We are happy you are coming to Forest Lodge for one of our Lifelong Learning programs. Below you will find information to help you prepare and know what to expect. Staff will provide the daily schedule, activities, and updates. But, feel free to relax and explore for your enjoyment.
Comfortable, casual dress is appropriate for the programs. Forest Lodge does not provide linens, bedding, or toiletries. Please bring the items in bold. Additional items on this list are things you may want to add.
Northland College is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen personal items.
Lodging is “dormitory style” in the Gatehouse. The house is two-story, five- bedrooms, and sleeps up to eighteen. It has two full bathrooms, a complete kitchen, common room, and a screened porch. The bedrooms sleep two to five people. Rooms have twin beds and/or bunks depending on room size. We do not use top bunks for adults. Noise transfers easily in this old place so please respect quiet hours and your housemates.
Room requests are granted if possible. Bathrooms are shared. There are dressers, closets, desks, and chairs throughout the house. Participants must bring their own sleeping linens. Linens and toiletries are NOT provided. Please bring your own twin sheets and blankets or sleeping bag and sheet to cover the vinyl mattress.
Meals are served buffet-style in the Gatehouse by staff certified in food safety, or catered through Northland College’s Chartwells food service. Staff are skilled in providing nutritious meals and can accommodate dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
There are insects at Forest Lodge (ants, gnats, mosquitos, ticks, no-see-ums), so pack your repellant.
Northland staff are First Aid certified and will use their training to inform decisions. Participants requiring additional medical care will be transported to a local hospital.
The weather can change quickly at the lake and can range from forty to ninety degrees in the summer/fall. You will be prepared if you bring all the items on the Packing List. Activities will not be canceled due to common weather conditions such as rain, high winds, heat, etc. Occasionally, unpredictable weather condition require schedule modifications. These are handled case by case.
All staff receive extensive professional training to prepare for Northland’s outreach programs. Staff are CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certified, and some hold a Wilderness Outdoor First Responder certification. Staff are hired based on leadership skills, enthusiasm, personality, certifications, decision-making ability, prior experience, stewardship ethic, and recreation skills.
Historic preservation and building renovation at Forest Lodge are ongoing. It is important to follow instructions and remain away from project areas for your protection and safety. Please do not hike off trail or go in any building not utilized by your program.
