• Brett Norgaard speaking on stage at Camp Brother Bear as a band shares the stage with him

Information for Students and Employees

Camp Brother Bear

This page has details specific to the campus community. To find information for community members, alumni, and friends, tap here.

Get ready for a weekend of fun, community, and adventure at Camp Brother Bear! This event is packed with activities exclusively for Northland students, faculty, and staff. Whether you’re camping out, joining daytime activities, or enjoying live music, this is your weekend to unplug and connect with nature and your Northland community.

When

Friday–Sunday, September 27–29, 2024

Where

Prentice Park
3005 Junction Road
Ashland, WI 54806

This is your chance to relax and have a great time outdoors, with activities for everyone. The highlight will be Saturday night’s live music, but don’t miss out on the community vibe, the adventure, and the chance to give back to public lands during the service day. Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to it all, there’s something for everyone!


Schedule

Friday, September 27, 2024

Arrive at Prentice Park to Set Up Camp
3–9 p.m. • Prentice Park

Enjoy a relaxing night in the north woods—campfires, stories, and s’mores. Make it what you want it!

Free camping at Prentice Park is available for current Northland College students, faculty, staff, and employees of our contracted services partners.
Northland College LumberJills Volleyball vs University of Minnesota Morris
7 p.m. • Chapple Family Gymnasium, Kendrigan Center
Last shuttle departs at 9:15 p.m. from Ponzio Campus Center to Camp Brother Bear.

Cheer on our team before coming back to camp!

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Pancakes and Coffee
8 a.m. • Prentice Park
National Public Lands Day of Service
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. • Drummond, Wisconsin
Vans will depart from campus at 8 a.m. and make a pickup at Camp Brother Bear at 8:15 a.m.

Hosted by Outdoor Pursuits in partnership with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, two crews will head to the Drummond and Penokee Ski Trails to prepare them for winter. Transportation, lunch, and all tools are provided for this service project. Participants will return to Camp Brother Bear by 3:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register now.
Bird Watching with Rowan
8 a.m. • Prentice Park

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the avian varieties found in our own Prentice Park. Gather near the pavilion to meet with Rowan and set off to explore the park and take in the wilderness. Meet near pavilion.
No pre-registration necessary.

Northland College LumberJills Volleyball vs Crown College
11 a.m.–1 p.m. • Chapple Family Gymnasium, Kendrigan Center

Cheer on our team before returning to camp!

Cheer on our team before returning to camp!

Canoeing with Mallary ‘25
1 p.m. • Prentice Park

Do you enjoy canoeing or want to try it out? Join Mallary ’25 for an adventure to check out some calm waters in the sloughs of Prentice Park. Canoes will be on hand for folks to pair up and give paddling a go. Dress for the weather. Personal flotation devices provided and required.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register now.

Trip will be capped at twelve participants. Additional waiver may be necessary on-site Saturday.

Mountain Biking at Mt. Ashwabay
1 p.m. • Prentice Park Pavilion
Vans will depart from Camp Brother Bear at 1 p.m. and will return students back to Camp Brother Bear.

Do you enjoy mountain biking or want to try it out? Join Prof. Dave Ullman on an adventure to check out some of the best trails in the Midwest at Mt. Ashwabay. Bring your own bike and helmet if you have one. But if you don’t have a bike, no problem! We can provide a bike from the Northland fleet. Dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes and helmets will be required.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register now.

Trip will be capped at eight participants. Additional waiver may be required on Saturday.

Food Trucks at Camp Brother Bear
3–10 p.m. • Prentice Park

Be sure to have cash or card to purchase food from these vendors.

  • Three food trucks on site to satisfy your cravings:
    • Glizzy’s – A new venture by accomplished chef Jake Deragon from Bad River, featuring his wildly popular wild rice burgers and scratch-made cheesecakes. Jake is a strong supporter of the Bad River Boys and Girls Club and uses his food truck business to further their positive impact on local youth.
    • Papa Saletri’s – A family-owned business from Spooner, WI, serving up Chicago-style flavors in the north woods. Their recipe, dating back to the 1950s, is best known for the unbeatable Chicago Italian Beef sandwich. While the menu offers more, it’s really all about the beef.
    • Superior Cubans – Offering authentic Cuban cuisine right here in the north woods! Based in Superior, WI, their Havana’s Bar and Restaurant is known for savory sandwiches, tacos, and more. Save yourself the trip and enjoy a taste of Cuba right here in the bay area.
Music Begins!
4 p.m. • Prentice Park

We’ve invited alumni and community members to join us for live music. The City of Ashland is hosting a beer garden, too!

Live music:

  • 4:00 p.m. – Andy Noyes ’84
  • 4:30 p.m. – Olaf Kirsten ’85
  • 5:00 p.m. –  Sean and Ian Okamoto
  • 7:30 p.m. – Jay Harris ’25
  • 9:00 p.m. – Baba Fats
Music Ends
10:28 p.m. • Prentice Park
Midnight Chicken
12 a.m. • Prentice Park

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Quick Snacks
8 a.m. • Prentice Park
Pack Up Camp and Shuttle Service Back to Campus
9 a.m. • Prentice Park

Volunteers Needed!

We need volunteers to help make this weekend a success! Faculty, staff, and students can sign up to assist with garbage collection, parking, and overall event oversight. Faculty and staff volunteers are especially encouraged. There’s a volunteer appreciation party in it for you, too!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of Northland spirit and adventure! If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Jackie Moore at alumni@northland.edu or 715-682-1811.

Shuttle Schedule

A campus shuttle will be available throughout the weekend to provide transportation to and from Camp Brother Bear. If a ride is needed, please text Jackie at 715-292-1867.

The shuttle is only going to the Ponzio Campus Center and Prentice Park.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Please text/call 715-292-1867 if a shuttle ride is needed!

Sunday, September 29, 2024

10:30 a.m. • Camp Brother Bear to Ponzio Campus Center
LAST RIDE TO CAMPUS! You’re on your own packing up and getting back to campus if you miss this shuttle.