Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we invite you to join us for an unforgettable outdoor experience in the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore!

WHEN: September 13-16, 2024

WHERE: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore lies in northwestern Wisconsin on the waters of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The area is an enticing mix of rolling hills, sandstone cliffs, sand beaches, and a 22-island archipelago covered with a beautiful mix of northern hardwood and boreal forest that are laced with streams, waterfalls, and wetlands.  

WHAT: A one-of-a-kind, PLA-curated outdoor experience in collaboration with Wilderness Inquiry outdoor adventure specialists

•  Connect with yourself and your PLA friends while using nature as a mirror and classroom. 

• Be challenged in nature and explore how this relates to your leadership.

•  Get curious about what is moving within and around you at this time in your life.

ABOUT WILDERNESS INQUIRY: Since 1978, Wilderness Inquiry has inspired personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment, and community integration. Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

LODGING: Wilderness Inquiry’s beautiful 40-acre basecamp at Little Sand Bay offers camping at its most comfortable and accessible. The wooded basecamp area is 1,500 feet from the Lake Superior lakeshore. Tents are large enough to stand upright, are set up on comfortable wooden platforms, and host 2-3 campers on cots per tent. Hot showers, private bathrooms with toilets, a roofed pavilion space, campfire ring, and indoor seating area for leisure time are other key features. We’ll enjoy preparing our meals together in the rustic base camp kitchen using fresh, healthy, local (when able) ingredients for delicious and hearty dishes. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. 

ACTIVITIES: Weather in the Lake Superior area will determine what will be possible, but activities could include

•  hiking

•  meditative hikes or sunrises

•  guided journaling to explore what’s happening in you

•  games (cards, Flow Game)

•  evening stories, s’mores, and fellowship around the campfire

•  field trip to a local brewery or winery

•  kayaking (if the lake is not too rough)

•  polar plunge for those wanting to jump on the cold therapy bandwagon :)

•  star gazing - the night sky and Milky Way in this remote area is breathtaking!

COST & TRAVEL: $820 includes van transportation from Minneapolis airport to Basecamp on 9/13 and from Basecamp to the airport on 9/16, food and lodging at Basecamp, and guides. Flights to/from Minneapolis, food/beverage outside of Basecamp, and any hotel lodging before or after Basecamp are not included in pricing.

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS: Trip registration will be completed by each participant on the Wilderness Inquiry Website. Flight reservations to and from Minneapolis will be booked by participants. Delta has direct flights between Columbus and Minneapolis, with options as follows:

•  9/12 - Depart CMH at 1:40 pm, arrive at MSP at 2:44 pm OR Depart CMH at 7:05 pm, arrive at MSP at 8:13 pm

•  9/13 - Depart CMH 7:00 am, arrive MSP 8:03 am

•  9/16 - Depart MSP 8:05 pm, arrive CMH 10:53 pm

Wilderness Inquiry will provide two vans for transportation between MSP and Basecamp. One will depart MSP around 8 am on 9/13. The second will depart MSP around 9 am to accommodate those needing to fly in early morning on 9/13. On 9/16, the two vans will be available to transport us collectively from Basecamp to MSP, with both vans departing Basecamp at noon. Basecamp is approximately 4.5 hours from MSP.

There is a Hotel Intercontinental at the MSP across from the MSP airport terminal for participants flying in on 9/12 or staying overnight on 9/16. Rates are $257 for a King or 2 Queens.

READY TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?

Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your place in this epic PLA Alumni Adventure!

Let's reconnect, rejuvenate, and rediscover our leadership potential in the heart of nature!

LET'S MAKE MEMORIES, DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS, AND CELEBRATE OUR PLA SPIRIT IN STYLE!