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AFFINITY GROUP TRAVEL

Affinity Travel Opportunities with Wilderness Inquiry

At Wilderness Inquiry, we’re passionate about creating inclusive spaces no matter a person’s race, gender, or ability. We recognize that participation in outdoor recreation often feels unwelcome towards specific populations due to the discriminatory nature of societal institutions and systems, as well as financial, social, and personal barriers to access. These barriers particularly impact individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC)*, folks who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and women. We believe that the power of community and shared experiences can bring about transformation and help dismantle inequitable systems. By expanding our collective sense of belonging in the outdoors, we seek to create opportunities and experiences where everyone can enjoy the holistic benefits of the outdoors safely, together. 

*BIPOC: This term is used as an umbrella to describe folks who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. We acknowledge that race and ethnicity are nuanced and recognize that racial identities are not limited to this term.

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BIPOC Trips

This program is deeply intentional about bringing together members of BIPOC communities across multicultural backgrounds to share in collective experiences in the outdoors. On these trips, you can confidently immerse yourself in the wonders of nature with fellow participants and passionate trip leaders who all identify as BIPOC. This program is designed to provide wilderness travel opportunities for folks with all levels of individual experience and ability.

Special Notes 

  • To protect the affinity space, all participants attending a family program must identify as BIPOC
  • If you're interested in supporting getting BIPOC outdoors, you can donate to the Support BIPOC Outdoors! champion fund

See BIPOC trip destinations below:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 9/6/23-9/10/23: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure – BIPOC Adult Basecamp Affinity Trip
St. Croix River Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • St. Croix River Paddle Family Adventure 
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/28/23-7/30/23: St. Croix River Paddle Family Adventure – BIPOC Family Affinity Trip
Superior Hiking Trail Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Superior Hiking Trail Lodge-Based Hike and Explore
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/14/23-7/16/23: Superior Hiking Trail Lodge-Based Hike and Explore – BIPOC Adult Affinity Trip
A group of paddlers learning rainbow flags, headscarfs, and facepaint in a wooden canoe at Twin Cities Pride festival

LGBTQ+ Trips

LGBTQ+ affinity trips have been designed by and for LGBTQ+ individuals, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. On these trips you'll experience the freedom to engage with nature on a deeper level among the safety and openness of the affinity space. Whether you're new to outdoor recreation or a seasoned adventurer, you'll feel welcome on this Wilderness Inquiry program.

Special Notes 

  • Family trips are open to all family members whether or not every family member identifies as LGBTQ+ 
  • Adult trips are for LGBTQ+ identifying adults only

See LGBTQ+ trip destinations below:

Apostle Islands Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 8/17/22-8/20/22: Apostle Islands Basecamp and Kayak Tour – LGBTQ+ Adult Affinity Trip
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Boundary Waters Family Canoe and Hike
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/26/23-7/30/23: Boundary Waters Family Canoe and Hike – LGBTQ+ Affinity Trip
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure 
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 8/23/23-8/27/23: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure – LGBTQ+ Adult Affinity Basecamp Trip
2019 Annual Report option - Gateway to Adventure (can edit out year decal)

Neurodiverse Trips

Neurodiverse affinity trips are designed for people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities or otherwise identify as neurodiverse. These trips connect participants to nature, strengthen social inclusion, and support access to the health and wellness benefits of the outdoors. Participants are safely and respectfully supported by a team of staff and volunteers to facilitate a successful, immersive outdoor experience. Wilderness Inquiry is dedicated to supporting this program with co-leaders who identify as part of the neurodiverse community and are eager to share their passion and love for the outdoors.

See Neurodiverse trip destinations below:

Afton State Park Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Afton State Park Camp and Explore
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 6/9/22-6/11/22: Afton State Park Camp and Explore – Neurodiverse Affinity Trip
Apostle Islands Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 8/17/22-8/20/22: Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour – Neurodiverse Affinity Trip
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Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Trips

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) trips are for DDBHH people who want to connect with the community and meet other DDBHH people! These affinity trips provide full access to American Sign Language (ASL) and a safe space for DDBHH people to express themselves. Trips are led by individuals who identify as DDBHH and/or communicate in ASL. Traveling with Wilderness Inquiry is an excellent opportunity to share your experiences and learn outdoor skills in an inclusive affinity space.

Special Notes 

  • Families may register for the DDBHH family trips if: 
    • There is at least one DDBHH family member
    • All family members know ASL
  • The DDBHH adult trips are for DDBHH participants only

See DDBHH trip destinations below:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Boundary Waters Canoe and Hike
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/5/23-7/9/23: Boundary Waters Canoe & Hike - Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing Adult Affinity Trip
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 8/16/23-8/20/23: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure - Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing Adult Trip
St. Croix River Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • St. Croix River Paddle Family Adventure 
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 6/9/23-6/11/23: St. Croix River Paddle Adventure - Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing Family Affinity Trip
IMG_8519

Women's Trips

Women's trips are designed to introduce and deepen the unique and meaningful benefits of time spent in nature within a safe space inclusive of all women. Whether you are looking for a camping trip or a lodge-based retreat, refresh your perspective, learn new skills, and create new bonds in a shared outdoor experience. These trips are available to all adults who identify as women of all backgrounds and abilities.

