The upcoming Red Renner Memorial Work Week May 15th to 25th.
You can stay for the whole time, weekend, or just a day. We will be providing cabin lodging and meals at no cost. Arivals begin on Friday, May 15th after 3pm, with the volunteer week concluding the morning of Monday, May 25th.
It is your chance to support the Northern Tier program. Enjoy camaraderie with your fellow alumni while giving back. Bring your skills and enthusiasm; we will provide on-the-job training and tools.
Volunteer activities will focus primarily on the weekends at the beginning and end of the week. You can even extend your time Up North by booking a personal canoe trip outfitted by Northern Tier (advance reservations required).
To help with planning, see the Work Week Information Sheet (pending updates for 2026)
Volunteer Requirements
- Be a member in good standing of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. Become a member online. Membership is open to all adults who support the mission and programs of Northern Tier.
- Complete “Safeguarding Youth Training” before arriving (valid for one year). This course is free, and you do not need to be a member of the Scouting America (BSA). Those who have taken Youth Protection training in the past must take the new Safeguarding Youth training. See this post for details.
- You must also bring a “Annual Health and Medical Record” form. If only volunteering for a weekend (less than 72 hours), you do not need a medical exam. See this post for details.
- Review and agree to the Registration and Event Policies (see below)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come for just part of the work week? Yes. You can come for a few days or the entire week. We ask that you come for one of the weekends as this is when most work will be occurring. You can then extend your stay into the week in-between.
Will there be social opportunities? There will be plenty of camaraderies as we work to get Northern Tier ready for the season! The primary focus and expectation are that we’ll be collaborating on work projects. If you are more interested in social activities, we recommend signing up for our future regional and national reunions!
Can I stop by to visit? Alumni may only visit if they are registered in advance to participate in this event.
Can I bring my dog? Visitors are not allowed to bring pets (except service animals) to the property. There is no exception.
Can I lodge elsewhere and volunteer? Yes, you can stay in town and volunteer. When registering, we ask if you are staying at Northern Tier. You can find a list of lodging options at https://www.ely.org/lodging/.
Do I need to be a member? Yes. As we are a member organization, you need to be a member before registering. Membership is open to former staff and those who support the mission of Northern Tier. You can join at https://holry.org/joinus.
Can I bring a guest? Immediate family members can volunteer. You can add them during registration by clicking the option to add a guest. If bringing a family member under 18, contact us to ensure we have appropriate volunteer activities planned.
Can I bring my children? If bringing a family member under 18, contact us to ensure we have appropriate volunteer activities planned.
Do I need to know any specific skills? To volunteer, you do not need to know any specific skills! There are plenty of projects for everyone.
Where will be lodging and eating? We will be lodging in bunkhouses (crew cabins). You will need to bring your bedding (sheets, blanket, or sleeping bag) and a towel. We will be eating meals in the dining hall.
Can I go on a canoe trip? You can go on a short canoe trip during the day. You must follow specific rules when using a Northern Tier canoe or launching from the Northern Tier landing.
If you are interested in an overnight trip, contact Northern Tier directly regarding rental options. You can learn about renting canoes from Northern Tier here.
What are the COVID-19 requirements? We are committed to Northern Tier having a healthy and successful season! Please do not come if you have symptoms or someone in your household is sick.
Do I have to complete Youth Protection Training? Yes. You must complete “Safeguarding Youth Training” before arriving (valid for one year). This course is free, and you do not need to be a member of the Scouting America (BSA). Those who have taken Youth Protection training in the past must take the new Safeguarding Youth training. See this post for details.
Do I need a medical exam and health form? If staying less than 72-hours (for example, a weekend), you only have to complete the health form (parts A and B) yourself. If staying longer, you need to have a medical exam (in the last 12 months) with part C completed by your medical provider.
Registration and Event Policies
- Participation: The primary participant must be a member of the SAA when registering and attending the event (learn how to become a member). If you are not a member now, you must join before registering. For planning purposes, all participants must be registered in advance.
- Guests: Registration of guests is for immediate family members, including significant other.
- Deadline and Walk-ins: Registration closes after May 4th. There will be no walk-in registration.
- Cabins: When registering you may choose to lodge at Northern Tier in cabins (used for staff and participants). Cabins for individuals are shared and assigned by gender. Families/married couples are assigned their own cabin. The cabins have twin beds, and you must bring your own bedding or sleeping bag. Availability of cabins is on a first-come basis when registering.
- Dietary restrictions and special assistance requests (accommodation of disability): Dietary restrictions and special accommodation requests (accommodation of disability) must be received at the time of registration to help ensure we can accommodate it.
- Visitors: We kindly remind all our alumni and members that during the event, The Base (Northern Tier) and all the scheduled activities will be exclusively open to those who have registered in advance.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed at any time at Northern Tier. Only service animals are allowed (dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities).
- Alcohol and Drugs: Tobacco (including electronic cigarettes or vaporizers) is only allowed in a designated area. Illicit drugs (including marijuana) are not allowed. Consumption of alcohol at Northern Tier is not allowed.
- Scouting America (BSA) Policies: All established rules and policies of the Scouting America must be followed while at Northern Tier.
- Canoes: When launching a boat from Northern Tier or using Northern Tier equipment, you must follow BSA policies, including wearing a Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD), having a “buddy boat,” and advising of your expected route and return time.
