Central to its programs is trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Quetico Provincial Park.

The Winton Resort Hotel became a sort of headquarters but it was mainly a mailing address and a place where Scouts could stay before and after a trip, and the basement was used for some storage.

[9] Later the headquarters moved to the Forest Hotel in Ely, but the actual base of operations was an old building in Winton thought to be the power house of a defunct saw mill.

[7] In 1941 the current site on Moose Lake was selected and secured, with construction beginning in December 1941 including a 56' x 36' log lodge built by seven Finnish axemen.

[13] Similar to other BSA high adventure bases, an incoming crew will be assigned a staff member, known as an Interpreter, to help them get ready for their expedition.

Unlike treks at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, there are no pre-assigned routes except for groups staying in the Crown Lands.

For a crew that is leaving the Sommers base and entering the Quetico Provincial Park, groups often make an effort to finish the 3 hour paddle to reach the Canadian customs office before it closes for lunch.

This means that in Quetico there are no boardwalks as there are in the BWCAW for swampy portages, and there are fewer park wardens clearing the trails of fallen timber and debris.

In the evening, crews enjoy an outdoor barbecue followed by a show put on by camp staff consisting of skits and songs, known as "Rendezvous."

In between these events, crews may avail themselves of the base amenities: sauna, toilets, hot showers, a sweet shop, and a trading post.

The summer version is as follows: For food, for raiment, For life and opportunity, For sun and rain, For water and portage trails, For friendship and fellowship, We thank thee, O Lord.

The founders included former volunteers and staff members and supporters of the Northern Tier National High Adventures and Scouting.