See Women's trips destinations below:

Apostle Islands Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/6/22-7/9/22: Apostle Islands Basecamp and Kayak Tour – Women's Trip
  • Apostle Islands Base Camp, Kayak, and Yoga
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 7/13/22-7/16/22: Apostle Islands Base Camp, Kayak, and Yoga – Women's Trip
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure 
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 8/16/23-8/20/23: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure – Women's Trip
Superior Hiking Trail Expand

Available Itineraries:

  • Superior Hiking Trail Lodge-Based Hike and Explore
    • Upcoming Trips:
      • 9/22/22-9/24/22: Superior Hiking Trail Lodge-Based Hike and Explore – Women's Trip

Special Events

2023 ASL Day on the River

August 5, 2023 - 11:30 am - 5:00 pm - Hidden Falls Regional Park (North Gate)
Register!

Join Wilderness Inquiry for our 3rd Annual ASL Day on the River! Members and families of the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and ASL users are invited to adventure in the heart of the Twin Cities. Explore the mighty Mississippi River up close and personal on a half-day guided canoe trip.

 New to outdoor recreation?

You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” or a camping expert to travel with Wilderness Inquiry!

A deep knowledge of or experience in the outdoors is not necessary for any of our trips - we provide all the planning, gear, and food and pair you with an experienced guide who can help you learn the basics in a supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can register for a BIPOC group trip? Expand

BIPOC affinity trips have been designed by and for BIPOC folks, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. We recognize families are often diverse where family members may not all share the same racial identities, however to protect the intention of the affinity group space, we are only allowing BIPOC individuals on our BIPOC affinity group trips, including family trips. If your family or family group has non-BIPOC family members, please visit our Families Together family trip offerings. 

***We recognize the term “family” means different things to different people. Whomever you consider to be a member of your BIPOC family is welcome to join you on this family program as long as they share a BIPOC identity.

Who can register for a LGBTQ+ trip? Expand

LGTBQ+ affinity trips have been designed by and for LGBTQ+ folks, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. Our LGBTQ+ family trips are open to all family members, whether or not every family member identifies as LGBTQ+. However, to protect the intention of the affinity group space, we are only allowing folks who identify as LGTBQ+ on our adult affinity group trips.

***We recognize the term “family” means different things to different people. Whomever you consider to be a member of your family is welcome to join you on this LGBTQ+ family program.

Is financial support available? Expand

Financial circumstances should not be a barrier for you to experience these trips. Funding is available in the form of financial assistance for eligible individuals and families. Please fill out this form and we’ll follow up with more information and next steps: Financial Assistance For Individuals and Families

If you’re interested in helping support individuals or families who are experiencing financial barriers to participating in this program, you can make a donation to Wilderness Inquiry and 100% of your donation will go towards offsetting trip fees for affinity group participants.

 

What if I don’t have experience camping or canoeing? Expand

Regardless of your individual skills or outdoor background, we believe everyone has gifts to contribute to group experiences. Your trip leaders will spend time helping you learn and practice camping and canoeing skills and help foster strength and kinship as a community in a way that feels supportive and welcoming of unique experiences.

What if I don’t have any camping gear? Expand

All group gear will be provided by Wilderness Inquiry which includes tents, canoes, paddles, life jackets, cooking equipment, first aid kit, etc. You will receive a packing list upon confirmation of your registration. 

If you need personal gear items (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, rain jackets, etc) you can borrow them from Wilderness Inquiry. We are committed to removing barriers so that you are able to have a transformative experience in the outdoors. 

 

What will we eat? Expand

Food is crucial to community, culture, identity, health and wellbeing and sense of comfort. Having delicious, appropriate meals while camping can make a big difference in the overall enjoyment of an experience. We’ll work with you to ensure that the meals reflect our community's vibrant flavors. 

We take dietary needs, restrictions, and allergies very seriously to ensure food is safely prepared so there isn’t cross contamination. You will have an opportunity when registering for your trip to tell us any information you feel is important to know about your diet/food preference and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

 

I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate? Expand

Wilderness Inquiry strives to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, are able to participate in programs. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.

 

I or a member of my family can’t swim. Can I/they still participate? Expand

The ability to swim is not required to participate in Wilderness Inquiry programs. All participants regardless of their swimming ability will be required to wear an appropriately fitted PFD (personal flotation device also called a "life jacket") provided by Wilderness Inquiry at all times while on the water. Participants who choose to swim while on a wilderness trip will be required to wear their PFD while swimming and a lifeguard trained Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader will supervise.

What does safety look like? Expand

Wilderness Inquiry staff are trained in well-proven and comprehensive safety policies, procedures, and risk management protocols. Staff are trained or certified in first aid, lifeguarding, vehicle driving safety, and canoeing and backcountry travel skills, as well as a repertoire of interpersonal, adaptive, group leadership, and social and emotional learning skills to provide support for a variety of different participants on programs. All this to say, the concept of “safety” or “feeling safe” is a relative term that means different things to different people in different situations. We recognize that new experiences in new places can stretch comfort zones which is why our programs are designed to be as inclusive and supportive as possible. You will be traveling with a group of people who have all agreed to join this adventure as a community unit, therefore you will work together with support from Wilderness Inquiry staff to make sure everyone feels as safe as possible on your adventure together.

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Mailing Address: 1611 County Rd B West Suite 315 - St. Paul, MN 55113 - Office Location: 325 Randolph Ave, Suite 300 - St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone: (612) 676-9400 Fax: (612) 676-9401 Email: [email protected]

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