Maintaining Community and Values in a Time of Growth

By JJ (Jennifer Jupp) , Director

RITING THIS ARTICLE HAS been a gift. I’ve been diving deeply into the idea W of community. My favourite definition of community is from Wikipedia (of all places!) “A community is a social unit of any size that shares common values...It is a group of people who are connected by durable relations that extend beyond immediate genealogical ties, and who mutualy define that relationship as important to their social identity and practice.” Durable, important relationships….Camp Wanapitei - yes, that resonates. Camp Wanapitei has cultural norms and values that its community members have bought into for generations. Will these core aspects of Camp Wanapitei emotional investment in each other, leaders create a vision, articulate the change as a result of growth? As opportunities to give (influence), deep, vision, passionately own the vision and leaders, it is Woody and my honour and lifelong connections, and collective relentlessly drive it to completion. We responsibility to protect, enhance, experience” were salient contributions know that good leaders repeat that uphold, and celebrate the community to the discussions. Interestingly, when I vision over and over again. Woody and values that define Camp Wanapitei and was thinking/reading about how to hold I and other camp managers the Wanapitei experience. Together onto values and sense of community communicate “who we are” often. with our remarkably dedicated Board of during growth periods, many of these Opportunity to think “Why Directors, we focused much of our ideas came forward. Wanapitei?” and “Who are We?” is a attention to exploring and defining our Here’s the nitty gritty.... basic element of our staff training values and mission at a two-day retreat We continue to examine, define, and every summer. in September 2014. When asked what communicate who we are. Jack Welch, kept each of us coming back to the chairman and CEO of General ... continued on page 29 Wanapitei, “sense of community, Electric, once said that good business T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 2 Dreams and Traditions: The Evolution of Wanapitei

By Bruce Hodgins, President and Honourary Director, and Geof Hodgins, Board of Directors Co- Chair and Vice-President

S THE SOUND of a small bush plane faded, late in the morning of January 7, 1956, Stan and Laura Belle A Hodgins snowshoed across the bay towards an arched bridge and a collection of frozen, silent structures. They had fond memories of this place, where they had camped on a canoe trip in the summer of 1930, but now their emotions were subdued as they both knew where they were headed - this was the day they would commit to a dream; throw caution to the winter wind and start an adventure that, unbeknownst Swiss Navy at Wanapitei dates back al the way to the summer of 1956. to them, would last at least four generations. They poked about the story log structure. Wrapped in that begins with “They are brave and frigid buildings and, with darkness blankets, they spent the night on the they are bold”. As well, 1956 witnessed settling, receded to a magnificent two- kitchen table with the burners of the the first Wanapitei square dances and propane cook-stove on high. The pilot also the inaugural Swiss Navies. Yet it was back at 11:00 the next morning, as was Laura Belle who put, perhaps, the arranged. Following a turbulent flight most defining mark on the relaunching back to Temagami, Stan and Laura Belle of this Temagami based canoe tripping drove south, contacted Mr. Ed camp by insisting, from the start, that Archibald and signed the deal. The Wanapitei be a place where boys and camp had been established on Lake girls could experience the outdoors Volume 19, Number 1 Temagami in 1931 but since 1939 it had together, as equals. Winter 2016 operated as only an adult lodge. There For the next few years Wanapitei was much to be done, but Camp canoe trips explored the waterways of EDITOR ...... JENNIFER JUPP DESIGN & LAYOUT ...... ERIN SUNSTRUM Wanapitei would reopen for the the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, scouting

The Paddler is published by summer of 1956. routes that today are primarily paddled Camp Wanapitei Co-Ed Camps Ltd. The first year was small, with an by the Temagami and Coureur de Bois Canada’s premier canoe-tripping camp since 1931, average of about twenty-five campers, section. In 1960, the camp sent its first based in Temagami, Ontario. but from these modest beginnings canoe trip to Killarney and the Off-season address: Camp Wanapitei would come traditions that have following year Wanapitei paddled the 17B Southampton Street reverberated through all subsequent Mattagami to Moosonee, initiating the Guelph, ON N1H 5N3 summers. The canoeing standards of stalwart Wanapitei tradition of the Bay PHONE: (519) 767-9714 OR (888) 637-5557 Bladesperson, Jaysperson and Trip. Through the sixties, Wanapitei SUMMER PHONE: (705) 237-8830 Sternsperson were created for this also ran trips down the Dumoine, E-MAIL: [email protected] INTERNET: www.wanapitei.net initial summer as was the now cherished crest presentation ceremony ... continued on next page P A G E 3 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

... continued fom previous page program was launched. Over the next phenomena materialized around the eight years, the Voyageur program Wanapitei bridge. This welcome back Coulonge, Upper Missinaibi, Upper explored rivers in the Northwest ceremony quickly blossomed into one Wanapitei and Spanish Rivers, Territories, the Yukon and in Northern of Wanapitei’s most powerful and establishing the primary white-water Quebec to Ungava Bay. In 1984 empowering traditions. By 2006, training routes still used by the Pioneer something new was proposed – to start Wanapitei was firmly established as section today. in Great Slave Lake, spend three weeks Canada’s premier canoe tripping camp By 1971, the organization’s reputation as portaging, tracking and hauling up the but, with such an ambitious program a tripping focussed youth-camp was Snare River, cross the height of land and and an average enrollment of still only flourishing. However, Stan and Laura descend the Coppermine River to the about 75 campers at a time, it remained Belle, now in their 70s, were ready to Arctic Ocean. It was beyond anything financially fragile. pass the dream-torch. With that, Wanapitei had previously attempted In 2007, however, after a decade of Wanapitei staff, alumni and parents but with this initiative, suddenly, most talented but short-term managers, the came together and created Camp of Canada’s great northern rivers were camp landed one, and soon a second, Wanapitei Co-ed professional camp Camps Limited. director. With With a fifteen Woody and JJ at member board of the helm directors led by enrolment began a their son, Bruce, slow but steady and a strong climb to where, cooperative spirit, now, the camp is the new company operating with the took over the highest enrolment operation of the in its history. The camp. This facility is allowed Stan and undergoing needed Laura Belle to improvements, focus on the equipment is being Chateau, which upgraded and the they did for nearly tripping staff are two more decades. among if not the For the camp, this best trained and resulted in an certified of any influx of energy youth camp in the Surprisingly, the “under the Bridge” welcome-back - Wanapitei’s favorite and most powerful tradition and also some nation. As we head - did not start until the early 90s. badly needed cash. into the 85th year The Sangego trip- since Wanapitei within reach. stores were built for the summer of 1971 was established on Lake Temagami and 1985 – 2006 was a period of and Wanapitei began an ambitious the 60th season since Stan and Laura expansion of its tripping program. From consolidation and refinement for Belle relaunched it as a canoe trip 1972-74 the camp reached up both sides Wanapitei. The programs for Juniors, focused coed camp, they would be Temagamis, Coureurs de Bois, Pioneers, of James Bay to the Albany, Broadback, thrilled to know that this coming Bay Tippers and Voyageur 1 were more Rupert and Attawapiskat Rivers, laying summer over 350 youth will participate clearly defined. The Wilderness Leaders the groundwork for the yet to be in a Wanapitei experience; five of their established Voyageur 1 program. In 1975, in Training (WLIT) program was great-grandchildren as well as two great- only four years after the formation of established and the Voyageur II grandnieces will be on staff at Wanapitei program continued to explore new the company, Wanapitei ventured into and the Voyageur II program will routes, creating a legacy of adventures the North West Territories mounting a dispatch its 50th canoe trip expedition. that fanned across the Canadian Arctic. trip down the famed Nahanni River and It would appear that their dream the what is now the Voyageur II Also, sometime in the early 1990s an remains alive and in good hands. incredible and completely unplanned T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 4 Juniors and Temagamis: Let the Adventure Begin!

JUNIORS

DATES: July 14 – 16 2015

LEADERS: Erin Brophy, Connor Cepella, Cori-Anne Huisman, Junior campers start a pile on with their leader, Connor, next to the play structure. David James. PARTICIPANTS: Lucas Dalrymple, arm of Lake Temagami and then came Day 2 Maureen Hodnett, Ronan Linzel, right back and loaded up again to Distance travelled: 0km Beckett Mars, Evan Rockel, Emma escape the barrage of bugs. We rushed Hours on the water: 2 Syme, Sarah Thomson. out of Pickerel Bay and spotted a beaver We awoke bright and early this before paddling across the lake to the morning when the Temags got up and Day 2 jumping rocks. We all threw ourselves began preparing to go under the bridge. off the cliffs into the deep pool below Distance traveled: 7.5km They had oatmeal and debriefed while screaming the whole way down before Hours on the water: 3 we had eggs, bacon and english muffins. snacking on some trail mix, chips, and Quote of the Day: “Well the last boat We enjoyed a cuddle puddle with the salsa. Dinner time rolled around and a that stopped gave us pizza, let’s wave at Temags before waving them goodbye motor boat from camp surprised us this one too.” - Beckett and staying for a while to explore the with a fresh pizza delivery! We ate more We had a glorious sleep in today and forest. Beckett found a moss trampoline pizza than we could handle, finished it woke up all snuggled up to each other in and shared it with the group. We off with some s’mores and headed off to our massive six-person tents. Cori packed up a couple of day-packs and bed once again, this time on Ferguson whipped up some delicious pancakes paddled down to the next campsite Point. Great day guys! Back to (thanks Connor for making the mix!) where the Ferguson hike trail begins. camp tomorrow! and we packed up the campsite. We all We passed the C de Bs who were also learned how to use stuff sacks and dry going under the bridge today on our bags in order to fit all of our stuff back way over to the other Juniors’ campsite. into the boats. Sarah went for an All of us lined up and conquered the DATES: July 20 – 22 2015 accidental swim, and then a purposeful beautiful hike to the top of Ferguson one afterwards to collect the water where there is a gorgeous view of camp. bottle she lost in the first one. We LEADERS: Eamonn Gogan, Cori-Anne Soaking in the view we munched some snacked on apples, eggs, and yogurt for Huisman, David James. oranges and took some group photos lunch before leaving our lovely first PARTICIPANTS: Maureen Hodnett, before prancing back down and campsite behind. We paddled into Madeleine Iles, Beckett Mars, Alice paddling back to our site. Beckett, Cori Pickerel Bay and all got out to test our Torrie, Malcolm Torrie, Lyric White, and David whipped up some grilled portage skills. We portaged to the other Pike White. cheese with tomatoes and green pepper. P A G E 5 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

We waved at the Connor came to the WLITs as they rescue and retrieved passed and also the the lure. Afterwards, second C de Bs the Juniors bravely (wow the bay is busy faced the frigid today!). We loaded waters and practiced into boats again but their sweet surf this time turned up moves on the the lake and paddled smooth, algae to the jumping rocks covered rocks. Once where we met the everyone was other Juniors and finished with the enjoyed jumping and water, the mighty playing in the water Juniors enjoyed a with them. It was hot meal of grilled nearing dinner time cheese and hot so we returned to chocolate prepared our campsite once by Erin. With full again and set up for bellies, the Juniors the night. We relaxed and Erin “forgot” our oatmeal read a story of a dinner and were challenging glacial “surprised” by a traverse, involving pizza delivery!!!!!! crevasses and risk Woohooo!!! Nursing assessment, which full tummies we kept all the Juniors lounged on the rocks Juniors share a towel and dry off afer a refeshing dip in the lake. on the edge of their in the sun and swam seats. Later that yet again. Then Cori evening, the Juniors started a fire for s’mores and we all begin our canoe tripping adventure. explored a trail which twisted through enjoyed some delicious marshmallows Once everyone had finished packing large red and white pines, along cliffs, which disappeared verrrryy quickly. and boats were loaded, the mighty and over rivers. Everyone learned Then we slowly all left to go to our Junior B’s were ready to embark. Soon something about the forest and gained a tents. Goodnight, Juniors!!! after passing under the bridge our team greater appreciation for the pristine quickly realized that the going was Temagami wilderness as the evening sun going to be tough - but here at Camp twinkled through the tree tops. Smells Wanapitei, the tough get going! Singing like dinners ready! Everyone tucked DATES: July 20 – 22 2015 songs and chatting about the beautiful into a warm bowl of macaroni and wilderness that surrounded our troop, cheese followed by teeth brushing and the mighty Juniors paddled on. The LEADERS: Erin Brophy and another bedtime story. Off to bed for capable leaders decided to reroute the Connor Cepella everyone - another big day tomorrow! expedition and make for shore, due to PARTICIPANTS: Olivia Gregersen the challenging paddling conditions and Curtis, Anna Iwanowski, Jack Licop, cumbersome boats. Upon arriving at Charlie Ruff, Tenzin Ruff, Simon West. our picturesque campsite, surrounded DATES: July 30 – August 1 2015 by old growth forest and smooth rocky

