History of Northwaters and Langskib Wilderness Programs
Our summer canoe camp program was founded in 1971 not only to provide young men with a set of tools that would help them on their life's journey, but also to create a mythological experience in a magical wilderness setting. Langskib island base camp was purchased by Dave 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 first five years were full of excitement, hard work and the realization that there was much to learn. The canoe 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 Native philosophy of canoe tripping was incorporated into our camp 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 enrollment increased significantly and in 1985 Northwaters girls and coed camp was founded on a separate island about 15 miles south of Langskib. As our reputation grew, adult programming and work with privates schools and universities became available. Today Northwaters/Langskib represents the highest of standards in canoe camps, wilderness tripping and Outdoor Adventure Based Education. Each summer three or four of our most experienced sections make the long and difficult journey to the Hudson Bay. 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 canoe tripping at its absolute finest.
