Northern lights over a wilderness lake
Chapter 02

The countdown

Northern Tier books 18 months ahead and the deadlines are real. Here's the whole runway, from deposit to paddles in the water.

Oct 1

Third payment due (40% of remaining balance)

Dec 1

Permit information due in Event Management

Jan 31

Campership applications due

Apr 1

Final payment — balance due in full

18 months out (December – March)

18
MO
Lock in the reservation

Book the trip and recruit the crew

  • Registration opens early January for the following summer. A crew going summer 2027 reserves in January 2026.
  • $350 deposit due at reservation, plus another 20% of the remaining balance within 30 days.
  • Recruit more Scouts than you need — people drop out, and you have to keep crews full.
  • Collect a deposit from each participant to hold their spot.
  • Adults: start scheduling required trainings and certifications now.

14 months out (April – August)

14
MO
Start training — seriously

Build the body and the skills

  • Physical activity 30 minutes, 3–5 days a week, and make sure the whole crew is doing it.
  • Basic camping skills: cooking, fire building, pitching a tent, hanging a bear bag.
  • Canoe and pack skills: learn the J-stroke, carry a 50 lb pack, and portage a canoe.
  • Begin booking travel: flights, ground transport to base, and lodging on the way.

Full fitness plan & skills

9 months out (September – December)

9
MO
Money, medicals and permits

The busiest stretch of planning

  • Third payment due October 1. Tell Northern Tier about any change in crew count before October 1.
  • Book doctor appointments for the Annual Health and Medical Record — it must be current within a year of the trip.
  • Confirm everyone meets the height and weight requirements.
  • Northern Tier emails park and route information in late October. Permit information is due December 1.
  • Review the personal gear list with the crew — gear makes excellent Christmas presents.
  • Campership (financial aid) applications open; they're due January 31.

Gear checklist Medical form info

6 months out (January & February)

6
MO
Confirmations and camperships

Locking in the details

  • BWCAW reservation confirmation emails arrive January–March. If nothing by February, call the Registrar.
  • Campership applications due January 31.
  • Start pricing and booking travel to Ely if you haven't already — it's a long way to the end of the road.

3 months out (March – June)

3
MO
Final push

Everything gets buttoned up

  • Watch for the Spring Update email with last-minute planning details and share it with the crew.
  • Final payment due no later than April 1.
  • Crew roster due no later than April 10.
  • Double-check all check-in paperwork is assembled.
  • Verify every certification: Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Scouting e-certifications.
  • Verify every Annual Health and Medical Record is current.
  • Verify a completed Scouting swim test for every participant.
  • Pack a full crew first aid kit.
  • Finalize all transportation plans to and from Ely.
  • Report special diet needs on the roster form. (There's a $75 charge for special diet food, or bring your own shelf-stable, prepackaged food.)

Launch week

⚑
Go time

Travel, check in, get on the water

  • Eat lunch en route — base does not serve lunch on arrival day.
  • Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Late arrivals may not finish check-in.
  • Bring paper copies of every certification — base internet is reserved for operations.
  • Depart day: off base by 9:00 AM after breakfast.

What arrival day looks like

Payment schedule

#What's dueWhen
1$350.00 depositAt registration — secures the adventure
220% of remaining feesWithin 30 days of registration
340% of remaining feesOctober 1 of the year before arrival
4Final balanceApril 1
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of cancellation. Northern Tier commits money to staff, food and supplies based on your reservation. Be conservative — and don't pay for anyone who hasn't made a real financial commitment. Trip insurance is strongly recommended.

How to pay

Credit card, check or E-Check (ACH) by calling 218-365-4811, or online through your registration. Checks go to Northern Tier, Attn: Registrar, 14790 Moose Lake Rd., Ely, MN 55731 with the expedition or reservation number on the memo line.

Camperships (financial aid)

Camperships are available to youth members with special financial needs. Applications live at ntier.org/resources/parentinfo and are due January 31 of the year you attend. They're reviewed in February, with notification to the Crew Advisor before the final payment deadline. If cost is the only thing standing between you and this trip — apply.

Next: get trail ready