“WLE was honestly the hardest thing I have ever done….it was also one of the most rewarding and refreshing experiences I have ever had.”

–Hannah Lindsey 2018

Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE) //
Our Cornerstone Wilderness Course

$2100 | Ages 19-26

WLE is designed for people who want to explore leadership, community, spiritual formation and service to others through the challenges and risks of the wilderness classroom. During WLE you will travel through rugged and beautiful course areas. Spiritual formation, backcountry skill development and daily opportunities to lead are core to this program. Within a community of peers, you will spend time thinking about God’s restorative mission in the world, your personal direction, and incarnational community living. WLE will let you explore using your gifts, education, passions, and career choices to make a Kingdom impact. Come join us on this wilderness adventure!

Registration closed for 2025

JOURNEY

$645 | Co-ed | Ages 18-21

Women’s Trip

$485 | Ages 21+

Come. Take a break from it all. Be refreshed. In a small group of no more than nine women, we will spend time together, eat great food and travel through stunning creation. For five precious days, we’ll be untouched by schedules, careers and responsibilities. We’ll move and be still, listen and be heard. Together we will get away from the pressures of our culture and embrace the seemingly upside-down value system of Christ. 

 This is a multigenerational trip for normal women of all physical fitness levels. On this trip, we will embrace a slow pace and celebrate personal strengths of all kinds. No fancy gear or previous experience needed.

5-day | August 24-29

Men’s Trip

$485 | Ages 21+

For men who feel stuck, need a jumpstart or just feel they need a good adventure, this is an invitation to come into the wilderness and gain perspective on where your life is heading. 

This trip will make a difference. Spend time off grid, reflecting on your life and traveling together with other men into a rugged wilderness. You’ll see your core values in a fresh way, remember your dreams, and discover again what you were built for. Together we’ll look at the economy of Christ and who He says we can be. We have something great planned for you this summer!

5-day | August 25-30

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA)

Ages 18+

The Wilderness First Responder course provides comprehensive instruction in backcountry medicine. This course is the industry standard for professional outdoor guides, ski patrol, and trip leaders, or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions. Offered on-site at Mink Lake Wilderness Camp, our WFR course is taught by a visiting instructor from Ozark Safety and Rescue Educators.

Students will gain extensive, hands-on instruction from certified educators on topics such as Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Course includes both a comprehensive written exam and comprehensive practical skill assessment. WFR certifications are valid for three years.

Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) is an entry-level first aid course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants basic training for wilderness trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. AWFA certification is valid for 2 years.

For more information, please contact us at info@coldwaterfoundation.org.

WFR | Dates: June 7-14| $TBD

AWFA | Dates: June 7-10 | $TBD

All meals and housing included at our beautiful off-grid basecamp. Housing includes a bunk in a Men’s or Women’s cabin, outhouses and hand-washing facility. Discount available if you plan to commute from Grand Marais.