History of Northwaters and Langskib Wilderness Programs
Langskib wilderness canoe camp for boys was founded in 1971 not only to provide young men with a set of tools that would help them on life's journey, but also to create a mythological experience in a magical wilderness setting. The island base camp was purchased by David Knudsen from Oliver Quickmire on a handshake as they sat on the cliff at Langskib overlooking Sharp Rock Inlet. Business in the North country was a lot simpler back then.
The canoe camp's first five years were full of excitement, hard work and the realization that there was much to learn. The canoeing trips that left the dock generally traveled only in the Temagami area, but there was always the dream of one day sending an expedition to the Hudson Bay. About five years into the program David had the privilege to meet with a number of Native elders, including Black Elk and thus began the slow process of understanding the importance of our relationship with the land.
This philosophy was incorporated into our curriculum, along with the teachings of group process, personal growth, and community building. The primary goal of these teachings was to provide a significant contemporary rite of passage experience enabling young men to cross the bridge into adulthood.
Each year canoe camp enrollment increased significantly and in 1985 Northwaters was founded on a separate island about 15 miles south of Langskib. This was to be the beginning of our coed summer and all-girls canoe canoe trips. As our reputation grew, adult programming, Waldorf school camps and work with private schools and universities blossomed. Today Northwaters and Langskib represent the highest of standards in Outdoor Adventure Based Education.
What started out with just eight young men and a dream has expanded into a vision which includes young men and women who come from all over the world to experience wilderness programming at its absolute finest.
