Canoe the New
Blue Ridge Scout Reservation’s River-Camping Program
About Camp
For nearly 300 years, the French fur trade was dominated by two groups of people: the coureurs de bois or “wood-runners” and the voyageurs or “travelers.” These “voyageurs” were experts in knowledge of waterways, shooting rapids, and portaging heavy loads. The voyageur was a vital part of the highly profitable fur trade of the New World. 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! Harken back to the days of the voyageur in this river-camping adventure along the New River, one of only a handful of rivers in the US that flow South to North!
Highlights of Canoe the New:
- Opportunity to earn Canoeing and Whitewater Merit Badges
- Plenty of time for FISHING along the river
- World-class Class V Whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge!
- Opportunity to earn the 50-Miler Award
- Make a Voyaguer- period leather project as a requirement for Leatherworking Merit Badge
- Hone your water-reading and maneuvering skills
- Return to Camp Powhatan for closing camp fire!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Scouts age 13 and older who have passed the Swimmer’s Test.
After spending Sunday night at base Camp Powhatan, Monday through Thursday will be spent canoeing the New River. While on the river, a support vehicle will shadow the trek, moving gear to each day’s camping area. Participants will only carry personal items such as water, food, and rain gear on the river—we do recommend a small dry bag for this purpose. Due to summer water levels and dam construction there are some discontinuities in the voyage that require both human- and vehicle-assisted portages so be prepared to work hard both on and off the river. After a quick trip down the river on Thursday, your group will be transported to West Virginia where you will spend the night. Bring a little spending money as the group will stop somewhere along the interstate. Friday, you will go whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, returning in time for the closing campfire at Camp Powhatan.
- Canoeing gear- life vests, paddles, and helmets
- Safety Equipment- first aid kit, z-drag kit, throw bags
- Trowel and toilet paper
- Cooking gear for three meals a day
Merit Badges:
Merit badges may require a minimum age to participate, pre-requisites to begin the badge, or an additional minimal fee for supplies. Some Merit Badges may have requirements that can not be completed at camp, and scouts will receive partial completions on these badges. Merit badges may very, pending availability of qualified teaching staff.
