About the UWCA
The Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA) is an outdoor canoe program focused on getting Twin Cities youth on the Mississippi River. Each UWCA trip provides students an opportunity to experience a different, special section of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The UWCA is a partner program between Wilderness Inquiry, Mississippi River Fund, and the National Park Service. This program was initially developed in conjunction with the Minneapolis Public Schools and now serves many school districts. Contact Wilderness Inquiry to schedule trips.
UWCA and the Minneapolis Public Schools
The UWCA has partnered with the Minneapolis Public Schools to bring this outdoor experience to 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from across the city. Through paddling and exploring the Mississippi River, the UWCA program teaches awareness and stewardship of local and global resources to students. In addition to creating a connection with nature, the program is in line with Minnesota Academic Standards, STEM goals, and the Arts for Academic Achievement strategy.
Your Role in the Classroom
Lesson guides are offered to connect student experiences on the river to learning in the classroom. The role of teachers and support staff in the UWCA program is to support this learning by preparing the class through related coursework, sharing in the fun and educational experience of paddling downriver with the students, and following up with activities that reinforce the trip's themes.
Your Role on the River
Teachers, support staff, and chaperones will be assigned to a canoe when they arrive at the launch site. Canoe "sterners" will sit in the rear of each canoe. These sterners have been trained to steer and will also provide some interpretation along the route. To ensure a great ride, support the sterner and rangers on the trip. Ask the students questions about sites you encounter and their impressions of being on the river.
Safety & Orientation
Wilderness Inquiry staff and park rangers will provide orientation and instruction on river safety and paddling. Rest assured, you and all other paddlers will be secure on this trip. You can do your part to prevent accidents by being a role model to students: Wear your Personal Floatation Device (PFD) properly when on or near the river, and demonstrate that you understand the river safety instructions provided at the safety talk.
Lunch Break
Once the first stretch of paddling and exploring has been completed, all participants will break for lunch in a designated area. Bathrooms will be provided nearby. In addition to resting and eating, this will also give teachers, support staff, chaperones, and students a chance to break into smaller groups to discuss their experiences.
Re-launch & Finish
After the break, canoes will re-launch and head downriver toward their ultimate destination. After the final landing, everyone will work together to bring gear to a designated place on land and dispose of waste. Once these tasks have been completed, the UWCA trip will conclude with a group reflection on the day's discoveries. Buses will pick up groups at this landing site at the designated times.
