Survival Skills

Firebuilding, tying knots, flipping canoes, reading maps, and cooking are essential skills we teach at Voyageur before they go on wilderness trips.

Veterans may choose to chase a canoe-tripping rank. Bushwhackers are campers who portage and efficiently stern a canoe for two full days on the trail. Junior Bushwackers handle a light canoe, while Senior Bushwhackers handle a Grumman aluminum canoe.

A Big Man is a camper who helps the counselor coordinate the trip. He helps plan the menu, pack food, and cooks several dinners. He navigates for two full days on the trail, while sterning and carrying a canoe. He must be a proficient campfire builder. A Big Man must possess integrity, lead by example, and act as a second leader.