High Adventure Canoeing Program
Birchbark Expeditions is a Nationally Accredited week-long, fully guided and turnkey high adventure canoe experience, steeped in the rich Age of Exploration history. Operated by volunteers in the Great Falls Scout Council, the program offers three different options.
Algonquin 7-Day Adventure
Overview
Our Flagship Program!
Our flagship program, based in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. The program includes:
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- Basecamp operations in Algonquin Provincial Park
- A full day of on-water and in-camp training
- A tour of the Algonquin Visitor Center or Logging Museum
- 5-day backcountry canoe trek expedition Algonquin’s wild interior
- All in-camp and backcountry meals
- A full-trained and seasoned guide for the entire duration
- Use of a complete crew gear kit with, canoe packs, kitchen and safety gear
- Canoes, paddles, PFDs and required safety gear
- Souvenir tee-shirt and water bottle
- A life-time of memories and skills!
Operated by volunteers from Western NY Scout Council, the program is open to Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts. Expeditions take place in Algonquin Provincial Park and offers world-class canoe tripping among the thousands of lakes and unspoiled wilderness.
Details
Birchbark Expeditions is a Nationally Accredited week-long, fully guided high adventure canoe experience in Algonquin Provincial Park, steeped in the rich Age of Exploration history of Upper Canada. Operated by volunteers from the Western NY Scout Council, the program is open to Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts at least 13 years old and a “swimmer”. Algonquin Adventure Expeditions take place in Ontario Canada’s Algonquin Provincial Park and offers world-class canoe tripping among the thousands of lakes and unspoiled wilderness.
Participants traveling to Canada will need a passport, passport card or Enhanced Drivers License. Youth will also need a permission slip, (a completed and signed Informed Consent and Health Form -ABC with parents signature(s), address and phone number)
Expeditions start on Saturday with an early drive from the Buffalo/Niagara area to base camp in Algonquin’s Whitefish Group Campground. Here crews will meet their highly-trained Guide for the duration of our trip. Sunday morning, crews will take the opportunity to visit the Algonquin Visitor Centre or Logging Museum. Upon returning to base camp, crews will organize equipment, practice some water rescue techniques and get rested for an early launch on Monday morning. Crews are provisioned with all necessary back country food and crew equipment, including: canoes, paddles, PFDs, tents and cooking equipment. Each participant must bring some basic high-adventure personal equipment.
Monday through Friday have crews following their custom pre-planned itinerary through the pristine lakes and forests of the Algonquin interior, enjoying the incredible views, wildlife and camaraderie.
Crews return to base camp on Friday afternoon, clean up their crew gear, visit one of the local outfitters to pick up some souvenirs, and get some rest for their drive home. Crews depart early Saturday morning, driving back to the Buffalo/Niagara area.
Crews from outside the Buffalo/Niagara area are encouraged to add a visit to Niagara Falls while in the area.
What our fans say:
“Definitely a good value considering you guys handled the training, all the logistics for sites, canoes, tours, meals, etc,and the communication up to, during, and after the trip has been excellent.”
– Carl Chudzinski, Scoutmaster of Troop 456
“This is an excellent council-run BSA High Adventure program … at a fantastic price point.”
– Scott Oeth, Bull Moose Patrol, Maine Guide and Scouting Volunteer
“I learned a lot from these folks. The skill level was outstanding!”
– Ben Shiner, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 4015
“Had a great time and learned a lot of new techniques.”
– Eric Quinn, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 4015
Optional Enhanced Program Elements
In addition to the standard expedition outlined above, Birchbark Expeditions also offers optional enhanced program elements, including:
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- Canoeing Merit Badge
- Paddle Craft Safety Certification
- St. George Religious Medal Treks
- ACA Whitewater Training
- Leave No Trace
Adirondack 7-Day Adventure
Overview
Our newest program, based in the beautiful New York Adirondacks Saint Regis Canoe Area. The program includes:
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- Basecamp operations from Camp Mountaineer on the Massawepie Scout Reservation near Tupper Lake, NY
- A full day of on-water and in-camp training
- A tour of the Adirondack Wild Center or the Six Nations Indian Museum
- 5-day backcountry canoe trek expedition in the Saint Regis Canoe Area (or nearby)
- Optional day hike in the High Peaks (shortens canoe trek)
- All in-camp and backcountry meals
- A full-trained and seasoned guide for the entire duration
- Use of a complete crew gear kit with, canoe packs, kitchen and safety gear
- Canoes, paddles, PFDs and required safety gear
- Souvenir tee-shirt and water bottle
- A life-time of memories and skills!
