Teens can win free Boundary Waters trip, no parents allowed

Jan. 17—Ely Outfitting Company is again offering an essay competition giving teenagers the chance to win a free, all-expenses-paid outfitted trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and parents aren't allowed to come along.

The essay contest is open to all high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. They must write 1,000-1,500 words on "Why do you want to go on a parent-free, BWCAW canoe-camping adventure with your friends?"

The deadline to enter is Feb. 13.

The winner receives a fully outfitted, self-guided, five-day, canoe-camping adventure in the BWCAW with up to three of their friends. The winning outfitting package includes high-end gear like ultralight Kevlar canoes, backcountry tents, specialized trail meals, maps and an emergency communication device.

In addition to one grand prize winner, Ely Outfitting Co. is randomly giving away assorted prizes like water bottles, stickers, shirts and hats throughout the duration of the contest. Everyone who enters will also receive a coupon good for $50 off a complete outfitting package, partial outfitting package, or canoe and camping equipment rentals during the 2022 season.

Jason Zabokrtsky, owner of Ely Outfitting Co., said a self-guided trip with no adults helps teens build their character, self-confidence and outdoors skills.

"We want to provide teens an opportunity to safely explore wild places, challenge themselves and develop wilderness skills," he said.

The first contest winner, Julia Ruelle, from Minnetonka, Minnesota, spoke to the value of learning wilderness skills, escaping technology and relying on group independence.

"Sharing a parent-free BWCA trip with my friends was a transformative and immersive experience. Ely Outfitting Company prepared us perfectly to sustain ourselves with only what we could carry in our canoes and safely face the breathtaking wilderness head-on," she said. "Taking responsibility for guiding ourselves developed in us a reverence for the Earth, and planted confidence in our own strength and tenacity. I treasure our days on the lake, afternoons hanging in hammocks and nights stretched out under the stars."

For complete contest details and to enter, go to

elyoutfittingcompany.com/essaycontest

. Entries must be submitted online.

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