Day 1 shores, the Juniors began to set up LEADERS: Isaac Beattie-Booth, Hours on the water: 1.5 camp. Firewood was gathered by all, Matthew Fyfe, Eamonn Gogan, Weather: Overcast and rainy. and the Juniors discovered a small Helen Thomas. We awoke to wind in our hair and the mossy sanctuary which they named smell of pancakes wafting from the heaven. Later, Jack decided to go fishing dining hall. Everyone was excited to and unfortunately caught a snag but T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 6

PARTICIPANTS: Axel Ayotte, Liam in a motor boat and brought us pizza. Quote of the Day: “Pitter patter, I Brown, Sadi Gibson, Brenna Hardie, Thanks Chud! After savouring a call scatter!” Roxy Pearce Basman, Daya Silverstein. beautiful sunset, we went to sleep with After a fantastic lice check via JJ we our bellies full. smoothly loaded the boats. Before we Day 2 could depart we all double checked that everybody had hats, Distance travelled: 3km sunscreen and both of their Weather: Windy, rainy, whistles. When we finally left the thundershowers. docks we paddled on calm water Quote of the Day: Liam: “If you and, upon Harry and Drew’s could dematerialize any person in request, Eamonn retold the story the world, who would it be?” of the Pink Flamingo Hotel. We Daya: “Rob Ford”. stopped by Tea Bag for a tasty We woke up at 8:00 and lunch of bagels with cream enjoyed some bacon and eggs. cheese. Eric and Daya ate their Afterwards we packed a day bag, bagels while imperialistically grabbed our life jackets and water declaring the area to be their bottles, and departed to Pickerel territory. After that, we paddled Bay to hike the portage. Along to our campsite on Pickerel Bay the way, we stopped at Tea Bag where the boats were unpacked where Matt helpfully picked up and all four leaders gave a quick some tent poles for Hallie while lesson on collecting firewood and we all participated in the blissful going poo in the woods. Brenna act of hydration. After a short and Tilly were especially paddle to Pickerel Bay we were concerned with the concept of greeted by some river booty! A the “buddy poo”. Helen, Matt and new water bottle and a pen. As we Isaac prepared a scrumptious stir walked the trail Sadi recited her fry and everyone lined up for Harry Potter knowledge and, their share. Afterwards, Eamonn upon our arrival at the end, Helen whipped up some no bakes where provided us with some apples. On Hug a tree! A Temagami camper shows nature a little love. the campers proceeded to get our paddle back, we were their hands especially sticky. After ominously stalked by a storm a quick pot vouch we all cleaned off in cloud accompanied by thunder roaring the lake and retired to bed where we in the distance. As we arrived at DATES: August 5 - 7 2015 immediately fell asleep. Ferguson and got unpacked we had a lunch of tortillas lathered with PB & J. LEADERS: Isaac Beattie-Booth, Mmmmm. The Juniors, who had TEMAGAMI (EARLY JULY) Matthew Fyfe, Eamonn Gogan, successfully covered themselves with Helen Thomas. PB, were ushered for a mandatory ROUTE: Obabika Scoop. Camp – Napoleon PARTICIPANTS: Rowen Conrad, Drew swim. Liam, Axel and Daya were Portage – Sharp Rock Portage – Diamond Gibson, Brenna Hardie, Eric Ingoe, practicing their bum slides down the Lake – Bob Lake - Unnamed Lake – rocks when we felt the first drops of Maeve Krentz, Harry Lavigne-Schmidt, Shishkong Lake – Obabika Lake – Shams Lena-Guettai, Claire rain. The kids immediately ran out of Wakimika Lake – Diamond Lake –Sharp Marchildon, Roxy Pearce Basman, Daya the water and shortly afterwards we Rock – Pickerel Bay – Ferguson Bay – Camp. Silverstein, Tilley Thom. were greeted by a thunderstorm. We all DATES: July 2 – 7 2015 hopped into the tents and initiated the lightning drill. The boys shared stories Day 1 LEADERS: Eamonn Gogan, Julia and Brenna read to the girls. After the Distance travelled: 5km storm we realized that we forgot to Hours on the water: 2.5 Higgins, Bernard Rechico Moisan. pack our dinner of 8-grain! Luckily, a Weather: Overcast, occasional rain mysterious man named “Chud” arrived P A G E 7 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

PARTICIPANTS: Keitay Becker, Angel Diamond Lake - Sharp Rock – Napoleon a small cliff we portaged, and into our Jones, Seamus Scaia-Wilson, Reid Scott- Portage – Lake Temagami – Camp. third and last Canton Lake of the day. Thomas, Henry Wilson-Sadlowski. DATES: July 16 – 21 2015 GORP on the water. Pizza on the beautiful rock overlooking the lake (thanks for the help, Dante!). Brownies Day 1 LEADERS: Matthew Fyfe and for dessert and fun card games made for Hours on the water: 7.5 Sasha Pickering an early night. We watched a Weather: Sunny and windy. PARTICIPANTS: Anne Carscallen, multicolored sunset and raced the Quote of the Day: “OMG I’m so smart; Dante Fenos, Levi Gray, Alexander mosquitoes to bed at perhaps our nicest I said three smart things today.” - Henry. Iwanowski, Xander Linzel, campsite of the trip. All the Temagami’s were antsy to leave Sasha Zuchlinski. Goodnight Temags! for trip while Bernard, Julia, and Eamonn finished up the last little bit of Day 3 work. We finally left around 11:00 am Distance traveled: 5.5km and were so excited to be on trip!!! As Hours on the water: 4.5 TEMAGAMI (LATE JULY) we paddled over to our first portage, Weather: Overcast, becoming sunny Keitay and Angel taught us a little bit Quote of the Day: Dante: “This swamp ROUTE: Bear Island Excursion. Camp - about their Ojibway heritage and Keitay smells awful!” Matt: “No, I farted.” Devil’s Bay - Kokoko Lake and Bay - Bear tried to teach us the proper We dreamt of sun and woke up to gray Island - Ferguson Bay - Camp. pronunciation of her full first name. We skies. Oatmeal was made upon request DATES: July 16 – 21 2015 arrived at Napoleon portage just in time with loads of fixins. Slowly, we made our for lunch of bagels, cream cheese, way into our boats but only after Alex, cucumber, and tomatoes. We completed LEADERS: Grant Conover and Dante and Xander completed the the hard first portage and continued on Morgan Hodgins infamous task known as the trifecta to the next one! As it was only 75 m, the PARTICIPANTS: Destiny Greyson, move. 10 points all around! We flew Temags destroyed it. We headed to Hailie Greyson, Jackson Leggett, over the first portage, with Alex what we thought might be our campsite Alexander Rose, Jacob Seymour, carrying a boat and Xander carrying the for the night only to find that it was Leonardo Thomson, Bridget West, wannigan. Saying hello and promptly already inhabited - by a former Margot West. goodbye to Canton Lake #5 we Wanapitei-er no less! We continued on portaged the short distance to the next campsite, again and, while we were unloading, Bernard where the tossed Seamus’s “supposedly deer flies unbreakable” Nalgene onto a rock and flew like broke the top right off! Reid, Keitay, mad, but Angel, Seamus, and Henry did a bit of morale was exploring of the island and found a pair high. of neat sunglasses that they kindly Canton gifted to Bernard who had forgotten his Lake #4 at camp. We began dinner and Henry was a eagerly helped chop carrots for stir fry. beautiful After a filling dinner, we all headed to spot for a bed to get rested up for our 1.2 km floating portage tomorrow! Goodnight Temags! lunch. Yummy tuna TEMAGAMI (LATE JULY) wraps! Into a ROUTE: Canton Lakes. Camp – Pickerel swamp we Bay – Thunderhead Lake – James Lake – (literally) Stiles Lake – Log Lake – Bob Lake – jumped! Up Calm breeze, sunny skies - what a day for the Temags to start trip! T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 8

Hunter, Owen Krentz, Adelaide Lavigne-Schmidt, Gabrielle Moore, Rafe Murray, Mia Onstad-Bauld, Max Pearce Basman.