Detail
The program is open to Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts at least 13 years old and a “swimmer”. Crews can range from 5 to 9 participants and must include at least two adults.
Expeditions start on Saturday at 1PM at our basecamp at Camp Mountaineer in the Massawepie Scout Camps, near Tupper Lake, NY. Here crews will meet their highly-trained Guide for the duration of our trip. Upon arrival, crews are provisioned with all necessary back country food and crew equipment, including: canoes, paddles, PFDs, tents and cooking equipment. (Each participant must bring some basic high-adventure personal equipment.) Saturday afternoon, crews will spend time working on their paddling skills and explore the camp lake. Crews will also sort and pack their food, enjoy a meal prepared by their guide, and overnight at basecamp their own tents. On Sunday, crews will prepare breakfast and depart for either a cultural activity or planned hike, returning to basecamp in the afternoon for additional training.
Monday through Friday have crews following their custom pre-planned itinerary through the pristine lakes and forests of Adirondack Park, enjoying the incredible views, wildlife and camaraderie. Many treks include an opportunity for a day hike to a summit.
Crews return to base camp on Friday afternoon, clean up and check in their crew gear, take a hot shower. Crews depart Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, depending on the length of their drive home.
What our Fans Say:
“Definitely a good value considering you guys handled the training, all the logistics for sites, canoes, tours, meals, etc,and the communication up to, during, and after the trip has been excellent.”
– Carl Chudzinski, Scoutmaster of Troop 456
“This is an excellent council-run BSA High Adventure program … at a fantastic price point.”
– Scott Oeth, Bull Moose Patrol, Maine Guide and Scouting Volunteer
“Do it! It will be a challenging, rewarding and fun experience that you won’t regret. You will get the opportunity to do things you haven’t done before, go to new places, learn new skills, and have an adventure!“
– Molly Jackson, Troop 1485
“It’s an experience that the Scouts (and Scouters) will remember for a lifetime.”
– Matthew Goldhawk, Troop 261
WNY Waterways Day Trips!!
Overview
The NEW Birchbark Expeditions WNY Waterways program provides units across the region an opportunity to experience canoeing and build paddling skills, in a safe and supervised environment.
With the help from trained volunteer guides from the WNY Scout Council, the program assists units in planning and executing a short-term canoe tripping experience on any one of our many local waterways. For a nominal per-person charge, the program provides canoes, PFDs, paddles and other required safety equipment along with a fully-trained guide for the duration of their expedition.
Details
The Western NY waterways canoeing program, is a turn-key experience for Scouts BSA and Venture units, providing canoes, paddles, safety equipment and a trained guide for canoe expedition on Western NY waterways. Intended as an introduction to BSA High Adventure, the program is an opportunity to experience canoeing in nearby waterways with a nominal cost.
Committed to delivering a safe experience to all participants, the program requires that all adults (18 and older) hold current Youth Protection Training, follow two-deep leadership requirements and adhere to BSA Safety Afloat policies.
The program has a nominal charge to cover wear-and-tear on the equipment. Initially limited to day trips (to meet COVID-19 social distancing requirements), the program will eventually include a number of one or two-night expeditions.
“Our scouts had a great experience and saw Buffalo from a whole new perspective…the guides were really well prepared and knowledgeable”, Bob O’Connor, Committee Chair, Troop 229
“The trip was great…definitely something that our crew and/or troop would do again”, Mark Schneggenburger, Crew / Troop 416
Participant Requirements
As a BSA High Adventure program, all participants must meet the following requirements:
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- Must be a registered with the BSA
- Youth must be 13 years of age (by September 1st of current year)
- Have passed a BSA Swim Skills Assessment at the swimmer level (blue swimmer) in the last 12 months
- Adults (18 and older), must have current Youth Protection Training.
