Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.
- Home
- Reunion 2025 - Northern Tier High Adventure
Join us for a reunion at Northern Tier High Adventure’s Charles L. Sommers Wilderness Canoe Base near Ely, Minnesota from Thursday, August 21st to Sunday, August 24th. Together we will celebrate the Northern Tier High Adventure program! The reunion in 2025 will feature a four-day format, starting on the evening of Thursday, August 21st and ending on the morning of Sunday, August 24th. One of the highlights of this reunion will be celebrating the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.’s 10th anniversary of the Grand Slam of High Adventure recognition program! There will be a film viewing in The Lodge, outdoor hiking and canoeing activities, and attractions in Ely to visit. The reunion reception and dinner will take place on Saturday in Ely, where we will present the George D. Hedrick Volunteer Service Award. We encourage you to arrive Thursday afternoon or Friday morning to take advantage of all activities. Advance reunion registration is required to participate in the reunion activities, including reunion reception and dinner. Members can register their immediate family members, including their significant other, as their guests. Reunion registration includes:
Questions? Contact us! Lodging at the ReunionFor the reunion, your registration includes optional lodging at Northern Tier for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You will be staying in cabins used by participants and staff. These cabins are equipped with lights and an outlet suitable for basic electronics, and it requires you to navigate two to three steps to enter. Please remember to bring your own bedding and a towel. You can either bring linen (sheets, blanket, pillow) for a twin bed or use a sleeping bag. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located near the cabins and are designed in a private suite style. We recommend bringing shower shoes. For individual attendees, self-assigned shared cabins will be available based on gender, with cabin capacities generally ranging from two to five people, depending on the size of the cabin. Families and partners will be assigned their own private cabin. Tent camping will be accommodated in designated tent camping areas, where 4-person ALPS brand dome tents will be provided along with foam sleeping pads. If you prefer, you are also welcome to bring your own tent. For those opting for recreational vehicle (RV) camping, there is limited parking available at the upper participant parking lot. There are no hookups for water, electricity, or sewage. To reserve a spot, you must select the RV option during registration. If you require additional amenities, several nearby campgrounds offer RV accommodations with full hookups and other facilities. Lodging in ElyYou may also choose to lodge at an establishment in Ely or nearby. You are encouraged to reserve off-site lodging soon due to limited availability in the summer. Please note we have not reserved blocks of rooms. A complete list of lodging options is available through the Ely Chamber of Commerce. Some options include:
| Resources
The reunion PlanThursday, August 21st
Friday, August 22nd
Saturday, August 23rd
Sunday, August 24th
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the reunion? The reunion is open to all members. Membership is open to anyone who wants to support the Northern Tier program. You can learn how to become a member here. After your membership is approved, you can sign up for the reunion. Members can register immediate family members and their significant other as their guests. Please note applying for membership does not reserve a spot at the reunion.
Who do I contact if I have questions? Please visit our “Contact Us” page. Click the “Email Us” button to send a message. Kindly refrain from contacting Northern Tier, as they are not organizing the event.
Can I bring my children? Absolutely! There will be plenty of activities at Northern Tier and in town for the family. Families are assigned a cabin of their own.
Can I register as a guest? You can register immediate family members, including your significant other, as your guests. However, non-family members (i.e., members and alumni) should register for the event individually.
Can a friend of an alumni who has not worked at Northern Tier attend the reunion? Yes, friends of alumni who have not worked at Northern Tier are welcome to attend the reunion by becoming an Affiliate member of the SAA. This membership category is designed for those who wish to support the mission and programs of Northern Tier. Once they become an Affiliate member, they must register for the reunion separately on their own. Spouses of late alumni are also welcome to attend the reunion and can register in the same way.
How do I update my existing registration? We can assist with updating your registration. Contact us using this page.
Will walk-in registration be available? No. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins to the reunion and its activities.
Can I visit the Base (Northern Tier) or attend an activity without registering for the reunion? No. During the reunion, the Base (Northern Tier) and other reunion activities are for those attending the reunion. Those signed up for the reunion make it possible for us to offer the facilities and activities. You may contact Northern Tier to visit at another time.
Is there separate registration for just the reunion reception and dinner? No. There is no separate registration for the reunion reception and dinner on Saturday.