Day 4 Distance traveled: 7km Hours on the water: 9 Weather: Rainy We woke up early in preparation for the big day ahead. As everybody packed up, Mark went ahead and portaged a couple of boats before breakfast. Once Mark had returned, we had a breakfast of oatmeal with tons of brown sugar, and more tasty stuff! The brown sugar Soup’s on! A Temag camper keeps watch on the fire as dinner is prepared. now rushing through everybody’s veins, we suddenly all began to act like group gear across. We then lazily floated monkeys, thus we became the Fernbutt Day 5 across the channel to Ferguson with the colony, a highly intelligent ape colony Distance traveled: 8km wonderful whale tinds propelling us who had strange fern-like tails! The Hours on the water: 3.5 only to discover that the Ferguson Fernbutts piled themselves and all their Weather: Sunny with some very campsites were occupied by two Junior packs into three boats and we were off strong tailwinds trips. After a quick leader meeting we to the biggest portage of our trip. As Quote of the Day: “I know a place near decided to camp with the Juniors! we made our way up and down the Sangego, where Temags say hey and Firewood was collected and a snack winding and hilly trail, the Fernbutts wave hello, it’s a wonderful place it puts lunch was enjoyed; Alex, Leo, and Jacob stayed quite chipper and we finished a smile on your face, everyone loves all brought back tremendous loads of the portage quite quickly and after a Wanapitei!” –Jacob and Jackson wood. We then had a nice swim at the photoshoot and a snack by the The last full day of trip, we had a bit campsite and lazed around for a bit waterfall, we kept moving. We paddled of a sleep in but still got off the site in before eating a tasty dinner of spag and across the small lake to the next portage good time because the campers packed enjoying a delicious dessert of s’mores. where Sarah (from Temag B)’s parents up and loaded boats in an hour flat! Big After reading some books in the tent were stopped for lunch after finishing thanks to Hailie for helping take down we went to sleep with dreams of the the portage in the opposite direction. the boys’ tent. Meanwhile the leaders bridge tomorrow. We quickly unloaded our boats and were preparing our scrumptious started putting the heavy packs onto breakfast of buns de sin with help from our backs which impressed Sarah’s Destiny on the sauce. These were loved TEMAGAMI (EARLY AUGUST) parents. At the end of our portage, we by all although the campers weren’t as were all feeling peckish, so we had a hungry as usual and Grant got to eat a bird lunch of summer sausage, crackers, ROUTE: Canton Lakes. Camp – Pickerel lot of leftovers. While we packed and cheese, GORP and more. We finally Bay – Thunderhead Lake – James Lake – ate a group paddled by and Margot and approached our third and final portage Stiles Lake – Log Lake – Bob Lake – Jackson led the group in a rendition of of the day and were pleased to see a Diamond Lake - Sharp Rock – Napoleon nice, flat and wide trail. The Fernbutts the ‘Augustus Gloop’ dance to cheer Portage – Lake Temagami – Camp. them on. We pushed off the site and portaged like champs and in no time DATES: August 1 - 6 2015 began our paddle towards Pickerel Bay the boats were loaded and we were and after a brief encounter with a group ready to go. As we paddled across the of testosterone filled Vikings from LEADERS: Cori-Anne Huisman, Mark windy and rainy channel, the sun came Langskip in war canoes we arrived at Nicol, Bernard Rechico Moisan. out and created an awesome rainbow the portage. We rocked the portage and PARTICIPANTS: Islay Ballantyne, Kate right by the water! We could almost Margot, Bridget, and Jackson all carried Blumberg, Samantha Brown, Abby touch the end of the rainbow! We made P A G E 9 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 our way through the narrows only to once more for Pickerel Bay with Justin LEADERS: David James and realize that many of the campsites were and Emma having a swordfight in one Stephanie Vaughn taken, however one of the campsites of the boats. We rocked Pickerel Bay PARTICIPANTS: Myrna Burns, Jemima that was too small for us had a huge Portage - of course. Braeden had a Cohnstaedt, Lauren de Simone, perfect pile of firewood! Everyone small mishap into the water unloading Madeline Fintelman, Rowan Helman, rejoiced at the idea of not having to get and Sarah took three loads across the Nuan Qi Law-Gallagher, Duncan firewood for the night. Finally we portage. We paddled to our campsite McKay, Kai Samuel-Szablowski, reached a nice campsite where where, rather than doing dishes, Nabeel Shamsi. everybody went for a swim and washed. Jackson, Lucas, Judah, and Kate made a Rice and beans were made with lots of small waterfall down the rocks at the help from Islay and Addy, followed by side of our campsite. Dishes were Day 3 some more marshmallows and we were eventually done and dinner of spag was Distance traveled: 20km off to bed. Great day Fernbutts! prepared and enjoyed by all. Goodnight Hours on the water: 9 guys, sleep well, tomorrow’s the bridge. Weather: Hot, tail winds. Quote of the Day: “Wait, when do we turn back to camp?” - Kai. TEMAGAMI (EARLY AUGUST) We woke up early to beat the winds TEMAGAMI (LATE AUGUST) on Wakimika and had a super fast pack ROUTE: Obabika Scoop. Camp – Napoleon up. We ate some pineapple and peach Portage – Sharp Rock Portage – Diamond ROUTE: Obabika Loop. Camp – Napoleon crisp for breakfast and then finished the Lake – Bob Lake - Unnamed Lake – and Sharp Rock Portages – Diamond Lake - portage before we ate. We paddled Shishkong Lake – Obabika Lake – Wakimika Lake - Obabika Lake - Obabika down the Wakimika with some tail Wakimika Lake – Diamond Lake –Sharp Inlet - Lake Temagami – Ferguson winds and stopped for a sunscreen and Rock – Pickerel Bay – Ferguson Bay – Camp. Bay - Camp. teeth brushing break. We then talked about Temag bachelor with Duncan as DATES: August 1 – 6 2015 DATES: August 15 - 20 2015 the main man. We paddled on and, as it turns out, Nabeel is the real Slim Shady! LEADERS: Grant Conover and As we paddled, we sang some great Morgan Hodgins. PARTICIPANTS: Emma Bickerton, Lucas Conrad, Kate Funnekotter, Sarah Ingoe, Jackson Leggett, Braeden Moore, Judah Onstad-Bauld, Justin Rotsaert.

Day 5 Distance traveled: 15km Hours on the water: 5.5 Weather: Sunny with a lot of wind Quote of the Day: “Faster than Morgan! Faster than Morgan!” - Braeden Woke up after a small sleep-in and started making some cinnamon buns in beavertail form. There was a slight shower as we glided across Diamond towards Sharp Rock with some sweet whale tinds (tail winds). Shot across the portage and before we knew it we were eating lunch at the bottom of Beaver Island. Tons of scatter was played and no bakes were eaten and then we set off On this Temag trip, reeds sometimes make it feel like paddling on a field rather than a lake. T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 10 songs with Nuan. Once we reached the PARTICIPANTS: Alexandra Hyland, shore where Paige found a pool floaty end of Wakimika we paddled on the Cynthia Kerbler, Bridget Kim, Rhys that Erin enjoyed a nice lounge on in Wakimika Creek. We got a little turned Matthew, Paige Saravanamuttoo, Mateo the lake. We unloaded boats at the put- around on the creek but we eventually Seymour, Amalia Tinmouth, Augustin in of Napoleon portage and wolfed found our way out, dragging over a Woods Pneumaticos. down some no-bakes with extra wow giant beaver dam butter…WOW! The where Duncan lost a extra honey and tooth. We paddled brown sugar was over two more dams scrumptious but also but they were very nauseating and mostly submerged. the group had to We had GORP have another lounge again for snack then break before they swam at the lake in could begin the the middle of the portage. Ninja was creek. On Obabika played and leaders Lake we saw a blue were dogpiled…until heron cross the it was finally decided river! We then had a it was time to take floating lunch of on Napoleon. The tortillas and Temags loaded up hummus with some and charged the trail killer tailwinds on like beasts, finishing Obabika. Lauren in two mighty loads! dropped her paddle Back on the water 8 times in the we went and course of the day! watched as our final Myrna did a great portage faded into job sterning all day the shore line and especially in the became a distant creek where she memory. More showed some great Canoe tripping isn’t just about time on the water - Temags do some exploring on a day hike. headwinds met us leadership in her on the other side boat. We paddled down to our portage however and the Temags muscled their on Obabika where we camped on the Day 5 way across Ferguson Bay towards our portage and had some chili and rice for Hours on the water: 8 final campsite; commonly known as supper. Goodnight, Temags! Weather: Headwinds, some light rain. Pride Rock. It was announced that The Temagami B’s awoke on the pizza would be had for dinner so the morning of day 5 feeling strong and full Temags willingly gathered extra loads of of energy! We tucked into a firewood! Paired pizza buddies TEMAGAMI (LATE AUGUST) scrumptious breakfast of chocolate chip creatively dressed their individual pizzas pancakes fried in extra marg by Connor. to perfection and were roasted by Erin ROUTE: Canton Lakes. Camp – Pickerel No Name syrup served on the side did and Connor. The pizza was devoured Bay – Thunderhead Lake – James Lake – not compare to real maple syrup but and with full bellies the group played a Stiles Lake – Log Lake – Bob Lake – managed to hit the spot. Boats were rowdy game of Character Wars. It came Diamond Lake - Sharp Rock – Napoleon loaded and the Temag B’s were on the down to a final battle between Mateo Portage – Lake Temagami – Camp. water and ready to take on the day. The and Gus, which required a special guest DATES: August 15 - 20 2015 group battled some intense headwinds judge (Connor) to make the final but managed to make the crossing decision. Mateo was announced the towards the final portage of the trip: ultimate winner, although it was an LEADERS: Erin Brophy and Napoleon! A short break was had on the extremely close round! Once tucked in Connor Cepella P A G E 11 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 their tents, it seemed it was going to be rocks. We ate some a quiet night until the girls tent broke granola with peaches into song around midnight! After a and pineapple for lovely serenading the group finally breakfast and packed settled down eager to see the crowd up super quickly—day that would await them on the bridge off to a good start. the next day. Goodnight Temag B’s - First stop: the great job today! pictured rocks, paintings done by the Anishinaabe over a century ago. We then scooted up to the Lady Evelyn chutes Historical Routes and lined down the little drop into the beautiful Lady Evelyn with the Lake. We got on our way north, up towards our portage turn off Coureurs de Bois stopping for some gravity (granola bars) and then for lunch of Cliff jumping or super-powers? Only this CdeB knows for sure. COUREUR DE BOIS potato salad. Oliver (EARLY JULY) and Jake had hot sauce consuming – Hobart Lake – Maple Mountain – Tupper battles while the hungriest kids, namely Lake – Sharp Rock – Diamond Lake – Napolean portage – Lake Temagami – Camp. ROUTE: Frank Fals Switchback. Camp - Ben, ate the salad faster than we could Napolean portage - Sharp Rock portage - even serve it. Back on the water and off DATES: July 14 - 21 2015 Diamond Lake - Lady Evelyn Lake - Lady to the first portage. A speedy two loads Evelyn River - Frank Fals - Wilow Island - and Ethan carried a boat by himself LEADERS: Julia Higgins and Lake - reverse to Camp. for the whole potage! We enjoyed a Harry Silbaugh quick snack of chocolate chunks and DATES: June 30 – July 7 2015 PARTICIPANTS: Matthew Czubak, Ella had a quick paddle to the next portage Iles, Finnegan Kilmurray, Margaret where Oliver followed suit and also Nott, Russell Roberge, Aidan Roscoe, LEADERS: Sam Angel, Cori-Anne carried a canoe by himself! The day Huisman, Rebekah Richardson-Duffy Maizie Solomon, Isis Rose Sullivan, wouldn’t be complete without Dana Ross Torrie, Alex Wiklo. PARTICIPANTS: Oliver Bell, Jake getting soaked. We finished our day Breckles, Emily Butterworth, Amelia with a slow paddle to our campsite in a Daly, Gemma Fudge, Ben Hannah, narrow and beautiful channel on the Day 5 Griffon Hoeven, Ethan Leckie, Hanse Lady Evelyn River. After firewood and Distance travelled: 0 – Rest Day! Sahai, Dana Scott-Thomas, Callum tents, we all went for a big swim and Hours on the water: 0 Thomson, Charlotte Welch. before too long we had a late dinner of Weather: Cloudy, some rain. the trip classic: mac n cheese. A good Quote of the Day: “Come to think of it, Day 3 night’s rest is in order. I actually hate walking.” – Margaret, halfway down Maple Mountain. Distance travelled: 14km A hearty breakfast of 8 grain with PB Hours on the water: 9 & J to give us energy to hike the second Weather: Sunny, moderate headwinds COUREUR DE BOIS tallest peak in Ontario. After a very Quote of the Day: “It feels way softer (LATE JULY) short paddle to the beginning of the with the back of your hand” - Jake hike, we finally began. About two hours We woke up early to beautiful blue ROUTE: Twin Peaks. Camp – Lake and many batches of moose poop later, skies, looking out across the north arm Temagami – Devil’s Mountain – Sharp Rock we were at the top! We had to scale a of Diamond Lake at the fabled pictured Inlet – Lady Evelyn Lake – Sucker Gut Lake pretty steep cliff near the top but boy T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 12 was the view worth it! We explored the Day 4 peak and found an old fire tower. After COUREUR DE BOIS Distance travelled: 7km a snack of dried fruit, Alex lost his Hours on the water: 6.5 (LATE JULY) tooth! And about 20 minutes later, Finn We awoke cheery with memories of lost a tooth as well! What a the bumsliding from the day before still coincidence. After the snack, the ROUTE: Lady Evelyn-South Channel. whirling around in our heads. With Camp – Napolean portage – Beaver Island – weather turned on us and it began to efficiency, the group was able to rain. We headed back down the Lady Evelyn Lake – Wilow Island Lake – conquer most of the remainder of the mountain, which was much easier than Frank Fals – Centre Fals – Helen Fals – portage around Centre Falls despite its the way up much to Margaret’s Haps Fals – Bridal Veil Fals – Fat Man immense steepness before breakfast of appreciation. We passed many groups Fals – Wilow Islands Lake – Sharp Rock – chocolate chip and fresh picked Napolean portage – Ferguson Bay – Camp. on their way up to the mountain. We blueberry pancakes!! Wahoo! We then decided to stop at our campsite from DATES: July 14 - 21 2015 paddled to the portage to go around the previous night to have a lunch of Helen Falls, but luckily we decided to potato salad. After food was eaten, it LEADERS: Alex Hodgins and Rebekah paddle just past the portage after we was decided that we would camp at the Richardson-Duffy had found it because that gave us the same place again for fear that the many PARTICIPANTS: Ted Cass, John Epton, amazing opportunity to check out that other groups were inhabiting the few Eric Gravelle, Evan Kauffman, Simon magical Helen Falls. The portage campsites in the next few lakes. After Paris, Cole Rinehart, Jude Roberge, proved to be difficult because the trail re-setting up camp, dinner was made Henry Seymour, Owen Taylor, was a little steep and challenging to and eaten and dishes were done. Aiden Drew Wood. navigate for the first quarter but also posed for pictures pretending to do because the portage was a blueberry dishes while the true cleaners were hard Kingdom. The blueberries were so good at work. Goodnight, CdeBs! and so large that we found ourselves bending over with heavy loads on our backs to stop and pick a few. After Helen Falls portage the rain really started to set in but we pushed forward doing two more fairly non-descript portages as today became one of those days where you arrive at the campsite tired and very wet. Luckily we had not used up the perfect meal to rejuvenate the crew. Miraculously, there was a small amount of dry wood left in the forest so boiled up some water and before we knew it Big Soup was served and slurped down by all the campers. A little guitar and then sleep.