- Units must provide two adults (one at least 21 years old) and if there are female participants, one adult must also be female.
Provided Equipment
The Birchbark Expeditions program will provide the following crew equipment for the duration of their planned trek:
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- Canoes (a maximum of 21 canoes are available)
- Canoe trailer(s)
- PDFs
- Paddles
- Safety Equipment for each canoe, as required by NYS
Participant Required Equipment
Participants should plan to arrive with the following personal gear/equipment:
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- Water shoes or other footwear that can get wet and cover the toes
- Outerwear (jacket) as appropriate based on the weather forecast
- Hat
- Water bottle (filled)
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Light snack (for longer treks)
- Headlamp (for evening treks)
- Whistle or signaling device.
Forms
Trek Planning
Crews are encouraged to design their own canoe route, with some considerations:
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- Routes can be on either flat water or moving water less than Class II.
- We recommend that routes generally will be no more than 4 hours in duration.
- Ideally routes would put-in in one location and take out at a different location
- Both put-in and take-out locations must plan to use public property or have the permission of the property owner
- Custom routes must be reviewed by Birchbark Expeditions staff in advance.
Looking for some ideas? Find below a number of recommended and verified routes:
| Trek # | Description | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Treks | |||
| E1 |
Buffalo River – Harlem Rd to Smith Street or Ohio Street |
4.3 miles or 6.5 miles (2-3 hours) | Easy |
| E2 |
Buffalo River – Ohio Street to Lake Erie |
3 miles (1.5 hours) | Easy |
| E3 |
Ellicott Creek Park Paddle |
3 miles (1.5 hours) | Easy |
| E4 | Erie Canal – Easy Out and Back Put-in at N Tonawanda Botanical Garden on Sweeney Ave (just north of Robinson Rd). Go west on the canal 3 miles to the Gateway Park at the confluence of Ellicott Creek. Gateway park offers an opportunity to go ashore and stretch your legs and eat lunch before the return to launch site. GPS Track |
6.8 miles | Easy |
| More Difficult Treks | |||
| D1 |
Oak Orchard Creek |
8.4 miles (3+ hours) | More Difficult |
| D2 | Grand Island – Buckhorn Island State Park Put-in at Woods Creek launch on East-West Park Road, follow the creek west, then north to the Niagara River. Follow the river west to the tip of GI. Go south on the west branch of the river south to the Eagle Overlook launch. You can extend the adventure to the Whitehaven Overlook launch, for a total length of 6 miles. Waves and boat traffic make this a More Difficult trek. |
3.2 or 6 miles (1.5 -3 hours) |
More Difficult |
| D3 | Grand Island – Beaver Island State Park Put-in at Start at the East River Launch at the foot of Ferry Road. Explore Motor Island (heron rookery) and Strawberry Island if the wind and boat traffic allow. Go west around the southern tip of G.I. to the Little Beaver Park launch. Circle around Beaver Island and go back to the east River Marsh launch. Waves and boat traffic make this a More Difficult trek. |
5-8 miles
(3-4 hours) |
More Difficult |
| D4 |
Tonawanda Island Loop |
4.2 miles (2 hours) | More Difficult |
| D5 | Erie Canal and Niagara – More Difficult Out and BackPut-in at N Tonawanda Botanical Garden on Sweeney Ave (just north of Robinson Rd). Go west on the canal 3 miles to the Niagara River, then paddle west on the river (upstream) to the first boat launch in Niawanda Park by Old Man River. This makes it an 8 mile round trip back to the start point. When proceeding along the Niagara River, stay close to the south shore and be prepared to point out from the shore to handle the waves from passing boats. Wind and current along the Niagara River may be challenging for beginner or younger crews. | 8 miles | More Difficult |
Request a Presentation
If you would like a presentation from our volunteers regarding our Birchbark Expeditions please click on the Request a Presentation link below. Shortly after that one of our volunteer staff will be in touch.
