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 OA
Wilderness Voyage
The National Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join Arrowmen
from across the country in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood
on the pristine US/Canadian Boundary Waters. Under the direction of the United
States Forest Service, experienced Charles L. Sommers staff members with strong
Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on a two week voyage into
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
The program is a fourteen-day experience inspired by the traditions of the
French and Canadian Voyageurs who ventured the northern wilderness during the
1700-1800's. Traveling thousands of miles by water and portage, these Voyageurs
were hired to haul goods and furs to trade with Native Americans and Europeans.
In the spirit of these adventurers, Arrowmen will embark on a voyage that is
twofold. One-half of the OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage focuses on portage
trail and campsite maintenance within the Boundary Waters. The remaining expedition
is spent on a canoeing adventure that is planned and chosen by the participants
in the program. In other words, each crew plans their own voyage! However, the
program is not simply portage trail work, camping, and canoeing. The OA Northern
Tier Wilderness Voyage is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally,
physically, and spiritually.
Portage trail work is tough and serious. The worksite experience is full of
long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants
are expected to work with great diligence as the tasks being accomplished are
designed to benefit generations of Scouts and non-Scouts in the Boundary Waters
Wilderness. In addition to mastering portage trail maintenance techniques, Scouts
will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact
camping skills, learn wilderness safety techniques, participate in many motivational
activities, and receive special OA instruction. The project's mission is to
maintain, reinforce, and intensify the purpose of the Order of the Arrow through
Scout camping traditions. Camping enhances and builds stronger programs and
people. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop,
chapter, lodge, and council programs.
2006 OA Wilderness Voyage Session Dates
#1 June 7 - 20
#2 June 14 - 27
#3 June 21 - July 4
#4 June 28 - July 11
#5 July 5 - 18
#6 July 12 - 25
Click to download a copy of the 2006 OA Wilderness Voyage Application.
For more information on the OA Wilderness Voyage, see the OA
Wilderness Voyage Information Site.
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