1. Can my son or daughter bring food on the trip?

2. My son or daughter has a food allergy.
Can your company accommodate our concerns?

3. Can I call my son or daughter during their trip?

4. What kind of shelter and equipment will be provided for my son or daughter?

5. How many campers sleep in each tent and can I bring my own?

6. Do guys and girls tent in the same area?

7. How well trained are your staff in wilderness safety systems and standards?

8. What other activities can campers expect to participate in?

9. Why canoe tripping?

10. How do we learn more?

1. Can my son or daughter bring food on the trip?
Since we will be canoeing and doing some portaging to some wilderness locations, it is best that food is left at home since animals will be attracted to the smell of food in your son or daughter’s tent. All food is included in the cost of the trip and there will be plenty for everyone. We carry specialized bags for food and we place these bags out of the reach of the animals that live in the forest. Also, in these times, food allergies are a concern, so we ask that your son/or daughter does not bring any food since such a decision could put someone at risk of anaphylaxis.

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2. My son or daughter has a food allergy. Can your company accommodate our concerns?
Yes we can. We will not carry any food on the trip that poses a risk for anyone.

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3. Can I call my son or daughter during their trip?
Since most of Paddles in Action trips occur in remote locations, we carry a satellite phone that we use in the case of emergencies only. If it is essential that you need to talk with your son or daughter, our satellite phone is available to be called. Before we enter the canoe trip portion of the trip, campers will have an opportunity to call home.

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4. What kind of shelter and equipment will be provided for my son or daughter?
Paddles in Action use some of the best outdoor equipment on the market. This includes Sierra Designs tents which are consistently rated as the most durable and reliable tents on the market for keeping campers dry and happy. As well, we use MSR stoves which are also extremely rugged and reliable when it’s time for a good meal. Our canoes have been chosen for their stability and ability to perform. Also, all of our personal flotation devices (PFD’s) meet or exceed all safety standards.

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5. How many campers sleep in each tent and can I bring my own?
For comfort, we suggest that 2 campers sleep in our tents that are rated for 3 people. In most cases, campers get to choose their same gender tent partners. If someone needs their own tent for sleeping, we can accommodate this request. We understand how important it is for each camper to get a good night sleep. Since our tents are high quality and designed for this style of camping, we suggest that our tents are used. However, if you feel that your tent can stand up to the rigors of a lengthy canoe trip, feel free to pack it with you.

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6. Do guys and girls tent in the same area?
No. For reasons that are obvious to us all, we always travel to locations where we can book two sites or where two sites are available. These locations are often a good distance apart. We do often eat together as an entire group however. For safety and supervision reasons, camper to staff ratio on canoe trips is never greater than 4:1.

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7. How well trained are your staff in wilderness safety systems and standards?
Each of our trips has at least one NLS trained lifeguard and at least one Wilderness First Responder trained guide which is the gold standard for wilderness guides in North America. All of our guides have standard first aid and heart saver training. As well, all of our guides are skilled O.R.C.K.A. trained canoeists and canoe tripping veterans.

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8. What other activities can campers expect to participate in?
Campers on our trips get a chance to participate in several exciting challenge games that feature elements of problem solving and teamwork. Our guides are also skilled adventure facilitators and these activities are inherently fun and bring groups together. As well, participants will learn to cook their own camp meals, get a chance to swim in crystal clear lakes, hike, try their hand at oil painting, sing and play music, learn about astrology as well as Canadian Shield geography.

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9. Why canoe tripping?
The canoe is a Canadian icon and more than any mode of transportation it captures the imagination as a means of taking us to the most amazing scenic landscapes in our country. The chance for a youth to develop a strong sense of self worth through the successes that present themselves along the journey of a canoe trip are irreplaceable. At every turn there are mini problems to be solved, friends to depend on and stories to be forged. The joy that comes with propelling a boat forward with nothing but human power and proper paddling technique is both invigorating and empowering. What’s more, canoeing is fun and it’s a great form of exercise!

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10. How do we learn more?
We are available to speak with you on the phone about our programs and we are also available to meet with parents and their teenagers face to face in their homes. Call us today to learn more or to set up a meeting with our Paddles in Action guides and trainers!

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