Hiking, canoeing and backpacking trips are part of a new Fort Wilderness program called Journey Beyond. Submitted photo.

For the Star Journal

MCNAUGHTON – Fort Wilderness Christian camping ministry is now offering adventure trips through its new Journey Beyond program. The program will host six adventure trips this year, including backpacking in Tennessee, canoeing the Namekagon River, fishing in Lake of the Woods Canada and hiking the trails of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

“Twenty-five years ago, my late son Payton and I hiked Grand Canyon on a Fort-led trip — it was a memory of a lifetime,” said Todd Leyden, executive director.

Fort Wilderness welcomes campers from near and far for year-round camps. These new adventure programs are notable for local residents as they take adventurers out of the Northwoods to new sights and new experiences.

The trips are offered for different ages – some specific to high-school and college-aged students while others are parent-child trips.

“Spending time outdoors, specifically in nature, along with time in community is a growing desire of many,” said Adventure Program manager Gunnar Koehn. “These Journey Beyond trips provide both the time in nature and a community of about 12 campers and three staff. It will surely be an unforgettable and impactful experience.”

Visit the Fort Wilderness website for more information.