensen
Board
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