COUREUR DE BOIS (LATE JULY)

ROUTE: Anima-Nippising Montreal. Camp – Sharp Rock – Lady Evelyn Lake – Maple Mountain – Mowat’s Landing – Montreal River – Bay Lake – Anima-Nippising Lake – Carrying Lake – Red Squirrel Lake – Red Squirrel River – Ferguson Bay – Camp. Strong tailwinds mean an afernoon of sailing for these Coureurs de Bois. P A G E 13 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 5

DATES: July 14 - 21 2015

LEADERS: Sam Angel, Owen Melanson, Fiona Ross. PARTICIPANTS: Katie Berwick, Eric Chaput, Mathieu Forster, Daniel Horton, Callum Keenan, Amber Kerr, Benjamin Lariviere, Mackenzie Latimer, Patrick Richardson, Leona Zuchlinski.

Day 3 Distance travelled: 17km Hours on the water: 7 Weather: Blue skies, hot, sunny, mild winds. We keep getting lucky! We awoke again to blue skies and sun. Callum got up nice and early and was a huge help by waking up the rest of the group. We Coureur de Bois girls arm in arm during a walk through town at the end of trip. packed up our things and loaded our boats while pancakes were cooked in hop into Lake Wanapitei – French River – more narrow until the water ran out! the kitchen. We all ate up the cakes and Georgian Bay - Kilarney – bus to Camp – Two quick lift-overs and a small drag were quickly off the site. We began our paddle under the Bridge. later and we were back in deep water. paddle out of the narrows and into the DATES: July 4 - 22 2015 We ate lunch of chaps with hummus on northern part of Lady Evelyn Lake. We a tiny island with Isaac thinking about powered through the lake to the mouth the possible ways to make a crayfish LEADERS: Mark Nicol and of the Lady Evelyn River, lunching on trap on trip. Helen Thomas an island at the beginning of the river. We continued down battling the Cabbage salad, mafia and scatter were PARTICIPANTS: Isaac Ewing, Miguel headwinds and got the occasional whiff enjoyed by most before continuing Gomeza de Larrea, Hannah Licop, of the briny bay. In a relaxed fashion we down the river to the hydro dam, James Paterson, Frida Purdon. navigated the many islands and Hannah camping right before it on river left did her five minutes of fame. We (well used campsite, much boat traffic, Day 14 camped early on a beautiful rock decent tent spots). We all had a swim Distance travelled: 16km campsite with a view of Georgian Bay. and Eric, Callum and Ben helped with Hours on the water: 6 The campers, speared on by Isaac, made dinner (pizza) before we all sat on a nice Weather: Hot and sunny, headwinds. amazing mac and cheese while the spot in the gaze of the sunset and had a Quote of the Day: “My socks are on leaders collected firewood and did the peaceful bonding time where we fire.” – Hannah dishes. We all went to bed early so that reflected on how great of a group we are We reached the bay today! We awoke we could be ready for tomorrow’s early and how much we have to be thankful early to delicious 8 grain and quickly got morning adventure. for. An incredible moment we off the campsite to little headwinds. We unanimously agreed. Wicked day. ☺ paddled down the channel enjoying the rocky scenery. We paddled for a little while before we saw a fawn swimming COUREUR DE BOIS in the water in front of us. It swam next (EARLY AUGUST) COUREUR DE BOIS (JULY) to us for a little bit attempting to get out on the rocky shore until eventually ROUTE: Obabika River – Wawiagama ROUTE: Sturgeon-Wanapitei-French- it found a marsh and trotted away. After Lake. Camp - Napolean and Sharp Rock Kilarney. Camp – Obabika Lake – that deer experience we found the portages - Diamond Lake - Wakimika Lake Wawgamika Lake – Sturgeon River – lake Voyageur Channel that got more and and River - Obabaka Lake and River - T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 14

Wawiagama River - Obabika Lake - Devil’s Charlotte got the best ride as she hung Uma Roberts, Sebastian Shaw, Sam Bay - Ferguson Bay - Camp. out in the bow of the boat. Once we got Sutherland, Camdyn Wilson, DATES: July 30 – August 6 2015 to Obabika Lake we headed to our Nikita Zameshaev. campsite and prepared for a storm but got blue sky as storms passed on either LEADERS: Owen Melanson and Day 5 side of us. We cooked yummy pizza as Fiona Ross Distance travelled: 8km Malcolm, Ollie and Theo did belly flops. PARTICIPANTS: Madeleine Brown, Hours on the water: 8 The day ended as we ate s’mores and Weather: Sun and cloud Parker Chase, Max Dorozynski, reflected upon the day by the campfire. Malcolm Earnshaw, Anna We woke up to blue Hatcher, Charlotte Hayes, skies and soggy tents Oliver Kalff, Theo following a wild storm that passed in the night. Kalff-Duschenes, We quickly did a load of Min Timmins, Hap Falls before having a Peri Yee. hearty breakfast of 8-grain to get us ready for the day Day 3 ahead. We had the boats Distance travelled: 11km packed and ready and Hours on the water: 8 quickly crossed the river Weather: Fantasy weather to visit Hap Wilson’s (sunny with Cabin. We were told there thunderstorms on either was a little visitors cabin side of us) where we could sign our Today we woke up to names but no such cabin bacon and egg was found. We got to sandwiches, which fueled Bridal Veil where our leap us for our two portages. frogging with Temagami During our first portage Clearwater continued we pulled up into this A Coureur de Bois camper navigates masterfuly through shalow waters. (they were taking a rest day swampy bay and Theo fell there). We blasted down waist deep in mud. Yikes! However, the the steep drop and were right on time mud didn’t get Theo down, he pushed COUREUR DE BOIS for another portage before lunch. We through and carried the wannigan over (EARLY AUGUST) did the 945m portage which was the rocky portage. After our first practically a cake walk for the kids portage we swam and ate oranges and (Camdyn took the wanni the whole enjoyed the gorgeous view. ROUTE: Lady Evelyn South Channel. Camp – Napolean portage – Beaver Island – way!). At the end we had curry and rice For our second portage we were all wraps (we were supposed to eat the Lady Evelyn Lake – Wilow Island Lake – ready to challenge ourselves by taking curry for last night’s dinner). Fat Man Frank Fals – Centre Fals – Helen Fals – heavy packs and working as a team. was just around the corner. At the Haps Fals – Bridal Veil Fals – Fat Man The second portage flew by before we portage, the kids did an absolutely even knew it! Once back on the water Fals – Wilow Islands Lake – Sharp Rock – Napolean portage – Ferguson Bay – Camp. amazing job of getting things across and we paddled to a sandy beach spot down to the water. The map sports a DATES: July 30 – August 6 2015 perfect for lunch. We ate and enjoyed caution warning beside this portage but tuna sandwiches as we watched grey the kids totally showed it up and it was clouds roll by us. LEADERS: Sam Angel and Rebekah incident free. Uma made it all the way As we paddled down the Wakimika Richardson-Duffy down with the encouraging words of River we all felt like we were in a video PARTICIPANTS: Charlotte Briceno, Charlie. Up next was a little lift over game. We paddled around obstacles and Riley Buckle, Clare Farley, Charlotte and some swifties to avoid a 350m ducked under fallen trees. We even Funnekotter, Rohin Haythorne-Naidoo, portage. We did the liftover in 15 went on a roller coaster as Owen Calum Murray, Sumner Rajaratnam, minutes and got to try our moving pushed our canoes over a beaver dam. water skills. By the time we got to Lady P A G E 15 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Evelyn Smoothwater the sun was nimbly navigating the short shining. We saw people at the Barn, the portage, we continued on past 4 km portage, and felt relieved knowing the Painted Rocks, into we weren’t doing it. At our beautiful Diamond Lake, retracing our campsite we all swam and washed up steps from day 2. We finished then made some mac n cheese soup our second go through Sharp (The leaders forgot to drain the pasta in Rock with ease, and celebrated the dark and thinned out Camdyn’s with a snack of gorp. Why awesome mac n cheese sauce quite not? Heading up into Sharp significantly). Off to bed after some Rock Inlet and then down in- chatting for a well deserved rest. between Beaver and Deer Another wicked day. Island, we found temporary shelter from the wind. As we pulled out from the narrow section, we saw our final COUREUR DE BOIS challenge before us: The (LATE AUGUST) Pickerel Bay portage. Making a speedy crossing across the ROUTE: Twin Peaks. Camp – Lake North Arm, we reached the Temagami – Devil’s Mountain – Sharp Rock beginning of the portage. Inlet – Lady Evelyn Lake – Sucker Gut Lake After a snack of gorp and – Hobart Lake -Maple Mountain – Tupper some inspirational words, we Lake – Reverse to Sharp Rock – Diamond began our last portage of the Lake – Napoleon Portage – Lake trip. Tenley, Mikaela, Maeve Temagami – Camp. and Kate all carried boats; well DATES: August 14 - 21 2015 done guys! It was already late A CdeB channels the Voyageurs by standing in the bow. by the time we finished, so we LEADERS: Isaac Beattie-Booth and hurried across the bay and DATES: August 14 - 21 2015 Morgan Hodgins made camp at the first site we could find. Just in time too, because the PARTICIPANTS: Asher Birenbaum, LEADERS: Grant Conover and moment we reached the camp we were Maeve Brennagh-Mackie, Jonah Brooks, Katie Devlin Kate MacKay, Peter Fintelman, Jasper hit by a huge storm. A killer tarp was PARTICIPANTS: Gordon Annan, Erin Gibson, Xin Ke Law-Gallagher, Mikaela erected, and a feast of chocolate chip Duxbury, Robyn Duxbury, Colin Gould, Lewis, Tenley McKay, Leighton Symons. pancakes was consumed for dinner. Excited to return to camp, but sad that Sean Lizzola, Kate Melanson, Andrew trip was almost over, we fell soundly Morse, Maddie Norman, Zainab Day 7 asleep after a huge day of paddling. Shamsi, Rachel Steel, Grayson, Distance traveled: 24km Good hustle today guys! Wheeler, Malachi Winter. Hours on the water: 13 Weather: Rainy, windy, stormy. Day 6 The sound of rain greeted us this Distance travelled: 23km morning. Knowing the distance we COUREUR DE BOIS Weather: Overcast with sunny breaks. needed to cover, we ate a speedy (LATE AUGUST) Woke up later than usual and lazily breakfast of cinnamon buns and hit the packed up the site while pancakes were water. This was preceded by Morgan’s ROUTE: Lady Evelyn South Channel. prepared and then feasted on (we might crucial rain dance, of course. As if to Camp – Napolean portage – Beaver Island – have gone a little overboard on the spite us, winds became incredibly Lady Evelyn Lake – Wilow Island Lake – maple syrup). But with the resulting strong as we headed South, and we had Frank Fals – Centre Fals – Helen Fals – sugar rush we raced towards the Willow to take shelter on land for a couple of Haps Fals – Bridal Veil Fals – Fat Man Island portages. We scampered across minutes. However, the wind soon Fals – Wilow Islands Lake – Sharp Rock – the first enjoying the feeling of an actual subsided, and we continued down Napolean portage – Ferguson Bay – Camp. trail beneath our feet! A slow paddle towards the Lady Evelyn chutes. After T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 16

