Camp Menogyn Program Director Opportunity

Menogyn’s location ensures that immersion in a wilderness experience begins as soon as a person takes their first steps across the lake to camp. There are no roads to Menogyn. Menogyn is six hours north of the Twin Cities and 30 miles from Grand Marais, the nearest town. Located on the north shore of Bearskin Lake the camp is accessible only by boat in the summer, or across the ice in the winter. The camp occupies 80 acres entirely within the boundary of the Superior National Forest and the property is directly adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is within the largest dark sky sanctuary in the US. The Canadian border is just several miles north. 

Crossing the lake to Menogyn, the first glimpses are of the beloved Sauna, the point where the entire camp gathers daily for First Word and where campfires are held at the start and end of each session. Rounding the point, the Menogyn Bay opens and the Boathouse and canoe rack with over 100 canoes welcomes visitors. Founded in 1922, Menogyn has been in its current location since 1948 when the camp was relocated to a more remote part of Bearskin Lake. The Camp’s original historic log buildings have been maintained and restored, and more modern buildings and facilities added. The camp retains its rustic roots, with connecting paths and boardwalks winding through the old growth forest. Until the 1980s there was no electricity at camp, and while that has changed and high speed Internet guarantees a safe connection to outside resources, there are still limited utilities throughout camp. In the summer, the boathouse is the hub of activity and it is possible from its spacious deck to watch all the groups leave and return from their wilderness adventures. In the winter the Dining Hall serves as the warm center of activities. While at Menogyn, it is possible to feel completely a part of the natural world.

The goal of Menogyn’s program is to provide transformational wilderness experiences for all. While rooted in tradition, the program continues to evolve to meet the unique needs of current participants. In the summer the program is tripping based with groups canoeing and backpacking throughout North America. Risk management and safety focus guide preparation and training. Progressive, the trips range from 5 to 50 days, and many campers return for multiple years. Menogyn aspires to serve and meet the needs of “any kid from any background” and emphasizes multicultural and inclusive practices. In the fall-winter-spring the program transitions to a lodge-based model for families and groups. Dogsledding is a winter program highlight.

But much more than a unique location and camp facility, it is Menogyn’s multi-generational community that leaves its mark. The Menogyn community grows an ever-renewing group of leaders, who draw on their experiences to contribute to their own growth, to their families, and to their communities. Welcoming, it aspires to radical acceptance and a building culture of belonging. At the core are the amazing youth and families participating in wilderness programming. They interact with a highly skilled and motivated staff committed to both physical and emotional well-being. They are supported by a passionate alumni base and an active community board. These are wheels of engagement that extend from campers to volunteers and create long-lasting and far-reaching connections.