High Adventure Canoe Camp
After Action Report

On Friday, July 11, 2025, seven fathers and seven sons including two guides, one bringing his son, arrived at Whetstone Ministries near Ely, Minnesota to spend the next seven days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).  Because of federal wilderness area rules, the maximum size allowed for a group is limited to nine people; therefore, the Company of 14 strong was split into two platoons.  The North Platoon consisted of Captains Dan Otis and Glen Larson with Warrant Officer Nick Oelke and his two sons, Micah and Isaac, plus Thomas Fuhrman as the guide, all from Minnesota.  The South Platoon consisted of Maj. Michael Smith with grandson Declan Kelley from Texas, 2^nd Lt. Erick Marshall with three sons, Brian, Collin, and James from Oklahoma, plus John Townsend with son Walter from Ely.

That evening the ALERT Cadet Company assembled in our first formation to promote CFC Brian Marshall to the rank of Cadet Specialist and Declan Kelley to the rank of Cadet.  Immediately afterwards, Ron and Joyce Fuhrman and their family served a warm dinner to the Company followed by worship, prayer, and instructions for the high adventure that was to unfold early the next morning.

Early on Saturday, July 12, the North Platoon was transported to their put in point on Fall Lake and paddled north to Newton Falls, where they portaged to Newton Lake.  Continuing north, to Pipestone Falls, they portaged again to Pipestone Bay and then onto Basswood Lake and international waters.  They set up camp on Basswood Falls after traveling 13 miles that first day. 

The North platoon, in addition to fishing, got the chance to explore the ruins of some of the century old remains of the logging industry in the area, such as a submerged train engine, lookout tower foundations, and pilings left from the old docks and railroad.  Thursday morning devotional consisted of bushwhacking their way up the side of a hill to get to an exposed rock that provided an overlook of a large area while they studied the word.  Over the next 7 days, the North Platoon traveled 55 miles, completing a loop to return to their put in point early on Friday, July 18.

Every morning started with breakfast and devotions, and at camp they always finished the day with dinner and time in God’s word around a campfire, completing the evening with hymns and songs or praise accompanied by guitar and harmonica.  They travelled through smokey air quality, threatening weather and wind but always in God’s beautiful creation with amazing views, sunsets and camaraderie.

The South Platoon put in further east at Moose Lake and paddled northeast to Newfound Lake.  From there they continued northeast to Sucker Lake and into international waters at Birch Lake.  After portaging to Carp Lake, they paddled east to Melon Lake, portaged to Seed Lake, continued east and portaged again to Knife Lake where they set up their first camp.

Just before reaching camp, lightning flashed and thunder roared in the eastern skies highly motivating aggressive rowing despite the long first day.  Immediately after unloading the equipment from the canoes, heavy rain and hail descended upon the platoon.  Worshipping together by singing hymns encouraged all as they huddled under makeshift shelter.  Though wet and cold, they managed to light a fire; however shortly after dinner most retreated into their tents for dry clothing, a warm sleeping bag and a good night’s sleep.

Sunday dawned with invigorating sunlight.  The day began with worship and bible study and the afternoon was given to fishing. In addition to a northern pike, many crawfish were caught, and all were cooked and consumed with joy.

Portaging consisted of carrying a Duluth pack weighing up to 80 lb of gear, one on the back and another on the front.  Portaging the canoe was done by one individual carrying the 20-ft long canoe inverted on their shoulders.  Sometimes the trails were steep and rugged, increasing the challenge.  Once back at a lake, the canoes were reloaded and off again.

On Monday the South Platoon paddled against a head wind to a difficult portage (rated 9 out of 10) to Vera Lake.  Paddling to the west end of Vera Lake they encountered another rugged portage to Ensign Lake where they finished the day at a beautiful campsite.  Tuesday was a day of exploring around the area and of course more fishing.  Wednesday the platoon paddled west to a short portage into Splash Lake then another portage back to Newfound Lake where they found the numerous campsites already occupied.  So, with one more portage, they settled into an isolated lovely solo campsite at Found Lake.  Thursday was spent exploring around Found Lake while fishing.  Then Friday, July 18, the platoon rose early to portage back to Newfound Lake and paddle southwest into Moose Lake to the put in point from which they began the adventure.

Each day began and ended with devotions.  The theme for the camp focused on the doctrine of suffering centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 2:14-15 profoundly reveals that Jesus defeated death through His suffering death.  The highest, clearest surest display of God’s glory is in the suffering of Jesus.  The ultimate reason that suffering exists is that Christ might display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God by suffering in Himself to overcome our suffering and bring about the praise of the glory of the grace of God (Eph 1:6,12,14).

Respectfully submitted by the leadership of each Platoon.

Capt. Dan Otis
North Platoon Leader

Maj. Michael Smith
South Platoon Leader