Can I give my reunion spot to another person? While you can cancel, registration is specific to an individual and cannot be transferred to another person.
Is there a shuttle during the reunion? There is no shuttle being offered during the reunion. You must provide your own transportation or arrange to travel with someone else. There currently is no taxi or rideshare service in Ely. Please be responsible when making the decision to drive.
Is there anyone carpooling or ridesharing? You can post a message offering or searching for a ride using the reunion rideshare board. You must log in to access it.
When does registration close? Registration closes after July 21st. If we reach full capacity before that date, we will no longer accept event registrations.
How do I donate an item for the auction? Please use this form to submit an auction item donation. We ask that you bring the item to the reunion and provide it during check-in. The last day to submit an item to be considered for the live auction is May 21st. Advance arrangements can be made to ship an item (please do not send it to our PO Box).
What will the cost of the reunion be? Registration includes all meals and activities, including the reunion dinner on Saturday. It also covers cabin lodging at Northern Tier. The price is yet to be determined, and will be posted at a later date.
What payment methods are accepted to register for the reunion? All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted. Only online registration and payment are accepted.
What is the refund policy? Registrations canceled on or before July 21st, 2025, receive an 85% refund. Cancellation requests received on or after July 21st, 2025, are not refundable. Registration is specific to an individual and cannot be transferred to another person.
When should we arrive and depart? We encourage you to come on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning to take advantage of all activities. Arrivals begin on Thursday at 3 pm. We ask that you do not arrive before the start time to allow our volunteers to complete the setup for the reunion. The reunion will conclude by 9 am on Sunday
Can I bring my pet? No. Pets are not allowed at any time at Northern Tier or other reunion venues. Only service animals are allowed (dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities). You may consider making lodging arrangements at a neighboring property that allows pets. Please note many pet-friendly accommodations in Ely require someone to always attend to your dog.
What are the lodging options? Attendees of the reunion stay in a crew or staff cabin. One family/partner per cabin and shared cabins for individuals of the same gender. There are two to three steps to enter a cabin. There are electrical lights and an outlet that can handle basic electronics.
For those who want to stay in a hotel or full-service cabin, the Ely Chamber of Commerce lists options available. We highly recommend you book off-site lodging well in advance.
Do we need to bring bedding or a towel? You need to bring bedding and a towel. For bedding, bring linen (sheets, blanket, pillow) for a twin bed or a sleeping bag. We also recommend you bring shower shoes to use in the shower.
Can I camp in a tent at Northern Tier? You can camp in a tent at Northern Tier. You will need to bring your bedding. The tents provided are 4-person ALPS brand dome tents. Sleeping pads will also be provided. If you are planning to camp in Superior National Forest (e.g., Flash Lake), please remember the maximum group size at a campsite is nine people under current U.S. Forest Service regulations.
What are the shower and restroom facilities like? Shower and restroom facilities are in the vicinity of most cabins. The shower and bathroom facilities are private suite style. There are several accessible units. We recommend bringing shower shoes or similar. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to use the sauna.
I have a mobility impairment. How can I get around? Those with mobility issues can use their vehicle to allow them to get to and from locations. For others, we do not allow it because of the safety hazard of vehicle traffic. Please be aware there are two to three steps to enter a cabin unit.
Where will we be eating? Meals at Northern Tier will be in or outside the “Sandy Bridges Program Center.” The dinner on Saturday will be in Ely. The menu is yet to be determined. If you have a dietary restriction, please note it when registering so we can work with our caterer.
When is the next reunion? After 2025, the next reunion will not be until 2027.
I just applied to become a member. When can I register for the reunion? Once your membership is approved, you can register for the reunion. Membership is approved once a week. Once approved, you will receive an email notification.
Do I need to register for the reunion if I will be on the seasonal staff? You will need to register for the reunion if you will not be working for Northern Tier during the reunion. Please consult with Northern Tier directly regarding your letter of employment.
What if I arrive at Northern Tier late at night on Thursday? It would be helpful if you let us know a week in advance. We will post information on cabin assignments outside the Sandy Bridges Program Center.
Can I bring my recreational vehicle (RV)? Limited parking for recreational vehicles (RVs) will be at the upper participant parking lot and there are no hookups. Registrants must select this option in advance, by selecting the option when registering. Availability is on a first-come basis when registering.
