Voyageur Trek participants will put their endurance and canoeing skills to the test as they embark on a five day, fifty mile plus canoe trip down the world's oldest river, the New River. This trip is packed with opportunities to earn advancement, learn a little history, and leisurely enjoy the river's great fishing under the guidance of two Master Voyageurs. While the coureurs de bois were men who learned Indian ways and trails to assist with their fur trade, the voyageurs were experts in knowledge of waterways, shooting the rapids, and portaging heavy loads. Living on salt pork and dried peas, the Voyageur could paddle all day, carry double portage, and sing a rollicking French song all the while.
Goals Demonstrate a marked improvement in canoeing abilities.
Gain an appreciation of nature's most powerful force water. Learn and practice the principals of Leave No Trace camping. Discover what life must have been like for the 16 th Century Voyageurs. What to Expect The Voyageur Trek begins promptly on Sunday when the staff guides will administer both the BSA Swim Test and a basic canoeing test to ascertain the group's skill level. For test requirements, please refer to Canoeing Merit Badge requirement 3 and Whitewater Merit Badge requirement 3a.