The August 2014 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “The Wild Wild North”, describing a California troop’s eight day trek through Bowron Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia. Interestingly, the trek followed a number of interconnected lakes and rivers which form a rectangle of sorts, so that the group was able to travel from one point along the rectangle to end up at the same point.
The Bowron Lake area is apparently one of the top wilderness canoe trek venues in the world. And wilderness it is, residing on the western edge of the Canadian Rockies, with all of the risks of wilderness canoeing, including cold water, unpredictable weather, large waves, etc., as noted in the article.
I note with interest that the troop ‘s preparation included a Sacramento, California American Red Cross canoeing course, which according to a participant, taught different kinds of strokes, how to paddle efficiently, and how to do canoe rescues. The “fundamentals of canoeing” course in which the group presumably participated (according to the Sacramento Red Cross Chapter website) included a Friday evening session at a local pool, and fourteen hours of weekend instruction on a local lake. Such pre-trip training is consistent with the Guide to Safe Scouting and Safety Afloat.
Also, the Bowron Lake Provincial Park provides information for those seeking to complete this challenging canoe trek, complete with a gear list. Make no mistake, this is a wilderness area, with radio communication the norm, and help not being next door. Preparation by adults is essential, not to mention the extra care required for a youth event.
In other words, the troop did not rely solely on a Scout having earned canoeing merit badge as sufficient training to participate in a challenging wilderness canoe trek. And, with everyone having taken the same course, they were all on the same page skills-wise. I note from its website that the Sacramento Red Cross Chapter also provides classes in river and whitewater canoeing.
Aside from the Red Cross, the American Canoe Association also provides instructors for groups seeking to enhance skills in paddle sports. These can be found here.
While not mentioned in the article, I would assume that CPR training would have been included in the group’s preparation, not to mention BSA’s Paddlecraft Safety training by the adults (a course frequently offered at summer camp for attending adults). Paddlecraft Safety training by youth participants would also be useful.
Yes, such training for Scouts potentially takes time away from lacrosse, football, baseball, rugby and soccer, to the possible irritation of parents and coaches, but as one Scout said in the article, “The waves were pretty big, and right then I was thinking, I don’t want to do this”. At that point, the training that particular Scout received was probably life-protecting training, and time well spent.
Of note, BSA and the American Canoe Association (ACA) in 2016 produced a new “moving water” canoeing/kayaking safety video titled “Reading the Rhythms of Rivers and Rapids”.
Units may order a free copy from the ACA at this link (all units who canoe or kayak on rivers should do so!): https://aca.site-ym.com/?page=BSADVD#
Safe boating to all!