frequently asked questions
• This is a co-ed program; males & females participate in most activities side by side.
• Each participant MUST currently be a registered member of a Boy Scout Troop – or – Venturing Crew #488.
• Each participant MUST be at least fourteen (14) years of age by July 1 of the current year.
• Participants in the Canoe Trails programs are considered Youth until the age of 21.
• All participants MUST pass the swim test.
• All participants MUST pass a physical exam.
• Each participant must be in good standing with the CT program leader, treasurer and secretary before going on the trip to Canada.
• Each new participant (known as a Candidate) must satisfactorily complete the training requirements for each phase of training before being permitted to progress to the next phase of training. All training requirements must be met before the participant is eligible for consideration to participate in the wilderness trip.
• This year we are testing a new training schedule with mandatory, monthly training weekends. The first phase of training begins with the Candidate Orientation at the end of February. Over the course of the next few months, candidates will learn new skills and field test the clothing and camping equipment they will take to Canada. The first phase concludes in June during the 2nd Tionesta weekend. If the candidate has completed the training goals and satisfied all other requirements, he or she will be invited to go on the trip to Canada. Check out the Resources page for more information about the 2022 Schedule, the Training Manual and the Training Checklist.
• A participant that successfully completes all training and a trip to Canada can earn the title of Voyageur. A second year of training and a second trip to Canada will provide the participant with greater wilderness skills and leadership opportunities.
| Adult BSA registration fees & dues + t-shirt | About $127 or $152 |
| Youth BSA registration fees & dues + t-shirt | About $163 or $218 |
| Average cost per training camp-out | About $20 – $40 x 4 camp-outs |
| Cost per 7-day trip to Canada | About $350 – $400 |
| Personal equipment & gear estimate | About $350+ |
• Canoe Trails will provide canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs), tents, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment.
• Depending on what you have in your closet and what kind of camping equipment you already have, you might need to purchase, acquire, or borrow a few recommended items. During your training, you will spend time with Voyageurs who review the clothing and camping gear you already own and will make recommendations specific to your needs. Check out the Clothing & Equipment spreadsheet, the CLOTHING or EQUIPMENT pages for a detailed list of recommendations.
• Preparing meals for 18+ people who are burning a lot of calories in the wilderness can be a challenge. On a canoe trip, you want and need good tasting, nutritious food, and plenty of it – but you also must consider the weight, fragility and bulk of the food itself.
• We prepare simple, one pot meals that are very popular. These group meals are very easily cooked by most everyone and usually require minimal effort to clean-up afterwards. Meals usually consist of a protein, a carbohydrate, a vegetable, a beverage and a desert. Please consult a Voyageur or check out the Resources/Training Materials tab/Training Manual for a list of possible meals.
• Special dietary needs or preferences can be a challenge to accommodate in a setting where food options are limited and the food preparation area is primitive. Please contact a group leader to discuss options prior to joining.
• Boys tent with other boys, girls tent with other girls, men tent with other men, women tent with other women.
• We carefully review tent assignments prior to each camp-out and provide an appropriate 2, 3 or 4-person tent.
• Use of a personal hammock may be approved by the group leader if the individual demonstrates adequate skill in setting it up.
• When nature calls while in camp, on a shoreline, or on a hike… males always go to the left and females always go to the right because females are always right.
• Our program is Coed, and our leaders are required to complete the BSA Youth Protection training program and adhere to a strict policy for managing an environment with mixed genders. Adult female leaders must accompany young girls and adult male leaders must accompany young boys. Adults must always be accountable for the welfare of the youth.
• Submit a request to join Canoe Trails via the “HELLO!” form. If your request is received after February of the current year the next opportunity to join will occur sometime early in the following year.
• Attend the Candidate Orientation in February (see calendar.) The meeting will be held at The Barn, 298 Division Lane, Beaver, PA, 15009.
• Please bring a parent/guardian with you if you are under the age of 18. You will need to review, sign and submit various forms if you intend to join.
• This is considered to be a “mandatory” meeting for new participants. However, if you are uncertain about your interest in joining, you are welcome to attend the meeting without an obligation to join.
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Feel free to send us your questions, share comments about a past trip, or offer feedback about the program. One of our volunteer adult leaders will respond as soon as possible.