our small paradise. We swam - a lot. Everett and Seth created some very tricky card tricks that fooled everyone. The ukulele was played and sun was bathed in. A big FetAlf was cooked up by the leaders- Elliot chopping the summer sausage as per usual – twas then that Happy Day gifts were presented. Many beautiful wooden carvings were shared, along with some stunning poetry and tasty treats. A perfect Happy Day it was. After more ukulele and songs, we crawled into bed just as the mosquitos came out. Although we all feel sad that Coureurs de Bois stop for a floating lunch, and a floating photo shoot! the trip is on its last leg, we now feel rejuvenated and ready to take full across a short lake took us to the advantage of the rest of trip, packing second of the portages which we COUREUR DE BOIS (AUGUST) ourselves with good memories and dubbed the challenge portage. After laughter. recharging our engines with a wonderful snack of GORNP (Good Old Raisins, ROUTE: Sturgeon-Wanapitei-French- No Peanuts) we swept across the Kilarney. Camp – Obabika Lake – portage with some truly impressive Wawgamika Lake – Sturgeon River – lake loads. Both Malachi and Colin took a hop into Lake Wanapitei – French River – boat and a personal, Erin took the wani, Georgian Bay - Kilarney – bus to Camp – and not a single boat was taken by a paddle under the Bridge. leader! Feeling as though we definitely DATES: August 2 - 20 2015 Pioneers: Racing had earned our lunch we dined on delicious chaps with a choice of either LEADERS: Max Adshead, Sasha PB and J on top or leftover curry from Pickering, Harry Silbaugh. on Rivers last night, but not both (sorry Rachel). PARTICIPANTS: Matthew Blumberg, Invigorated, we continued down our Elliot Carusone, Zander Chiasson, PIONEER (EARLY JULY) Lady of Evelyn but being used to Sacha Edwards, Robyn Fyfe, Emma shorter, portage-heavy, days we were not Helman, Seth Rose, Everett Vitols. ROUTE: Spanish River. Bus to put-in at quite as fast as we were in the morning. Biscotasing – Biscotasi Lake – Spanish River Still we made it to the little chute into – Agnew Lake – bus fom Agnew Lake Diamond and ushered our boats Day 17 Lodge to Ferguson Bay – paddle under through. We conquered some pretty Hours on the water: 0 – Rest day! the Bridge. strong headwinds and at last made it to Imagine a postcard of Georgian Bay. DATES: July 14 - 22 2015 our island campsite. Big soup was Then imagine us in that postcard, laying prepared as dinner with Kate and Nadia on the smooth, rolling rocks, in the sun. preparing the pièce de résistance, the That was our day. Waking up to bird LEADERS: Tess McCutcheon and dumplings. It was fantastic and loved by songs, we rolled out of bed and made Jake Norris cinnamon buns and oatmeal. Everyone all. After a discussion of poo points and PARTICIPANTS: Sasha Bell, Rosie the various rules and positions, we went on hiking adventures, rock Butterworth, Brandin Geiler, Asha retired to bed with several campers climbing their way to the top of Jeejeebhoy-Swalwell, Erica Scott- (Grayson, Sean, and Andrew) opting to beautiful, red rocks, overlooking Thomas, Jemma Stubington, sleep outside, we'll see how that goes. Thomas Bay, the view stretching far James White. Night all, sleep well, it was a long day into the vastness of Georgian Bay. Our but it was worth avoiding the barn we'll friends in the boat left, and a few hours see you in the morning. later, another boat found its way into P A G E 17 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Day 5 some runnable sets, and some big sets Distance travelled: 28km LEADERS: Bronwyn Hodgins and to gaze upon. The weather came with Hours on the water: 7.5 Scott McCutcheon some variety too, beginning with sun and clouds, then to extreme downpour, Weather: Cloudy at first, then PARTICIPANTS: Edouard Descours, and ending in sunshine. After a final full overcast. Phillippe Forster, William Kauffman, portage – the last one of trip – and a Quote of the Day: “Do you want to Samuel Maconco, Abby Rose Mulvihil, short but windy paddle, we stopped for hear my deep laugh?” Grace Murdoch, Evan Nott, Gabriel lunch. We ate pesto and also finished off Wake up, wake up! The Pions Sicco, Savva Vorotynskiy. sluggishly got out of their not very well most of the remaining snacks, while enjoying a scenic lookout from upon a set up tents to start the day with a Day 7 portage. The gear was packed up in small cliff by the water’s edge. Back on Distance travelled: 25km record time and cinnamon bun "pop the river things got even better… a 1km- Hours on the water: 7.5 tarts" were gobbled down for breakfast. long R1 was followed by fast current Weather: Sunny and hot with one The portage was finished swiftly and it (essentially continuous swifties) all the random downpour. was on to the next one. After that we way to the campsite. The canoes were Quote of the Day: “Oh! Was the man a went onto some awesome sets. We flying! Not literally. SO AWESOME. pirate and the dinosaur was actually the rocked it to the Athlone rapids to have We paddled somewhat lazily, basking in parrot that landed on his a quick potato/beet salad before the sun. Phil, Grace, Abby and Evan shoulder?” - Savva running the rapids. Some fancy moves sang classic Disney Songs and the We woke up, packed up and gobbled were rocked by Sasha and Erica while French boys belted out another round up some fat chocolate chip pancakes. Rosie had a wicked time rocking mojo. of the French independence anthem. At Soon we pushed off the site in our After the rapid we cruised down some the campsite, we all partnered up for canoes, excited for the fun white-water swifties before Railway Rapids then the PIZZA NIGHT! Phil made cookies to filled day ahead! We paddled in fast bridge set. The crew continued to make top it all off. Finally, we fit in a quick current over some swifties to arrive at good time cruising down the river. The game of manhunt before complete the group of rapids dubbed “The day became sunny and so waterbottles darkness fell. Graveyard area.” The Graveyard had it were chugged and sun screen applied. all: some short portages, a lift over, We arrived to the site and the campers scurried up to claim the perfect tent site. Brandin and Tess decided to wash their hair and figured out what Brandin would have to do for Tess to give him a coffee - “Man Bun” under the bridge. Jake made Alfredo, not only does he makes the world's best Mac and No Bakes, but also Alfredo. The campers followed up dinner with S'mores which ended in super hyper kids arm wrestling with Jake. After burning off the sugar the group CRASHED!

PIONEER (LATE JULY)

ROUTE: Spanish River. Bus to put-in at Biscotasing – Biscotasi Lake – Spanish River – Agnew Lake – bus fom Agnew Lake Lodge to Ferguson Bay – paddle under the Bridge. DATES: July 14 - 22 2015 Pioneer campers tackle white water with skil and ease. T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 18

Quote of the Day: “Isn’t WORMMS themselves with an awesome line the spelled with a ‘U’?” – Callum. second time. Everyone also did some PIONEER (JULY) Hallelujah sun! After yesterday's swimming down the rapids followed by downpours we were so thrilled with the a scrub. Dinner was the long-awaited ROUTE: Coulonge-Noire Crossover. Shuttle sun and lack of rain we quickly ate a mac and cheese with Will, C-dog and to put-in at Resevoir Dozois – down the breakfast of granola and got onto the Hamish fire starting (later taken over by Coulonge River – Noire River – take out at water and paddled the remaining lakes Billy) while Callum made the mac and Black River Inn – shuttle to Camp – paddle to lac Giroux dam quickly. There was a cheese sauce under Alicia’s guidance. under the Bridge. debate over whether the dam was an R4 9.5/10 on the Hamish rating scale and it DATES: July 3 - 22 2015 or R5 and we paddled our first bits of was confirmed to be better than current! We then came to a ledge and Turbo’s! Good night everyone get ready LEADERS: Kai Bruce and portaged over that in record time for more whitewater tomorrow! Alicia Hodgins considering we could only unload a boat at a time. We then had a floating lunch PARTICIPANTS: Madison Demaria, of crackers and tuna and gorp which William Gold, Carmen Gomeza de was fully enjoyed by all. After a quick PIONEER (EARLY AUGUST) Larrea, Sarah Irvine, Sophie Karovitch, paddle through Lac Avers we arrived at Callum McConnell, Nicole Momtahan, ROUTE: Groundhog River. Shuttle to put-in Callum Nicolas, William Paterson, Pork Rapids and portaged. We camped at the last set of Pork Rapids where – Groundhog River – take out in Fauqier – Oscar Peters, Charlotte Van Dyke- there was a whitewater features lesson shuttle to Camp – paddle under the Bridge. Talbot, Hamish Vaughan-Wimmer. and we ran the set many times empty DATES: July 30 – August 7, 2015 boated. Billy and Hamish perfected the Day 6 center line through a small hole while LEADERS: Connor Cepella and Distance travelled: 15km others tried the more technical route on Tess McCutcheon Hours on the water: 7 RR. Carmen and Sarah had a “dump” on PARTICIPANTS: Kareem Brugmann, Weather: Sunny and hot some pillow rocks but redeemed Terran Comer, Megan Farley, Claire Hunter, Simon Jakobsen, Colin Lewis, Ella MacPhail, Luc Maurer, Ethan Rajartnam.