We suggest camping at a nearby property, such as Canoe Country Campground (RV sites include water, sewer, and electric hookups) on Moose Lake as it is a 4-minute drive to Northern Tier. The Superior National Forest’s Fall Lake Campground has RV sites with electricity and is a 25-minute drive to Northern Tier. A complete list of campground options is available through the Ely Chamber of Commerce.
We recommend reserving campgrounds early, as demand is high. Reservations for Fall Lake Campground begin 6 months before the start of your stay. For example, if you plan to arrive on Thursday, August 21st, reservations will open on the website on Friday, February 21st at 9am (central).
What are the closest airports? We recommend flying to Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) or Duluth International Airport (DHL). Flying to Minneapolis may be more cost-effective and avoid potential connection delays of flying to Duluth. The drive time between Northern Tier and Minneapolis airport ranges from four and a half hours to five and a half hours. The drive time between Northern Tier and Duluth airport is about two and a half hours. Plan to arrive at the airport departure terminal at least two hours before your domestic flight departs.
What hotels do you recommend near Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to stay in before or after the reunion? There are many hotels located just south of the airport. Some offer an airport shuttle or are within walking distance of a light rail station to reach the airport, Mall of America, or downtown Minneapolis.
What attractions can we visit before or after the reunion? As there are many attractions, we recommend reviewing Visit Ely’s Attractions page. Please note some attractions in Ely will be part of the reunion experience. We will announce these activities later.
Can I take a canoe trip before or after the reunion? Yes! We recommend getting off the water by Thursday afternoon when the reunion starts or heading on the water on Sunday late morning after the memorial service.
Northern Tier offers outfitting packages to members through its Alumni Rental Program. You must arrange this in advance by submitting the “Sommers Alumni Rental Request” form at the bottom of the page. If using the “Fully Outfitted Canoe Trip” package, Northern Tier can assist you with permit reservations. Members are responsible for following the program policies.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce has a directory of outfitters.
Please keep in mind –
- Overnight camping requires a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Quetico Provincial Park permit. Those entering Quetico Provincial Park need to self-issue a pay permit for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for their trip to and from Prairie Portage. BWCAW permit reservations open for the year on the last Wednesday of January. If you are uncertain which outfitter you will use, we suggest selecting the Kawishiwi Ranger District as your permit issue station (open 8 am to 4:30 pm).
- Entering Quetico Provincial Park requires a camping permit from Ontario Parks, Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit for everyone, and a valid passport for everyone. Upon return from Canada, everyone must check in with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Ely.
- The SAA and Northern Tier cannot assist should you have planning, permit, or trip issues.
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 regardless of age must be registered for the reunion in advance.
- Guests: Registration of guests is for immediate family members, including your significant other. The full names of guests must be provided when registering. Those who are not part of your immediate family must register for the event on their own. Registrations that do not adhere to this guest policy will not be accepted.
- Payment: Payment is required at the time of registration. Only major credit and debit cards are accepted. If payment is not completed within 15 minutes of registration, your registration will be automatically canceled. Online registration and payment are the only methods accepted.
- Refunds/Transfers: Registrations canceled on or before July 21st, 2025, receive an 85% refund. Contact the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. to cancel. Cancellation requests received on or after July 22nd, 2025, are not refundable. Registration is specific to an individual and cannot be transferred to another person.
- Deadline and Walk-ins: Registration closes after July 21st. There will be no walk-in registration for the reunion, dinners, or activities.
- 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.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed at any time at Northern Tier and other reunion venues. Only service animals are allowed (dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities). Non-compliance with this policy will result in being asked to leave the event.
- 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 for the reunion. The generous support and participation of those signed up for the reunion make it possible for us to offer these incredible facilities and activities.
- Alcohol and Drugs: Tobacco use, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, is restricted to designated areas. The use of illicit drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited. Alcohol consumption is only permitted if provided and served by the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. Failure to adhere to these policies will result in being asked to leave the event.
- 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/partners 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.
- Tents and Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Limited parking for recreational vehicles (RVs) will be at the upper participant parking lot and there are no hookups. Registrants must select this choice when registering. Availability is on a first-come basis when registering. Tent camping is at designated locations.
- Canoes: Northern Tier’s canoes are only available during planned reunion programming. 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. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed, the PFD must be made of inherently buoyant material.