Birchbark Expeditions Staff & Training
Professionalism, Commitment and Experience: the Birchbark Expedition Guide staff is made of a group of committed and experienced group of scouters with many hours of dedicated training in back-country camping and canoeing skills. Birchbark Expedition Guides maintain an extensive list of high adventure training certifications and skills, including:
Red Cross Wilderness First Aid & CPR – prepared to treat injuries and illnesses when help may be delayed or require considerable travel.
BSA Paddle Craft Safety – extensive practices in the skills and proper handling of canoes and other watercraft in rough water and emergency situations.
BSA Youth Protection Training – for both Boy Scouts and Ventures, maintaining a safe environment for youth with two-deep leadership and policies.
ACA Flat Water Training – delivering best-practice teaching skills for those paddling on flat water.
BSA Trainer’s EDGE – proficient in delivering instruction and sharing personal expertise
BSA Hazardous Weather – recognizing weather hazards and maintaining safety during weather events
BSA Trek Safely – assisting crews for safe travel over road and trail
BSA Leave No Trace – best-practices to ensure we leave the backcountry as we found it
Liquid Fuels – safe operation and maintenance of liquid fuel stoves used in the backcountry
and more…!
Rick Baecker, Guide, Quartermaster.
Eagle Scout and former summer camp waterfront director, Rick has canoed for over 40 years in New England, the Adirondacks and Algonquin. Rick is a Silver Beaver, past advisor to the Order of the Arrow and avid backpacker. Rick is the Birchbark Expeditions BSA quartermaster, maintaining the quality of the Birchbark Expeditions gear. When it comes to details, Rick is our huckleberry. Rick is a retired case worker for the Social Security Administration. In his long off-season, he kayaks, spends his time with his Scout Troop, cultivates an impressive garden, and woodcarves. He has been a Guide since 2004.
Bob Blatz, Operations Manager
As the Operations Manager for Birchbark Expeditions BSA, Bob has the behind-the-scenes job managing the purchase of supplies and tracking crew payments. Bob can be reached at: bob.blatz@scouting.org
Dave Bliss, Guide
As a youth, Dave canoed summers on the St. Lawrence River, where he became a powerful paddler. Our gear guru, he is constantly searching for the best tripping equipment, and he is in a large part responsible for our state of the art equipment. He is direct; he is opinionated; and he gets the job done. Dave is a retired manager for United Parcel Service. He is also our lead Leave No Trace trainer. In his long off-season, he spends his time as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 261 in Amherst, New York.
Steve Burgeson, Guide, Nutrition Advisor.
Steve Burgeson has a lifetime of camping, canoeing and Scouting experience..As a youth camp counselor he spent two summers at Bulowa Adirondack Scout Reservation (Rockland County Council) as First Aid Assistant to the nurse and in the kitchen. Assistant Scout Master in Kenmore led to a 100 mile Philmont Trek, a 50 mile canoe trip and Okpik winter camping. Recent efforts to remain fit and healthy have resulted in the completion of 2 half Marathons and 5 marathons of 26.2 miles each.
Paul Chambers, Guide
During his college years, Paul camped extensively in the Rockies. After graduation, he worked as a smoke jumper for the US Forest Service in northern Montana. He has canoe tripped in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, the Adirondacks and in Algonquin. He has been a Scoutmaster for fifteen years, and is a past OA Chapter Advisor, was named Scoutmaster of the Year in his Council and is a Silver Beaver award recipient. Paul has a quiet, easy manner that belies his extensive canoe tripping skills. In the off-season, Paul is a retired programmer/analyst. He has been a Guide since 2004.
Brian D’Arcy, Guide, Medical Advisor
As a Scoutmaster, Brian has led his Troop on four Birchbark Expeditions canoe trips. He has paddled the Madawaska River and the 200-mile Missinaibi River Expedition to James Bay. He is our Birchbark Expeditions Medical Advisor. The quintessentially affable Irishman, Brian gets along with everyone. In the off-season, Dr. D’Arcy, a Cardiologist by training, works as the Medical Director for Catholic Health Systems in Buffalo, New York, and has led a medical care expedition to Peru. He has been a Guide since 2012.
