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by Regan Gibson Wiesler, Four Trails Manager

The Voyageur program at Miniwanca is a capstone trip filled with traditions and celebrations that enrich the experience and foster a deep sense of community. These rituals mark the milestones of the journey and create lasting memories and personal growth.

Sunrise Paddle
One cherished tradition is the sunrise paddle. As dawn breaks, campers set out on the calm waters of Georgian Bay, connecting with nature and starting the day with purpose and tranquility.

Solo Time
Another tradition is a solo, where each camper spends reflective time alone. Leaders pose a question to campers and spread them out to allow campers to think deeply and journal about their experiences, values, and personal growth. Many find this time transformative, as it helps them gain clarity and insight into their journey and their place in the world.

Re-Ration

Midway through Voyageur, campers get re-ration. This is a time when fresh food, clean clothes, and mail are delivered to the group. Receiving these supplies is a much-needed boost. Fresh food revitalizes the campers, clean clothes offer comfort, and mail from family, friends, and the camp community brings heartfelt messages, reminding them of the support and love waiting for them.

Ice Cream on the Rocks
A delightful tradition is eating ice cream at Ice Cream on the Rocks. After days of paddling, campers gather to enjoy a refreshing, sweet treat and meet up with other trip groups.

Nostos

As the Voyageur journey comes to an end, campers return home for Nostos, a celebration of their adventure and growth. They will paddle in from the Well Site and rejoin the camp community to cheers and chants of “We are proud of you!” Nostos is a time to celebrate the achievements and challenges campers overcome.

Receiving the Voyageur Rugby
One of the most anticipated moments of the Voyageur experience is when campers receive their rugby. This special item symbolizes the completion of the journey and the personal growth achieved. The traditional stripes connect each group to the Voyageurs of the past and future, but the colors and pattern are unique to that year. It’s a tangible reminder of the adventure, the friendships formed, and the values embraced. Wearing the Voyageur rugby is a badge of honor, representing the resilience, teamwork, and spirit of the program.