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The Chisago Lakes Middle School annually allows sixth graders to leave the building for a couple of days, to travel to an environmental learning center near the Lake Superior Shore, called Wolf Ridge.

The experience includes riding a coach bus to Finland, MN where Wolf Ridge has been located since 1988. The program was founded in another location, at Isabella, in 1971 and for one year was run as part of the Grand Marais, MN School District.

It is now a private, non-profit site that's open 48 weeks a year. Summer camp, teacher workshops, conferences and many other gatherings happen at Wolf Ridge. It covers 2,000 acres, according to website information.

Middle school students and chaperones stay overnight in dorms and do structured activities and participate in educational sessions outdoors that develop an appreciation for Minnesota in winter. Kids can build snow caves and ski, fun times that foster teamwork and group reliance skills.

The cost of the trip is paid for by the families, although there are scholarships available, funded through community donations.

Adult companions/parents volunteer as chaperones and they too enjoy the north country with the kids.

Pictures are at the indoor "rock" climbing course and along the extensive ropes and obstacle courses.

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