Charles Feller, Guide, ACA Instructor
Eagle Scout Charles Feller is an accomplished ACA Whitewater Instructor, Red Cross Instructor, National Ski Patrol Instructor and National Jamboree Instructor. He has canoed in Quebec, New York, Ontario, and New Zealand. A Silver Beaver and Assistant Scoutmaster, he developed the whitewater program for Birchbark Expeditions. Multi-talented and humorously eccentric, “Sir Charles’” Vigil Honor name aptly fits him, “He who teaches”. Some claim he has blue blood. In the off-season, Charles is the president of a firm that manufactures specialized insect repellents for personal and military use. He hails from Avon, New York. He has been a Guide since 2003.
Ron Field, Guide and Field Operations
Ron started his canoeing career in the pre-teen years with a voyager club near Montreal, Quebec. After moving out west, in the late 70’s, he taught wilderness survival, mountaineering, Nordic skiing and canoeing at the Blue Lake Center just outside Jasper National Park. He has guided hikes and canoe trips in the Canadian Rockies, northern Alberta and Alaska. He was Scoutmaster for troop 664 and is now ASM for troop 92 both in Clarence NY.
Shawn Gawron, Guide, Canoe and Trailer Mechanic
ACA certified instructor and Eagle Scout. As a Scoutmaster for ten years, Shawn produced a string of Eagle Scouts. As a strong man and a competitive tripper, Shawn enjoys setting records for distance and speed. He has been reported to eat trail food dry, and wash it down with a draft of cold water—to “quick cook” the meal. A master craftsman by trade, he regularly repairs our fleet of canoes to keep them in tip-top condition. In the off-season Shawn owns his own home construction company in Hamburg, New York. He has been a Guide since 2006.
Mark McCormack, Guide
Mark caught the canoeing bug in college going on trips with the outdoor club and then later leading groups up Black Creek. Fast forward a few years and his two sons joined scouts and he was able to enjoy his first Birchbark trip and the flame was re-kindled! Mark has been the adult advisor on three Birchbark expeditions and three Philmont trips. He loves the outdoors and when he isn’t planning outings with Troop 483 he is attempting to finish all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. In the off season Mark is an IT manager at MOOG
Chris Matthewson, Program Advisor Professional and District Executive
As program advisor, Chris coordinates Birchbark Expeditions financial and compliance requirements, ensuring that the program is properly funded and all the volunteers maintain their safety training. As an advocate for all things camping, Chris plays an important role in the operations of the program.
Kevin McNamara, Guide, Historian
Kevin knows Algonquin Park intimately, perhaps as much as anyone else, having traversed the park in all seasons. He has canoed to James Bay on the 260-mile Albany River expedition, locating historical trading posts and cemeteries along the way. Kevin provides the enthusiasm factor on any trip, and his considerable canoe tripping expertise is immediately evident. He has worked with Scouts on the troop, District and Council levels for four decades, and was a Scoutmaster for eighteen years. Some say he is a Leprechaun. In the off-season, Kevin is a secondary education teacher in the Niagara Falls School System, and an avid amateur historian. He has been a Guide since 2004.
During his twenties, Dave backpacked in the Smokey Mountains as a guide. As a Scout leader, he has led his troop on numerous canoe trips in Algonquin and backpacking trips in the Adirondacks. He has been a Scoutmaster and is now Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 261 in Amherst, NY. Dave works well with adults and youth and his quiet competence makes people want to learn from him; he is as solid as the day is long. In the off-season, Dave owns and operates his own flooring company, Advance Hardwoods. He has been a Guide since 2010 and has responsibility for Commissary operations
Mark Potzler, Guide, Eagle Scout
Marc Potzler started canoeing as a young scout, and carried that passion with him his whole life. Marc joined several flatwater and whitewater canoeing and kayaking trips, including Pine Creek, PA; the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park; Cattaraugus Creek; the Badenkill River; many parts of the Adirondacks; and multiple trips to Algonquin. As Assistant Scoutmaster in his son’s troop, Marc led two trips to Philmont, joined 2 Birchbark trips, and many other backpacking and canoeing trips. In his off-time, Marc is a Technical Manager with Ehrlich Pest Control and is always hunting for bugs.
