For Bemidji State University students, the classroom looked a little different this fall. Instead of desks and textbooks, students navigated winding waterways, carried canoes across rugged portages and spent their evenings gathered around campfires beneath the stars.

Two trips to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) wilderness enabled students in BSU’s Outdoor Field Skills course to put their knowledge to the test while building confidence, friendships and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Led by Jerry Smith, assistant professor of geography, the excursions served as the course’s final exam.

Lengthy portages, choppy waters and cold fall temperatures provided challenges, but Smith said watching students overcome those obstacles was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

“My favorite part of teaching is when students surprise themselves and have those ‘aha!’ moments,” Smith said. “I want students to know that they are strong, resilient and capable. If they think through their actions, use their best judgment and lean on each other, they can accomplish big things.”

Learning in the wilderness

Students arrived at the Boundary Waters with varying levels of outdoor experience. Some were seasoned campers, while others were experiencing wilderness travel for the first time. Ava Dorr, a sophomore pursuing an associate degree, grew up camping with her family but had never visited the Boundary Waters. The trip allowed her to reconnect with the outdoors while gaining practical skills and confidence in the wilderness.

“I learned a lot about different social aspects on this trip,” Dorr said. “Teamwork, clear communication, equal distribution of tasks, looking out for each other and keeping a positive and motivated attitude during challenging moments were skills that were consistently practiced and improved — by necessity.”

Dorr said experiencing those lessons firsthand made them more meaningful than learning about them in a textbook.

For Breanna Gertken, a criminal justice student whose previous camping experience was limited to her backyard, the trip was a step outside her comfort zone.

The physical demands of hiking through the wilderness challenged her, but the experience also helped her discover a new sense of confidence.

“This trip showed me how much I needed to be separated from the modern world and to learn to not block out my thoughts but to listen to them,” Gertken said. “It showed me that even though something is hard and uncomfortable, there is something good on the other side.”

Working together

Beyond the physical challenges, students found that some of the most meaningful moments came from the connections they made along the way.

Isaiah Fish, a senior majoring in wildlife biology, recalled evenings spent around campfires, sharing conversations and looking up at the stars.

“Because of the nature of the trip, it demanded connection with others who you are isolated with,” Fish said. “I find that it’s easier for me to connect with my peers while the distractions of fast-paced modern life are out of sight.”

Smith saw that camaraderie develop throughout the trips. During the second excursion, he recalled students working together to prepare what they called “the best soup ever” after arriving at their campsite.

“I heard infectious laughter amongst people who were strangers just days before,” Smith said. “All walls were dropped. Everyone was appreciative of each other and their contributions toward a common goal. It was such a positive, joyous atmosphere.”

For Smith, those moments reflect the value of learning in non-traditional spaces.

“The most impressive thing about the trips was the groups’ ability to work together, all coming from different majors, backgrounds and ability levels,” he said. “It is quite rewarding to see everyone come together.”

The Boundary Waters excursions are part of Bemidji State’s growing commitment to hands-on outdoor education through its Outdoor Leadership Center and outdoor leadership certificate program.

Located on BSU’s campus in the Lower Union, the center offers outdoor trips, clinics and free equipment rentals, helping students explore northern Minnesota regardless of their previous experience or access to gear.

For Dorr, who hopes to pursue a career in forestry, the trip strengthened her confidence and gave her greater appreciation for the opportunities available at BSU.

“I feel more connected to BSU as a whole because my interest and love for the outdoors is celebrated and encouraged here at BSU,” Dorr said.

Smith hopes students leave these experiences with more than new outdoor skills. He wants them to recognize their capabilities, build lasting friendships and develop an appreciation for protecting wilderness areas for future generations.

“The BWCA is a unique experience full of beauty and adversity,” Smith said. “As uncomfortable as the experience can be at times, it is equally as healing and transformative. Now is the time for these experiences. If you are interested, do not wait.”

Students curious about upcoming trips, clinics and outdoor equipment rentals can visit the Outdoor Leadership Center in the Lower Union, follow @BSU_OLC on Instagram or explore opportunities on BeaverLink.