Day 8 Distance travelled: 21km Hours on the water: 7 Weather: Hot and sunny The campers woke to the sound of their own alarms, because it was an all- camper morning. The sun was finally out to greet them and everyone knew it was going to be a hot, hot day! Claire made a fire as Megan and Ella kneaded bannock dough to roast for breakfast. The lads portaged food packs and boats around the dam. Time for bannock on a stick! To the intoxicating aromas of cinnamon, fresh bread and warm coffee, the campers closed up the campsite and began their day. On the water and down the river! The group negotiated around gravel bars until they reached the last Pioneers enjoy a little hammock time by the water at the campsite. notable rapid of the trip. Everyone P A G E 19 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 picked a line and nailed it with before we had even style and ease. Connor and Ella packed up. had fun surfing a small wave Cori and Sam then it was off downstream and scrambled up some into the headwinds. Moving muffins and the campers slowly along the shore, the packed up shaking the group finally made their lunch sand out of everything destination where roasted they could. We munched beets (prepared by Megan), down muffin piles, cabbage and Gado Gado were dunked quickly to cool very much enjoyed. Once back down, and set off on the water, Kareem tried his meandering down the luck at fishing and landed a river once more. A few notable bass lurking in the twists and turns brought muddy river water, but it us to “The Wall” where escaped just in time. The group we shot some neat cruised by Bremner Island and swifties and pulled over stopped for a snack of on the right shore of the chocolate chunks and peanuts. second island. The leaders Iced tea was enjoyed by most deemed the lower portion (others had mio) and a handful tempting but a little too of people went for a swim. Off tricky to shoot so we downstream again and on to unloaded on the little Fauquier! Bend after bend, the beach and portaged the Pions are al smiles afer successfuly running a set. campers counted down the short 70m around the kilometers until everyone gnarliness. The put-in was finally saw the bridge, which marked still in the washout of the set so we our final destination, Fauquier. PIONEER (LATE AUGUST) loaded up two at a time and paddled Everyone rejoiced by the waters edge ourselves further down into an eddie. then before you know it, Jackie arrived ROUTE: Noire River. Shuttle to put-in – The sun was slowly getting to us so we and the bus was loaded. Off down the Noire River – take out at Black River Inn – pulled over a bend or two below “The highway toward Temagami, then a quick shuttle to Camp – paddle under the Bridge. Wall” to eat potato salad in the shade. stop for subs and snacks, then on the DATES: August 13 - 21 2015 A very intense game of Mafia was road again. The leaders rewarded the officiated by Jesse and Mafia Saul nearly won! Refreshed by the shade, we set off hard working campers with ice cream LEADERS: Sam Angel and again into the tea-coloured river. Cian sandwiches as the group drove away Cori-Anne Huisman from the sunset, radiating into the bus. and Dani had an accidental flatwater PARTICIPANTS: Atticus Cameron, Saul dump but at least we know our barrel is As darkness crept in, and everyone was Chaplin, James Engel, Sarah Graham, waterproof! Then we laughed our way full, many games of president were Mathew Hartman, Christopher Lewis, played. Finally the group reached the around a few more bends and mastered Danielle McGill, Laura Peberdy, Brett Red Squirrel Road, then camp! The Rapides McDonald ducky style. By now Stich, Jesse Tomas, Ella Vitols, Cian the sun was blazing so we shade hopped group appreciated a great sense of Wilson-Valdes. accomplishment as they gazed upon the through the seemingly endless curves. stars and breathed in the cool, crisp At last we emerged to see the splashing Temagami air. Camp was made by the Day 4 waves of Rapides de Targie! We camped beach, and everyone was off to bed, Distance travelled: 23km at the beginning of the portage and did after a quick tent fix. Can’t wait to go Hours on the water: 6.5 some swimming in the rapids. The under the bridge tomorrow! Weather: Cloudless, sunny and hot! campers discovered rapid worms (to Quote of the Day: “Okie-smokie der their disgust) and did some cool poses bud” - Jess in front of the crashing wave tongues. We woke this morning yet again to Jesse, Mathew, and Cian cooked dal cloudless skies. The heat was on us T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 20 that was absolutely delicious and Cori Day 4 We practiced WORMMS, swimming chopped up some veggies for beet, Distance traveled: 8km and throw-bagging after Helen bean, and barley salad. The group hung Hours on the water: 8 accidentally (and expertly) swam the out on the rocks and watched the water Weather: Sunny with a breeze. pillow rock... And the hole to the as the sun sunk low on the horizon then We woke up to hash browns with bottom. We then ran it and Owen and off to a well-deserved bed. Night peeps! cheese for breakfast before finishing Lucas “paddle-fived” halfway down the our portage, just as a two person group set, from boat to shore. One more passed us with many a compliment portage over a ledge (which we almost towards our campers and boats. We ran out of adrenaline) brought us to PIONEER (LATE AUGUST) cruised through sets with ease, Canoe Eater. The rocky portage was portaging effectively over Triple Play promptly dismantled by our strong ROUTE: Dumoine River. Shuttle to put-in - limbs and even stronger mental Lac Dumoine - Lac LaForge - Dumoine before having our Snackito at the end of the second portage then did an fortitude. Everyone was feeling tired River - take out at Grand Chutes - shuttle to introduction to ferrying at the end of after a longer day, so we swam to a small Camp - paddle under the Bridge. the ledge. More fun swifties falls at the bottom of the set that DATES: August 13 - 21 2015 throughout the day led us to Little Italy Gabriel and Lucas had discovered. where we stopped for pesto lunch The spot had a a built-in jacuzzi where LEADERS: Owen Melanson and (widely known as Deanie’s favourite we ferociously chilled and took pictures Helen Thomas lunch) and dubbed the Gordon twins: while bathing our bodies in its glorious PARTICIPANTS: Jordan Decker, Patrick the Nodrogs. Paddling across Lac spray. Dinner of chickpea curry made Dunlop-Ellis, Emily Gardner, Lukas Benoit brought us to the bridge set by iron chefs Sophie and Jojo-D was Goettke, Emma Gordon, Sophie where we scouted from a bird’s eye view eaten and Saccy made an appearance to Gordon, Deanie Harding, Alex King, and did some WORMMS on the rocky tell us food barrel gossip (those peppers Abrial Levisky, Gabriel Riendeau, debauchery that was a long R1. are out of control). Brownies a-la- Adrien Sinclair, Ella Taylor. Everyone hit the line fantastically and Patrick and Alex done got ate and we were feeling pleased with our selfies, everyone got ready for bed after. Lots so we swifted down to “Tight Around of white-water tomorrow home-skillets, the Bend”. rest easy my sweet lambs!

PIONEER (AUGUST)

ROUTE: Coulonge River - Northern Approach. Bus to put-in on Ruisseau Jackson – Grand Lac Victoria – Ottawa River – lake hopping to the Coulonge River – bus fom Terry Fox Bridge to Camp – paddle under the Bridge. DATES: August 1 - 20 2015

LEADERS: Julia Higgins and Alex Hodgins PARTICIPANTS: Cole Barclay, Selena Bob, Alannah Chung, Flavie Deveaux, Nicolaas Fischer, Jack Heath, Theodore Heintzman, Lee Rosensweet, Wilson Symons.

Four-week Pioneers take a break fom a “busy” waterfal chil session to smile for the camera. P A G E 21 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Surprise sleep-in! B-fast was completed with scrumptious Beavertails topped with Nutella courtesy of Gabe. We then portaged one load to go see the Pion As, who were camped at the other end. They were still asleep when we got there, so we woke them up (special note that Rachel woke up Jack). Chaps were then slowly cooked before we finally said bye to the Pion As and started paddling. We ran the first set with ease and then quickly came to the next R2 which we all scouted and picked our own lines. Everyone’s was perfect! Then we had chaps, PB and nutella for lunch and swam. The rest of the afternoon was a long, hot flat water paddle with head winds. We long for current! GORP for snack before getting A River Adventurer explores the terrain on the Upper Missinaibi River shoreline. to rapides enrage. We camped at the top and discovered two groups at the Day 9 home as we began dinner and set up other end. The campers made cheesy Distance traveled: 15km those tents. Then as darkness began to rice for dinner. Sam also ate a minnow Hours on the water: 5 encircle, we roasted marshmallows had for snack today. Sean, Alex, and Gabe We had a sleep-in this morning and a guitar sing along and went off to bed. caught more minnows. With the hope had finally made it to whitewater! Soon of a thunderstorm to break up the we left our site and enjoyed moving humidity we went to bed. swiftly through the narrows after Rapides Porc. Lunch happened on RL PIONEER (AUGUST) near the end of Lac Ward. We had a ROUTE: Capitachouane-Coulonge Rivers. snack lunch! No bakes, banana chips, Shuttle to put-in off of Chemin Chimou - Gorp, almonds, and much more! creek to Capitachouane River - Coulonge Paddling onwards we whizzed through River - bus fom Terry Fox Bridge to Camp – Exploring with the first set. Jack and Alex went first as paddle under the Bridge. Jack wished to be Guinea Pig. A DATES: August 1 - 20 2015 highlight was both Nico and Selena the River Ads sterning their respective boats into LEADERS: Fraser Cepella and some slick Eddie Turns. The rest of the Alicia Hodgins day consisted of another quick set as RIVER ADVENTURE PARTICIPANTS: Jason Arbour, Rowan well as sunshine and relaxation before (LATE AUGUST) we pulled over at the former E. B. Eddy Darlison, Gabriel Fischer-Schmidt, Camp for the night. It was a large Rachel Heath, Dana King, Samuel Liptay, Sean Richardson, ROUTE: Upper Missinaibi River. Shuttle strange clearing with only the Alexander Wolf. to Missinaibi Provincial Park – Missinaibi foundations of buildings that had once Lake – Missinaibi River – take out at stood there and bizarre circles of rocks Day 17 Mattice – shuttle to Camp – paddle under around trees – there were definitely the Bridge. ghosts. The firewood was collected in Distance traveled: 22km DATES: August 11 – 21 2015 record time thanks to everyone but Hours on the water: 7 especially Nico and Alannah who both Weather: Hot and sunny. LEADERS: Tess McCutcheon and got some supreme loads. The sun was Quote of the Day: “Don’t minnows turn shining on us in our little mossy flowery into frogs?” - Gabe Connor “Fred” Thompson T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1

PARTICIPANTS: Jesse Abbott, continued rocking it downstream until Alison Bell, Maggi-Lee Kerr, Lucas we came to an islandy part in the river. Mahoney, Mika Rogers. We proceeded down the left shore as James Bay Rivers slowly as molten chocolate dripping Day 4 down a freshly baked lava cake. Wait! Distance traveled: 23km There’s no trail…oh well, let’s go back Hours on the water: 6.5 with the up the river and look on the right shore. Weather: Sunny and overcast After our speedy trek back up the river We woke up kind of groggy. The trains we found a trail on the right shore. We the night before had interrupted our unloaded the boats and had a life- Bay Trippers changing gado-gado for lunch. We sleep and no one was very eager to leave their sleeping bags. However we still quickly ran down the newly cleared were able to move quickly and got boats 400m trail and jumped back on the BAY TRIP (JULY) loaded before we ate apple cinnamon water. We ran the longest swifty ever oatmeal. Around 10am we pushed off and quickly arrived at our next portage. and started our way through Peterbell ROUTE: Kesagami River. Shuttle to Upper The portage was a hurdle course of wetlands. A couple kilometers in, we Kesagami Lake – Kesagami River – James fallen trees. The put-in led us onto a disturbed a pair of otters who grunted Bay – Moose River to Moosonee – train and thin creek of rocks. We took a left turn at us as we passed. Sorry, guys! bus to Camp – paddle under the Bridge. to follow the course of the water, and Swamp Rapids marked our exit of the DATES: June 30 – July 23 2015 were spewed forth onto a wider swiftie wetlands and the start of the rocky section. At the end, we came up to a small rocky beach which we, shortly portion of the river. We stopped for an LEADERS: Jean Murray and Asa Thomas afterwards, decided was our kitchen. extended lunch of wow butter and jam PARTICIPANTS: Francesca Berkowitz, We unloaded. We washed in the river on bagels. “Showers” were had and the Taj Dyson, Ian Karovitch, Dana Price. sun was enjoyed. Around 3 pm we ran about 10 meters out, just shy of the fast the set and continued our way down Day 16 river. After a couple easy swifties and Distance travelled: 3km R1s we came to Allen’s Island and Hours on the water: 6 decided to take the right channel. The Weather: Cold and grey mother of all log jams forced us to do turning to warm and sunny. our first portage of trip. Logs on logs Quote of the Day: “How on logs. We rocked it and finished in many nuns could a two loads. One more set and we nunchuck chuck if a decided to start looking for a campsite. nunchuck could We couldn’t find several that were chuck nuns?” - Ian. supposedly on Allen’s Island, however Blahhh…it was a cold and mid search we stumbled across a little grey morning – certainly water spout, which drew a lot of not the kind of morning excitement. The mini water tornado is a that lends itself well to rare and beautiful site. A couple motivation. But after some hundred meters downstream we hit hearty 8 grain to warm our Wavy Rapids. Too tired to run it bellies, we managed to get tonight, gear was portaged to the motivated and onto the beautiful site at the bottom. We will run water. We immediately it empty boat tomorrow. We set up the shot some sweet sets and site and everyone chipped in to help had a roaring good time. make risotto for dinner. It We portaged a boring was delicious. portage that seemed to Great day guys. You rocked it! melt away into the day like freshly grated parmesan on a Sicilian penne dish. We A Bay Trip camper shows off his boat repair skils. P A G E 23 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 current. Then, the regular campsite procedure ensued: tent sites were claimed, fallen trees were collected. Chili became the focus of the group shortly afterward. Once the long and tormenting process of boiling beans, frying onions, adding spices and sauces, and mixing it all together was terminated, we feasted on the fruits of our labor. The cornbread was exquisite; we ate it hungrily. Peach crisp and conversation followed. Not long after, as the light faded and the black spruce began casting long shadows, we headed to bed, ready for a portage-less day tomorrow.

Another day of conquering rapids for the Bay Trippers in July.