Ed Pozniak, Guide, Eagle Scout
Ed has guided for and directed the Homme du Nord program (predecessor to Birchbark Expeditions BSA) while a college student. He was an Army paratrooper for six years. An Assistant Scoutmaster for years, he is training his own kids in the ways of the woods. When a job has to be done, Ed’s military training comes through and he accomplishes his objective with efficiency and completeness. In the off-season, Ed is a senior manager for International Paper in Shreveport, Louisiana. He has been a Guide been a Guide since 2003.
Eric Reynolds, Guide, Fitness Trainer
Eric Reynolds lives near Buffalo, New York with his wife Katie, daughter Kiernan and sons Thorin and Aidan. He has more than 20 years of experience in the outdoors and enjoys being in the wilderness, paddling a canoe or exploring the woods; when he isn’t researching about life on the Old Northwest Frontier of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is a published author and has been the Scoutmaster of Troop 48 for more than 6 years. Eric started participating in Birchbark in 2012 and became a guide in 2014.
Hank Stopinski, Co-Chair and Program Training Coordinator
Hank Stopinski has spent the past 50 years in the outdoors camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting and Backpacking. Hank has worked as a forester and teacher of natural resource management and outdoor recreation. He has guided young people and adults on backpacking and canoe trips in the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, Western New York and Algonquin. He has been a Scoutmaster for Troop 92 in Swormville, earned Vigil recognition in the Order of the Arrow. He is the proud father of two Eagle Scouts (Jason and Peter) and is currently serving as the Superintendent of Schools for a local school district.
Joe Szadek, Guide
Since starting scouting as a youth more than 30 years ago and becoming actively involved in both at the council and troop level when his son joined 10 years ago, Joe has taken the definition of High Adventure to the next level. He was awarded the Scouter of The Year in 2017 and has been a quartermaster and currently serves as an assistant scoutmaster for the last 5 years. He leads the troop in high adventure trips going to the last 2 jamborees and taking on the additional role of zip line manager. He has participated in Birchbark and Philmont and will be taking 2 crews to Seabase this year and soon to Northern Tier. He has honed his skills as a Dutch Oven Master where scouts, leaders and adults wait in line for his concoctions. Before they hit the water, Joe serves up his infamous steak dinner with all the fixings. Scouting is year round for Joe in addition to working full time at CSX railroad as a facilities foreman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the program open to girls/women?
A: Birchbark Expeditions is a co-ed program, open to boys, girl, men and women. The program strictly adheres to the BSA Youth Protection and Adult Leadership policies.
Q: What’s needed for transportation?
A: Crews will need to provide their own transportation to/from our basecamp and within the park. Most crews use two personal vehicles or a single large van/bus per crew. If you would like to use any other arrangement, please contact us to accommodate alternate logistics.
Q: What proof of citizenship is needed to travel to Canada?
A: Participants traveling to Canada will need a passport, passport card or Enhanced Drivers License. Youth will also need a permission slip, (a completed and signed Informed Consent and Health Form -ABC with parents signature(s), address and phone number)
Q: How much spending money will scouts need?
A: You will likely need to make a few stops along the way and should plan on some money for snacks and souvenirs. Most crews like to go into town for Friday evening dinner (not included in program).
Q: Will we need Canadian currency in Canada?
A: When away from the border, businesses in Canada like to using their own money or debit/credit cards (preferred).
A: If a scout has special dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of registration. We’ll work to accommodate any special needs.
Q: Why does Birchbark recommend three people per canoe?
A: By traveling with two scouts and one adult in each canoe, we can usually execute “one trip portages”, moving the canoe and two canoe packs over the portage in one trip. This dramatically reduce the portage carry distances and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. An additional benefit is that we are able to use larger expedition canoes that travel faster and with less effort (especially when dealing with windy conditions)
Q: What are the portage trails like?
A: The very busy and popular portage trails are somewhat improved, but most portages are simple foot paths that have been cleared of downed trees/branches. They vary in length from a few meters to well over 2 kilometers. Your itinerary planning will include the portages that your crew will have to traverse and their difficulty.
Q: Can we bring our own canoes/tents/crew gear?
