What is the cost of a Wakpominee Trek?

In 2008 the cost of an Adirondack Trek is $310.  Payments received after May 1st are subject to a $50 surcharge. The only exceptions to this are noted in the Trek descriptions where a particular Trek may run longer than normal, have unusual features built into it, or have extra cost options such as a scenic flight over the route traveled (youth $15, adult $25).   Let the Trek Director know as soon as possible if you can provide transportation for your Crew and Voyageur to and from the traihead.  This saves the Camp having to rent a van and provide a driver and we will pass this savings on to you as a $250 discount. Camp Wakpominee will provide a vehicle & trailer to transport canoes.

What is the cost of the Canadian Trek to Algonquin?

This Trek costs substantially more.  This is understandable when you consider that the Trek is 10 days long and is about 1000 miles round trip, that there are campground and Park interior fees, meals in Ottawa and on the road have to be bought in restaurants, and while in Ottawa there are admission costs to museums and entertainments.  In 2008 the cost will be $550 per Scout which must be paid in full by May 1st.  This cost is predicated on the Crew providing their own transportation for the trip and there being 6 or more paying Scouts.

Is there anything that will prevent our Crew from getting away from Camp Wakpominee on time?

Yes, all of the following must be in place before your Crew can depart for the trailhead:

A Twin River Council Class 3 Personal Health history and Medical Record Form, completed and signed by both a Licensed Health-care Practitioner and Parent/Guardian within the past year, must have been reviewed and found satisfactory by the Camp Administration.   (year & month of immunization), tetanus within 10 years.

Each canoe trekker must qualify at camp as a scout swimmer.

In addition to the Voyageur, each Crew must have at least one member who is a certified First Aider.

Each Crew must have one member who is certified in the administration of CPR.

Each Crew must have all adult members certified as having completed BSA Youth Protection Training.

A packet of documents are sent out once a crew's reservation fee has been paid. Please make sure that these forms (parental permission slips, etc) are completed before coming to camp.

Can I talk over the Treks with someone who has done them?

It is an excellent idea to call the Treks Director, Chris Johnson at 518/597-3884 or contact him by e-mail. You will be able to get answers to specific questions and/or make any special arrangements you may deem necessary/appropriate.

What do Trek participants have to supply?

Each Scout supplies his own personal camping equipment as indicated on this gear list.  Be sure to bring a Twin Rivers Council Class 3 Personal Health and Medical Record Form for each participant with dates of immunization, including the month.  Tetanus immunization must be current (received within the past 10 years).Please be sure to complete and bring with you all permission slips included in the "crew checklist" sent at the time your deposit was placed.  In addition he or she will want to bring spending money and personal treats such as chewing gum or candy, however it should be noted that a complete menu is supplied, including desserts.  All crew equipment is supplied, from tents and flies to cook-kits and stoves, canoes, paddles and PFDs (Scouts may choose to bring their own personal paddle or PFD).

How strenuous are Treks? They vary considerably.  An important aspect of the Treks Program is that the Treks are designed to be done by a crew.  The crew makes critical decisions that insure that all members can complete the Trek, (including the advisor who may have spent the past 50 weeks working in an office).   Don't lose track of the fact that every member of the crew must travel 35 to 55 miles under his own power carrying his personal gear as well as his fair share of the Crew gear and food.  It should be noted here that the most successful crews are the ones that have done weekend shakedowns together in preparation for their summer adventure.  There is no substitute for the experience of having worked together getting to know each other's strengths, limitations, weaknesses, and the idiosyncrasies, good or bad, that make each crew and member unique.

What does it cost adult leadership to participate?

If a unit registers 6 or more paying participants for a Trek, it will be eligible to send one person along free.  If less than 6 are registered the crew will pay for 6.  Each Trek requires one adult in addition to the Voyageur to maintain two-deep leadership.

Is there an upper limit on the number of participants?

Yes, ordinarily Camp Wakpominee tries to limit the number of participants on a Trek.  Size has much to do with the quality of the experience.   In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation limits many areas to a maximum group size of 8.  In other areas of the Adirondack Park the DEC will allow 9 or in some cases 12, but special permits are required.  Algonquin has a limit of 9.   These limits include the advisor and the Voyageur.

What if we have more Scouts than regulations allow?

That's easy.  Form two crews and provide your Scouts with a choice of Treks or crews.  You will need two advisors and we will provide two Voyageurs.

Are Treks open only to units?

No, we can form what would essentially be a Provisional Unit.  However, it is the prerogative of the Council to cancel a Trek that lacks sufficient paying participants.  When a Provisional Unit is formed, there is a need for a second adult in addition to the Voyageur (two-deep leadership) that must be met.  If you are a registered leader and don’t have a crew (or if you have only a minimal one), but you are interested in doing a Trek, please let the Treks Program Director know.  Help, when needed, is very welcome.

When should Trek Crews arrive at Camp?

It is adviseable for Crews to be at Camp as close to 1:00 PM as possible.   There is a great deal to be gotten done before you leave the next morning.   Getting an early start makes it much easier to complete orientation, medical rechecks, etc., that afternoon and then get on the trail the next morning in a timely and relaxed way.

How should a Crew prepare for their Trek?

As mentioned above, the best preparation a Crew can do is to spend a couple of weekends backpacking together.  We strongly recommend that you refer to the Backpacking Merit Badge pamphlet for further information.

Why is the Scout Uniform worn travelling and touring?

There are a number of reasons.  We hope you are proud to be a Scout; if you were not a Scout you would not be doing this Trek.  It also helps those in charge keep track of people and, should someone become separated from the group, it is very easy to ask, "Have you seen a Scout dressed like this?"   We have also found that being dressed in the uniform helps people act like Scouts.

Why do we have a Voyageur going with us?

BSA policies require that when you head out on a Trek you have someone qualified in first aid and (if swimming or boating is involved)lifeguarding.   It is also advisable to have someone who is familiar with the area you will be travelling in and has a demonstrated mastery of the outdoor skills required.   The Voyageur has all these skills and certifications and has demonstrated an ability to teach and improve the skills of Trekkers.