BAY TRIP (AUGUST) trudging along in ankle to knee deep Pearce Gould, Sebastian Kalff, Sadie water, dragging the boats behind. Segriff, Jessica Turcotte, Mateas Winter. ROUTE: Kesagami River. Kesagami River. Typical windy day Bay-style. The clouds Shuttle to Upper Kesagami Lake – Kesagami parted and the sun broke through. Day 14 River – James Bay – Moose River to Spirits were high as we left the Distance travelled: 2.8km Moosonee – train and bus to Camp – paddle bewitched island far in the distance. We Hours on the water: 4 under the Bridge. beached ourselves on the sand flats Weather: Grey and rainy which is Netitishi Point and ate coffee The soft grey light of dawn leered DATES: July 29 – August 21 2015 crisps to celebrate! We fried up chaps through the window of the fly and ate them with hummus. With accompanied by the soft pitter-patter of bellies satisfied, we decided to have rain as our alarms began to charm. LEADERS: Bronwyn Hodgins and dessert for dinner! Popcorn and Jake Norris Running on autopilot, we progressed s'mores, yum! Then some of us ran to a through the daily routine of taking the PARTICIPANTS: Claire Barclay, Ivor great and beautiful glowing purple and tent down and starting a fire for coffee Forrest, Liam Hartnett, Charles Hunter, orange sunset. and breakfast of enjoying a few pages of Nicholas Kaegi, Zack Levisky, Kai our books before the kids got up. Malcolm, Zoe Rogers, Lucas Whitear, Fortified by our morning coffee (and Kieran Yee. tea) we made some extra for the girls as BAY TRIP (AUGUST) the four of us began the daily 45-minute Day 20 wait for the boys to join us. Oatmeal ROUTE: Kattawagami River. Shuttle to Distance travelled: 11km was thrown on the fire post-coffee as put-in at Lawagamau Lake – Kattawagami Hours on the water: 3.5 the day began in earnest. Powering River – James Bay – Moose River to Weather: Windy! But onshore winds. through a breakfast loaded up with Moosonee – train and bus to Camp – paddle Wind roared outside our tent at the goodies to help us shed the lethargy of under the Bridge. sound of our alarm clocks. Time for the gloomy day. We left Lover’s Leap DATES: July 29 – August 21 2015 plan B: we would sleep longer and leave behind. Within a few hundred metres at low tide, portage the mud flats and we came upon our first big set: Lost then ride the tide back into shore. LEADERS: Megan Buchkowski and Wanigan Falls. While it was not too Many hours later we rose, well rested. Angus MacPhail mighty a falls, we portaged to avoid its Our back-up plan was a success! We PARTICIPANTS: Francois Fontaine, namesake and warm us up for the day. made it to the mud flats and then Theophile Fournier, Landers Gordon, We were off swiftly thereafter having turned west to follow the shoreline, begun to master the swift unloading and T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 24 loading of our boats to Day 4 cope with the Distance traveled: consistency of the 0km - play day rapids. Despite it Hours on the water: 7 having been only an Weather: Sunny hour or two since We all enjoyed a breakfast, we were now little bit of a sleep in famished and pulled this morning! Once out Smartie gorp to everyone started tide us over. The emerging from their Autobahn loomed on tents, we all enjoyed a the horizon and, thus hot coffee or tea and fueled, we paddled North made a huge over to meet it. A batch of chocolate glorious centre line pancakes for us. While revealed itself as she flipped the cakes, Mateas and Angus Tori and Angus taught drove their boat everyone about risk expertly. Inspired, management. We all Pearce and Sadie Practicing solo boating is a highlight of the Wilderness Leader in Training program. discussed the lemon decided to give it a go theory, probability/ succeeding with equal consequence and prodigal skill. In fact, Pearce decided to actual vs perceived risk and how they all go again with Seb making it look easy as apply to tripping. After devouring always. pancakes, we all got ready to get on We cruised down through a string of the water. islands with one dump. The rescue was WLITs: They Have We split up the Standers and Sitters so made easy however as Jess and Theo that half the group could learn and managed to use all four limbs, rather practice some white water aggressive inventively, to be holding onto the boat, swimming and throw bagging while the three packs, the guitar, both lunch Followed, Soon other half paddled the set practicing buckets (which held the most perfect ferrying, back ferrying, and hitting bread), the water jug and three paddles difficult lines. After a full morning, we simultaneously. Angus and Mateas They Will Lead stopped to enjoy some hot pesto pasta quickly collected the floating items into made by Angus. Then it was back on their boat off to shore where the entire the water. Everyone got a ton of runs picture was reassembled. Quickly WILDERNESS LEADERS IN down Little Steel in tandem and solo floating down a few hundred more TRAINING (JULY) boats. Lots of swims and lots of fun was metres we made it to our campsite nice had as well as tons of improvement in and early where pizza preparations ROUTE: Whitewater Training trip: everyone’s paddling skills. Cooper began swiftly. Dumoine River. impressed everyone by mastering his After hours of hanging, watching DATES: July 2-7 2015 roll by his second try!! Francois “MacGyvered” the tent into We finished off the day with hot working condition and brownies for chocolate and then a delicious chickpea LEADERS: Angus MacPhail and dessert we crept off to bed ready to do Tori Miller curry was made while music was played it all again tomorrow. around the kitchen. Brownies were PARTICIPANTS: Neil Brubacher, Juan devoured for dessert and then we all Gomeza de Larrea, Declan Gray, headed off to bed! Thomas Heinrich, Cooper Kauffman, Amelia Keenan, Sam Klooster, Simon Rechico Moisan, Emmet Robins, Kyla Ruch. P A G E 25 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

completing paperwork...woohoo! The of chocolate chip cookies and then day was hot and sunny with slight debriefed the leaders of the day, and the WILDERNESS LEADERS IN headwinds - we made it to Napoleon in entire group. Thanks for a great first TRAINING (AUGUST) no time. Jean discovered the joys of day, WLITs, and good luck to Logan being a mojo and got some pretty and Said for tomorrow! ROUTE: Flatwater Training trip: serious relaxation done. The portage Obabika Scoop. was steep and rocky but was done DATES: August 16-20 2015 swiftly. We were slowed down by a dehydration first aid simulation on the LEADERS: Jean Murray and portage - not to mention the fact that Asa Thomas Logan “got lost” and was a very combative “dehydrated camper” - but PARTICIPANTS: Bronwyn Bates, Gavin VIs Embrace Clarke, Jack Gardiner, Logan Germain, once addressed by our leaders of the day, Bronwyn and Gavin, it was handled Klade Kerr, Said Maalim-Chartres, quickly. We had snack and then braved Samantha McGill. Remote Regions the windy Sharp Rock Inlet and narrows stopping to have a lunch of Day 1 bagels, tomatoes, and cream cheese. We VOYAGEUR I (AUGUST) Hours on the water: 6 really felt we had earned it at that Weather: Hot and sunny point, and our kind and generous Quote of the Day: Logan: “Klade, you leaders made a great lunch! We ROUTE: Broadback River. Bus to put-in - have really thick skin!” Klade: “Ya, I’m continued to the Sharp Rock portage Broadback River - Rupert’s Bay - pick up in like a mongoose!” (which was a breeze) and paddle 2km Waskaginish - bus to Camp - paddle under Leaders of the Day: Bronwyn and Gavin into Diamond Lake to our campsite. the Bridge. "We woke this morning at 7:45 ready Though Diamond Lake was pretty DATES: July 28 – August 22 2015 to get a move on... it took until 10am to windy, causing some intense waves, we leave camp and set out on the water. It still managed to make it to a beautiful LEADERS: North de Pencier and turns out that sometimes being a leader island campsite with plenty of tent sites. Scott McCutcheon means a lot of running around and We had stir-fry for dinner and a dessert PARTICIPANTS: Liam Agnew, Michael Cheesequay, Jacob Fischer, Henri Fontaine, Olivia Gordon, Alise Grant, Molly Heintzman, Chanel Macdiarmid, Cameron MacPhail, Nowlan Maynes, James Smallhorn-West, Emmerson Wilson.

Day 4 Distance traveled: 22km Hours on the water: 9.5 Weather: Mix of everything. It was cold, some who had packed more than one set of wet clothes were warmer than others who winced as they pulled on the socks they had left outside. Breakfast was pancakes and sludge that resembled oatmeal. Gotcha! While Alise was distracted by her pursuit of Jacob, Emmerson, with swift and tactical brilliance, ruthlessly Beautiful landscapes greet the Voyageur Is along the Broadback River. eliminated her from the competition. T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 26

Whitewater: our second day of paddling rapids was an eventful one. We had a very bony set that no one could finish without stepping out from their boat. Many had big waves that splashed over the gunwales that never managed to swamp or overturn the boat, though Jacob and Henri did come close as they pulled into an eddy. We also did some technical lessons, focusing on the art of the backferry. Lunch: driven by a desire to see beyond the mountainous terrain, we climbed a nearby hill for lunch. Upon exiting from the boats there were several that caught the sight of blueberries scattered on the hillside. It was a short walk up the hillside but Molly, Olivia, and James found the temptation too hard to resist without lunging for any berries they could find. The Voyageur II As sit on the shore overlooking their next section of water. Others indulged, but were not quite as ravenous or proud of their final and golden as it emerged from behind collections. The bread was doughy but the thunderclouds on the horizon. After the sandwiches were delicious- and the night fell, the mosquitos descended and scenery was indeed scenic, like a the threat of rain drew nearer, as well as Windows background. lightening. Thoughts of fully cooking 52 Days Above the After a few more sets, we settled dessert were abandoned. Dessert was down at our campsite. The day’s dinner mushy uncooked cookie dough or was amazingly mushy and flavourful whatever. Mush with flavor, be it sweet poutine that had zero nutritional value Arctic Circle with or salty, is the best mush. but was very filling. The moon was large Scott gave a lightning warning and we all piled into the Voyageur IIs our tents, warm, cozy and dry for the first time since VOYAGEUR II leaving this morning. It’s ROUTE: Rae-Horton Rivers. Kugluktuk - raining as we Coronation Gulf - upstream on the Rae write this, and River - lake hopping to Haldane River - I can only hope Horton River - air shuttle to Inuvik - fly to it doesn’t Toronto - bus to Camp - Lake Temagami - continue to paddle under the Bridge. morning. DATES: June 28 – August 22 2015 Anyway - goodnight, all! LEADERS: Charles Heath and Emily Miller PARTICIPANTS: Becca Carter, Severen Fischer-Schmidt, Marguerite Fournier, The Voyageur II As paddle the Horton River through the Territories. P A G E 27 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Kyle Gardiner, Henry Gould, Phillip yum! We thought about how lucky we Hodgins, Kimberley Huisman, Elena Jobin-Joy, Sam Karovitch, Mary McNee, are to be able to be out here doing Lopez de Cos, Abigail Mackenzie- Kishan Patel, Alex Roeder, Aidan something we love, surrounded by some Armes, Ruairidh MacPhail, Timmins, Xiu Timmins. of our best friends. It’s nice to remind Paul Richmond. ourselves of that once in awhile. After Day 45 dinner, the lunch folk made some bread, Day 37 Distance travelled: 44km and some people stayed up for bridge Distance travelled: 2km Hours on the water: 8 and cookies. Night, y’all! Hours on the water: 20 min Weather: Certified scorcher. Hours hiking: 5.5 Today was another beauty of a day! Weather: Scorcher We woke up to blue skies again and Quote of the Day: “As much as I enjoy VOYAGEUR II could already feel that it was going to be hiking, which by the way is not a a hot one. There was also a sense that lot...” - Elena today would be one for the books for ROUTE: Whitehorse - Shuttle to Glorious blue skies today. With such wildlife sightings. Charles spotted a McQuesten Lakes - down the Beaver River - perfect weather and our high energy grizzly bear walking along a ridge across upstream on the Stewart and Nadleen Rivers levels we decided to climb a mountain. the river. (He also spotted a wolf with a creek - down the Bonnet Plume River - Peel First, the usual morning stuff blah blah dead sik sik in its mouth last night). River - take out in Fort McPherson - ground blah, then a quick paddle to a gravel bar. Granola with apple slices got us started shuttle to Inuvik - fly to Toronto - bus to We packed up lunch, filled up our water for the day and we were off. Right from Camp - Lake Temagami - paddle under bottles, then set out, following a creek the get go, we started seeing caribou the Bridge. up towards the mountains (flashbacks). along the shore and running up the hills DATES: June 28 – August 22 2015 The walls of creek quickly became quite beside us. About an hour into the day canyon-like so we scrambled up one we saw our first muskox of trip. LEADERS: Andrew Brown and side then continued walking up the Everyone took off running after it over Gill Thompson ridge. Our lunch spot had partial views ridges to get a better look, but it was a of the surrounding ranges, but the best PARTICIPANTS: Jason Ashe, Andi lot faster than it looks! Heading back to Breckles, Elia Deck, Dan Devlin, Austin was yet to come. On we went, gaining the boats we spotted another one just hundreds more feet in elevation. We Gardner, Jenna Gardner, Frieda across the river from where we had our boats pulled up. More running and some hopped into boats to paddle across and get a closer look. The sun was shining and all the animals wanted to be out today. Just as we were about to raft up for lunch we saw another muskox up a ridge on the left shore. Charles and Sam took off and got some sweet pics and videos. Then, just as everyone was rafted up and getting their hummus and chaps, a muskox started swimming across the river just downstream of us! Throughout the afternoon we saw many caribou sightings and managed to get quite close to some. It’s starting to feel like we’re at a zoo or some sort of wildlife facility – we can’t get over how much wildlife we’re seeing. Sam wanted to camp so we found a decent spot on river right and got started on mac and a half for dinner. So much mac - so much The Voyageur II Bs pause to bask in the beauty of the mountains. T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 28