A: While it’s possible, it’s often not practical. Birchbark Expeditions provides a complete set of crew gear that includes expedition-grade Eureka tents that are similar to the tents used by many troops, new “Pocket Rocket” stoves and fuel, water purification system, a set of nesting pots, a tarp, utensils and much more. Drop a note to one of the Birchbark Guides at birchbark@wnyscouting.org and we’ll discuss your situation and specific needs.
Q: How extensive of a first aid kit does our crew need for the expedition?
A: It’s recommended that each crew bring a backcountry first aid kit with supplies for up to eight people for five days. In most cases, this should be no larger than a loaf of bread. Like all other gear taken on the water, it should be packed in a waterproof zip-lock or dry bag.
Q: Is there cellular phone coverage in Algonquin or the Adirondacks? How to you reach out in an emergency?
A: In both basecamp sites, there is usually mobile phone service, but once in the backcountry, there is no cellular service. Your Birchbark Expedition guide will have a Garmin inReach satellite communicator that can be used to summon help in emergency situations. Note that while in Canada, your phone plan must have Canada roaming enabled to avoid some huge roaming bills. Make an arrangement with your carrier for service in Canada.
Q: Will we see a moose? Beaver? Bears?
A: Moose sightings are fairly common, usually found in grassy bays and quiet parts of either park. In Algonquin, fairly common to see moose along the route 60 highway on the way to the Logging Museum. Beaver sightings are not as common, but you will see plenty of beaver dams and their houses. We rarely see bears in the backcountry, but they have become a problem in and around basecamp.
Q: Exactly what is a ‘portage’?
A: Taking a “portage” or the process of “portaging” is moving from one lake to another over land. This usually occurs when there is a dam, white water or rapids that would otherwise prevent paddling directly from one lake to another. Portages can vary from a few feet to close to 2 miles, depending on the itinerary selected by the crew. Most are rocky trails and can have steep ascents/descents. The best practices for making a portage are taught during the Shakedown training session, including tips to ensure each portage is walked only once.
Q: What ‘special’ personal gear would a participant need?
A: Participants are provided a complete list of personal gear that is recommended for a Birchbark Expedition, which includes a few canoeing-specific items: a very compact 40 degree sleeping bag with waterproof compression sack, closed-toe sandals (Keens are an example), and a 20L dry bag. Most of the remaining items are common with the needs for backpacking/hiking.
Q: What “facilities” are provided in the park interior?
A: Bathroom facilities in basecamp do have flush toilets. In the the backcountry, each campsite provides a “thunder box” set back some distance in the woods. A thunder box is latrine made from a 1 meter square wooden box with a hole and a wooden lid. The name comes from the sound of the lid slamming after each use. For mixed gender crews, we recommend taking an additional tarp that can be hung to provide some privacy.
Q: Explain the “ideal crew” and what if we have more/fewer participants?
A: The ideal crew would be six youth and two adults, plus a guide making 9 participants (the maximum Parks Ontario will allow in one camp site). Groups larger than this would be divided into two “sister” crews, which can shadow each other on the same trek or go their own way. We find that making two crews based on ability levels allows each crew to choose an itinerary that better fits their abilities. Small crews (5, 6 or 7 participants) can be accommodated, but with fewer people to carry canoes and crew gear, may require two-trip portages . Contact us at birchbark@wnyscouting.org to discuss your specific situation.
Q: We have a lot of parents interested so is it possible if the crews have more than 3 adults?
A: Crews can technically have any number of adults, but we do recommend that the adults don’t outnumber the scouts. Doing so, changes the dynamics of the group and often shifts the decision making away from the scouts. The trip is supposed to be lead by the scouts with the adults acting as advisors to facilitate their expedition.
Q: How bad are the bugs in Algonquin/Adirondacks during a Birchbark Expeditions?
A: One of benefits of going on your expedition in late July and August is that most of the bugs are done for the season. There are no Black Flies and the mosquitoes are manageable with proper clothing and bug repellant. We’ll cover this in our pre-expedition training.
Q: How about using a hammock?
A: Hammock camping is great in the backcountry, there are plenty of trees!
Calendar
Sponsors & Supporters
Birchbark Expeditions would not be able to operate with the financial support and contributions from our sponsors and community of supporters. Thanks to all of you for making the program possible!
