Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Making the Most out of a Wilderness Canoe Trip

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

Besides not having a plug for your curling iron, there are lots of other modern day conveniences missing from life in the bush. While many enjoy escaping from the whirlwind of their contemporary lifestyles, for some first time campers, the culture shock of interior or wilderness camping can be a bit too much... or too little - as the usual complaint amongst newbie campers (especially the young ones) is that they are bored.

To make the most out of your wilderness canoe trip and to help make the experience more enjoyable, there are a number of things you can do.

Start by researching area maps and check to see what books and other literature is available about the area. Don't be afraid to talk to the locals, either, as you are able. If you learn to identify the regional flora and fauna and other local natural features for your trip, it will only help to make your trip more pleasurable. Especially for the kids.

Plan for rainy days by bringing a deck of cards, or a novel to read, to help pass the time. For kids, a home-made "Fidget Kit"* is always a good tool to have around for rainy weather and/or long days spent in the canoe.

Having preferred activities planned for
your trip can be gratifying. Here,
Fiona sketches a tree bent naturally
over time by the prevailing winds.

"Prevailing Winds"
Sketched at Ferguson Bay,
Lake Temagami, September 2000

Another great tip is to plan your canoe trip with a preferred activity in mind; whether it is to fish, sketch/paint, explore, to take photographs, or to write. Keep a trip journal on hand to record your experiences and points of interest. And, to make the tripping experience that much more enjoyable for the next camper, always leave every campsite cleaner then you found it.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

A "Tangle" is a great
addition to a Fidget
Kit to help keep young
hands and minds busy.

*A "fidget kit" can be made from any number of small sensory objects that appeal to a specific child that are calming. Squishy balls/Koosh balls/Spaghetti Balls, and other sensory items can be fun for passing the time. As well as small cause and reaction toys, miniature dolls, or other manipulative objects like rubber bands, stress balls, Silly Putty, play dough, Bendeez, Rapper Snappers, etc. These kits can be home made or bought. They can be individualized and change as the child grows and interests change. See: How to Make a Fidget Kit or click here: Therapro Fidget Kit to see a store-bought example.