Summer & After School

AV Eagle Convocation Wilderness Program

What?:

When groups of eagles come together in the wilderness, the gathering is called a Convocation.  We are calling for a convocation of Apple Valley Eagles to come together on a wilderness canoe trip on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota.

Students on the trip can also earn an elective field science credit or a science credit recovery credit in addition to the experience.

View photos from the 2025 trips

Watch the program video

Watch the AVHS EaglEye Story on Convocation

Who?: 

Up to 40 AVHS students in grades 9 – 11.

Why?:  

• View the photos and watch the videos linked on the page - our students' experiences speak more than these words can do.
• You will learn many things about yourself and the world while out in the wilderness.
• Opportunity to earn one elective field science credit (Summer Science Institute).  

When?:  

Read the Key Dates & Next Steps Reminder Sheet

• The trip runs from  July 13 – 22, 2026.  You will go on a canoe trip after orientation at the base camp.  
• Mandatory parent/student informational meeting on Thursday, April 16, in the Community Room at AVHS from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  
• Group Team Development/Gear drop-off is on Monday, July 13, 12-2 pm.  Meeting in the commons by the main entrance: Come ready to do stuff! 🙂 Bring all your gear except what you want to have available on the bus.   
• The bus departs for camp on July 14 at 6:00 a.m. Be there a few minutes early to load your gear onto the bus. Meet at the main entrance.
• Bus returns to AVHS on July 22 around 7:00 pm. 

Where?:  

Convocation happens at Laketrails Base Camp on Oak Island,  visit the Lake of the Woods website for more information. Yes, it is way at the top of Minnesota!  You have to travel to Canada for a brief visit. You may also view this video about Laketrails on YouTube.

How much does it cost?:

Total cost:  $850.00 for the 2026 trip. Reduced price to $375.00 for students who need support. If you receive Educational Benefits, there is up to 10 students with a further reduced cost to $175.00. We have donation support to help up to 2 students who cannot afford this furthest reduced fee. Contact Ms. Grande through Schoology or the Student Support Office if you cannot afford the reduced rate. She will work with these students to determine how much they can pay for the program. DO NOT LET A LACK OF FUNDING STOP YOU FROM REGISTERING.

How do I sign up?:  

1. Complete this online fillable registration form
2. Pay for the trip in the Edutrack Payment Center. Search for "AVHS Field Trip - AV Eagle Convo - Laketrails Base Camp Summer 2026 - Ms. Grande".  You can pay this fee in installments.  This will include completing a district medical/permission form.  We ask you to complete payment by April 16. Contact Ms. Grande if more time is needed to pay the fee. Payment is due by June 1.
3. Forms:  All other forms can be turned in at the mandatory parent/student meeting on April 16 in the Community Room from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  

• Complete all of the following Laketrails Basecamp-required forms.
  • Open the Laketrails website in a new tab [external] or pick up paper copies in B109 (Tech Support Office).
    • Read the Parent Information Packet for detailed information about Laketrails
    • Complete the downloadable Health History Form – Youth
    • Complete the downloadable Parent Authorization Form

What do I bring?:

Read the "What to Bring List" from Laketrails.

Note: We will help you get what you don’t have from the list below. Don’t worry about this!

• Clothes for camping and clothes for base camp.  We will supply a camera and a journal for classwork.
• Sleeping bag, rain gear, hat, warm jacket, towel, swimsuit, personal hygiene items, flashlight (with batteries), water bottle.  

Read the Tick Safety Protection document from Laketrails.