Does your spouse/partner suffer from type 3 diabetes (the condition in which a person is married to, or in a committed relationship with a type 1 diabetic) ? Looking for ways to make your fight against diabetes a team effort? Here’s your chance! In 2009, Insulindependence will be introducing its first-ever Diabetic Couples Adventure. Canoe and Portage the exquisite wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, meet other diabetic couples, and take the time you deserve to communicate on healthy relationships that begin with healthy diabetes management.
Experience stillness, silence, and solitude, paddling the pristine waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Paddle among towering red and white pines, tamarack bogs, and beautiful white paper birches in this home to moose, lynx, and the eastern timber wolf. Hear the call of the loon and watch the rising sun burn mist off of a mirror-still lake at daybreak. Unwind around an evening campfire and, if you're lucky, see the northern lights streaking across the sky. Endless variations of Boundary Waters routes await you, each as spectacular as the next.
Expedition Overview
Four diabetic couples will come together in Minneapolis, Minnesota to form two separate Insulindependence Expedition Teams. From there, teams will drive toward the Canadian Border where the expedition begins. Over the course of five days, couples will experience one of the most tranquil and renowned national parks in North America. Between portages, couples will take time to enjoy each other’s company, discuss the various ways in which diabetes has played a role in their respective relationships, and learn from each other in ways they’d never imagined.
FAQ
 Who can come on this trip?
Couples with at least one type 1 partner. Ages 21+.
What are the dates of the expedition?
There are two separate expeditions to choose from:
The first expedition officially begins at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on the evening of Tuesday, July 28. The trip will return to and end at the same airport on Sunday evening, August 2.
The second expedition officially begins at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on the evening of Tuesday, August 4. The trip will return to and end at the same airport on Sunday evening, August 9.
Do I have to be fit or technically skilled? Do I need experience in a canoe?
No, just ready and willing to challenge yourself. There will be some moderate hiking and some longer paddling days, but nothing that would prevent you from participating. Our team will be selected so that all ability levels are represented.
What does it cost if I’m selected?
The 2009 Insulindependence BWCA Couples Adventures will be free for all selected Insulindependence team members who are willing to do their own fundraising. Once your application has been approved, you’ll get your own “Sponsor an Couple” page at www.insulindependence.org. It will be up to each couple to generate $3,000 of support through their personal page, where sponsors can contribute directly by credit card. Insulindependence will work hard to ensure that your goals are met without trouble.
Because people will be traveling from different parts of the world, air travel costs are not included in the figure noted above. However, individual flights will be refunded for couples that raise more than $3,000, up to the full cost of the tickets.
Team members on past expeditions who started early with their fundraising have had little trouble reaching their goals.
When do we find out if we’re on the Team?
Team members will be selected on a rolling basis from October 1, 2008 to November 13, 2008. Insulindependence will contact you immediately after we have received your application to offer a more personalized timeline.
Who is Wilderness Inquiry?
Wilderness Inquiry is an award-winning Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which specializes in offering outdoor adventures to people with disabilities. In 2006, Insulindependence President Peter Nerothin was hired onto their staff as a guide. Peter was so impressed by WI’s work that he began contracting Insulindependence trips through them the following year.
To find out more about Wilderness Inquiry and their typical trip to the BWCA, visit their site here.
Will there be medical staff along with the guides?
Wilderness Inquiry will provide a professional trail guide, who is certified in Wilderness First Aid and specially trained to work with various disabilities, including diabetes. At least one Insulindependence staff member will be certified as well.
How do I apply?
Click here to begin your application.
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Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)
 DAY 1: Arrive at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), shuttle to the Days Inn Hotel, where the rest of the team will be waiting. Have a relaxing pre-expedition feed, complements of Insulindependence.
 DAY 2: Your trip starts in the afternoon at Brule Lake access point. Unload the trailer, load the canoes and paddle to the first campsite at Jock Mock Bay on the southern shore of Brule Lake. Discuss trip expectations as a group around the campfire after dinner.
 DAY 3: Get up early to make breakfast, review canoeing skills and other details necessary for a safe and fun trip. Break camp after breakfast and get underway. Paddle north to Cone Bay and traverse two short portages into Middle Cone Lake. Settle in at a beautiful campsite for an evening around the fire.
 DAY 4: After breakfast, cross a very short portage into North Cone Lake, then take another easy 1/4 mile portage into Cliff Lake. Paddle through Wanihigan Lake and up into Winchell Lake. Find a nice camp site on the north shore of Winchell. As the group learns to work together, more time is set aside for fishing, bird watching, exploring and learning camp crafts.
 DAY 5: You'll spend a layover day on Winchell Lake. The southern shore of Winchell has steep cliffs and palisades. If the group is feeling ambitious, you may climb up for a spectacular view. Otherwise, take a day trip to the east end of the lake or visit the nearby lakes of Omega and Gaskin.
 DAY 6: Rise with the sun and paddle across Brule Lake. Pack up the van for the ride home. The trip officially ends after lunch in the early afternoon. Those who use WI's van transportation can expect to return to MSP in the evening.
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Important Dates
October 1, 2008
Application Period Opens
Team Members Selected on Rolling Basis
($500 refundable deposit due 2 weeks following selection)
Fundraising Period Begins
Online Peer Mentoring/Team Building Begins
November 13, 2008
Application Period Ends
November 20, 2008
Complete Team Roster Announced Online
March 31, 2009
Fundraising Period Ends
July 28, 2009
First Expedition Begins
Team Insulindependence Meets in Minneapolis, MN
BWCA Couples Expedition Begins
August 2, 2009
First Expedition ends at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
August 4, 2009
Second Expedition Begins
Team Insulindependence Meets in Minneapolis, MN
BWCA Couples Expedition Begins
August 9, 2009
Expedition ends at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Application
Download the PDF application, print it, complete the form, and mail it back to us. We must receive the application no later than November 13, 2008. Thank you.
If you have any questions feel free to send us an email. |