stopped below the summit, but the views were still spectacular. We could see the canyon section of the river from a few days ago and 360 degree mountains. Amazing. After a small photo shoot we headed down; finding an easier route down the canyon to the creek then back to our boats. Kim’s group treat round two hit the spot as we rested and rehydrated. Soup and bannock for dinner, then a quiet evening. I’m hoping for more hiking in the next couple days!

A canyon paddle marks another beautiful day for the VII Bs. Daring to Dream: A Word from Our Chair and CEO variable that has been Quixotic over the on a tight budget. It is not just past decades is whether the finances surviving, it’s thriving. By Ted Moores could sustain the camp, but sustain they Since 2007, we’ve had an annual Wanapitei Board Chair and CEO have, for 85 years on the current site building program led by, and mostly HEN WE HEAR kids and for 60 years as the co-ed camp we done by, volunteers to upgrade the site talk about their canoe all know. Very few organizations live to in a way that was affordable. With tripping experiences, if be this old - fewer than five percent. Heffy (Jeff Geiler – our site manager you didn’t know better For generations Wanapitei has been and head of maintenance) and crew to W you might think they an outstanding educational experience, hold it all together, dozens of major were in something akin to boot camp. I and we, on the Board, embrace that improvements have been made. This believe it’s because we love to deeply. If we governed the camp with past summer we were able to attract remember those challenges that helped our “accountant’s” brains only, there are carpenter Ian Cameron to Heffy’s team shape our character. Challenges which, a few times the doors might have and his talent supported us to build two to many others sound like hardships, so closed, as with any organization. But very visible new buildings, the activity we amplified them for effect. These are when we lead with our “right” brains, center and the craft shop. This spring our “bragging rights”, though they don’t we’re aware that there is not likely we’ll be building a new Dick Twain tell the story of our camp experience. anything else that’s more important in center including logistics, equipment, The real experience is the emotional our educational development. storage/packing, and a big, bright, map Wanapitei has never had a better or room. We know the buildings aren’t the impact the camp has on us, and to see more experienced management team, the lasting emotional impact, look no heart of the camp, they are there in nor has it had the depth in staff or staff support of the staff and campers, but further than the VII that finished (late) leadership that it has now. As a result in 1987 and got together to paddle they do help function as a symbol of the we’re not struggling with “survival camp’s health. under the bridge this year, or the annual financing”, though the camp is always Arctic alumni trip with ages ranging from mid 50s to the 70s. The only ... continued on page 30 P A G E 29 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

what they called “Sense of group for the past five decades. Every Community”. One of the key factors is campfire and awards ceremony ends Influence or a sense of mattering. with the staff members singing “The Members are influenced by their Old Canoe” just as their leaders did. Community and Values community when it’s a place that they Campers return from trip by paddling care about. Influence also speaks to the under the bridge as trips have for many ... Continued fom page 1 concept of giving first before asking for years. Every camper is awarded their anything. We see this all the time at Wanapitei crest at a ceremony at the Community norms and values need Wanapitei. Members of the Camp end of their session. The same words to be upheld. This means that it’s not Wanapitei community have influence are spoken by their trip leaders year enough to merely have a code-of- and continue to be influenced. after year. Our many rituals and conduct, it must have teeth. Directors, Shared Emotional Connection was ceremonies showcase our managers, and leaders have the courage another important factor from community values. and dedication to hold members of the McMillan & Chavis’ research. Members Sub groups are essential in a growing community to that code. have a history of experiences together community. Smaller groups have their New members to the community and the belief that there will be more own experiences (a canoe trip) and need specific consideration and care. experiences together in the future. leadership (trip leaders) with rituals and We actively think about what These experiences form a long lasting, connection - the trip group is a family newcomers need. How do they learn emotional connection. This factor is within the larger Wanapitei community. the community norms? How do they believed to be the “definitive element When vision is clear and values are learn the “unwritten tribal knowledge”? for true community”. Canoe tripping is strong, sub groups maintain our How do they come to feel a sense PERFECT for this! community norms while creating a of belonging? Ritual and Ceremony are remarkably strong connection and sense of In 1986, social psychologists important. Rituals provide continuity - belonging in a smaller group. McMillan & Chavis formed a theory they link the present with the past. From what I can tell, Camp about how communities work. They At Gathering each session, every Wanapitei has everything it needs for described key factors that contribute to camper group brings a rock to place on this exciting chapter in its history. the pile to join rocks from every trip What a treat it is to be here! News From the Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund The Bursary holds a number of fund I would encourage you to participate raising events throughout the year. The in one of these entertaining and By Alan “Vin” Norris T.S.C.B.F. has an annual hockey worthwhile events in the new year and Board of Directors, Vice-President tournament scheduled in May. Camp help support the good work of the and Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund Board of Directors, Wanapitei campers, staff and alumni Taylor Statten Camp Bursary Fund. If Camper Committee who are interested in joining a you have your own fundraising ideas, I Wanapitei team should contact Alister would love to hear about them. I can be HE TAYLOR STATTEN Thomas at [email protected]. reached at Camping Bursary Fund’s The Taylor Statten Camps Ahmek [email protected]. mandate is to send children and Wapamao hold an annual silent The T.S.C.B.F. has sent over one to summer camps. Since auction at the end of August. This year thousand children to camp over the T2004, the Bursary had donated they raised the incredible amount of past forty-two years. With your $725,580.00, sending 375 children to $30,000.00. The fifth annual Art Show continued support, we hope to send a camps. One hundred and six of those was held in early November. This year thousand plus more. If you are children attended Camp Wanapitei. Camp Wanapitei was one of the interested in participating in or just Our 2015 season was highly successful. sponsors of the event. It was an learning more about what we are up to We were able to send 58 children to 13 enjoyable evening of art, eats and in year forty-two and beyond, please camps in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. friends netting a further $20,000.00 visit our website www.tscbf.com. for the Bursary. T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 P A G E 30 Many Thanks to this Year’s Donors and Volunteers WE SINCERELY THANK every person helped us support campers who would Program Fee Contribution for who contributes positively to Camp otherwise not attend camp for three campers from Temagami Wanapitei, both financially and through financial reasons. First Nations countless hours of volunteer time. 50% of fees for these campers were Wanapitei Sailing Program - $850 contributed by Temagami First Nations. Bread for Harvest Gourmet Dinner in Donations at the Chateau Families who chose to donate to the sailing Camper Sponsorship for 14 Handmade by Michele Lattimore program at the time of registration helped us Wanapitei Campers purchase an RS Quba for our fleet. Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund Wanapitei Camper Bursary Fund Cash Donation of $1550 Two-Week Temagami Program Additional Contributions - tagMs Families who chose to donate the balance of Camper Sponsorship tagMs donated 25% of al sales fom families their child’s camp store account. This money The Kapur Family (alumnus camper family) who purchased clothing labels through their business to our bursary.

organic in nature, and fully supportive matters is the excitement and learning of that which makes each participant a while we’re on the path that those unique individual. dreams have forged. Daring to Dream Together, with your help, we’ll So as we dig into program planning, ... Continued fom page 28 continue to develop a vision that is and analyses, and as you focus on the compelling enough that all of us and all logistics of getting ready for camp, let’s To be successful Wanapitei needs to staff can’t wait to get there. If you have also remember to dream. The plans and run with a solid business plan and good new ideas to share, let them be as grand numbers have to be good, but management, but it’s not the numbers as you want. It doesn’t matter if we Wanapitei has never been driven by that drive it, it’s the heart. If it was don’t complete everyone’s vision, what numbers, it’s driven by heart. about numbers we’d be making the camp much larger, but we don’t want to do that. It’s critical to us that we maintain the uniqueness of all age groups knowing and interacting with each other so it’s almost like one very large family. When we’re 14, a year makes a big difference, but when we’re 50+, even 10 years is irrelevant, so many lifelong friends now wouldn’t have even known each other at a large camp. One of the keys to being on the cutting edge educationally, as well as preserving what really is working well, is continually re-inventing what we do. That doesn’t mean changing our program, but it does mean not becoming complacent with it. It means always striving to improve, to tailor it to fit all participants most effectively, to constantly enhance our skills, teaching methodologies, and program delivery 2015 marked the start of several large building projects, including a new Activity Centre set to open systems. It needs to always be fun, this coming summer. P A G E 31 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Mark Your Calendars: Camp Wanapitei 2016 Important Dates SPRING 1st: Final installment of camp fees 30th: Community Weekend TBA: Camper Medical Forms online. for those on payment plan. Barbecue.

APRIL JULY AUGUST 1st: 2nd Installment of camp fees for 2nd: Early-July, July & full summer 1st: Early August, August and Junior 5 those on payment plan. sessions begin. sessions begin. 9th: Junior 2 session begins. 7th: Junior 5 session ends. MAY 14th: Mid-July Banquet. 8th: Junior 6 session begins. 1st: Final balance of camp fees due 15th: Early July session ends. 13th: Mid-August Banquet. for those paying balance of fees. 16th: Late July & Junior 3 14th: Early August & Junior 6 1st: 3rd Installment of camp fees for sessions begin. sessions end. those on payment plan. 22nd: Junior 3 session ends. 15th: Late August session begins. 23rd: Junior 4 session begins. 15th-20th: Family Camp. JUNE 28th: Mid Summer Banquet. 17th-20th: Family Camp three- 1st: Last day to submit camper 28th: Junior 4, Late July & July night option. medical forms. sessions end. 27th: Harvest Night. 28th: Camp ends. P A G E 31 T H E P A D D L E R ● W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

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WE INVITE YOU TO SHARE THIS CARD WITH ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD MAKE AN AWESOME WANAPITEI CAMPER. AS A THANKS TO YOU, WE OFFER A $100 REFERRAL CREDIT TO CURRENT FAMILIES THAT SUCCESSFULLY REFER A NEW FAMILY TO WANAPITEI FOR SUMMER 2016. Know someone who would be a great NEED MORE CARDS? CONTACT OUR OFFICE - WE’D BE HAPPY fit at Wanapitei? TO SEND THEM TO YOU!