EMHR’s Youth Heritage Sojourn

Thursday, June 15th – Saturday, June 17th, 2023

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Endless Mountain Outfitters have partnered once again to host EMHR’s annual Youth Heritage Sojourn on the 2023 PA River of the Year: The Susquehanna River’s North Branch! This three-day river adventure is for students grades 6-12 and will teach them about kayaking safety, the history of the river and the local area, and environmental stewardship. They’ll also have the opportunity to make new friends and experience the beauty of the North Branch. Students should be meet at Endless Mountain Outfitters (7474 PA-187, Sugar Run, PA 18846) at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 15th.

Safely led by Towanda Area School District teacher and EMO owner, Keith Brown, as well as his team of outstanding river guides, students will be shuttled from EMO in Wyalusing to Laceyville where they will embark on their 33.5-mile journey all the way to the West Falls Boat Launch over a three-day, two-night period. Along the way, students will stop for educational talks, lunch, and breaks. Participants will be staying at Camp Lackawanna (1219 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock, PA) for both nights of the trip. The cost of this trip will be $120, which includes: 3-day kayak rental, two breakfasts, two Lunches, two dinners, lodging at Camp Lackawanna cabins for two nights, educational programming, insurance, and shuttling. Students can be picked up at 12:30 p.m. at the West Falls Boat Launch (41.462273, -75.857034) or back at EMO at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th. For more information about the sojourn, contact Keith Brown at (570) 764-7102 or send an email to KBrown@tsd.k12.pa.us.

Space on the trip is limited, so sign up now!

2023 Youth Heritage Sojourn itinerary:

DAY 1: Thursday, June 15 –

8:00 a.m. – Meet at Endless Mountain Outfitters to sign in and prepare to depart, put camping stuff in van/bus. **Bring a bag lunch for the first part of the trip**
9:30 a.m. – Leave for Laceyville Launch by bridge.
10:30 a.m. – After kayaks are unloaded there will be a safety briefing with Keith Brown and EMO river guides
11:00 a.m. – Depart for Camp Lackawanna – 15 miles – (Stop for lunch along the way Be sure to bring your lunch and a drink)
5/5:30 p.m. – Arrive at Camp Lackawanna
5:30 p.m. – Unload personal items, settle into camp, tour of area, clean up, get ready for evening events.
6:00 p.m. – Dinner Pizza and Chips, welcome from EMHR Cain Chamberlin
6:30 p.m. – History talk from Bradford County Historical Society
After presentation students can get showers, finish settling in.
9:00 p.m. – Campfires, games, and socializing
11:00 p.m. – Lights out

DAY 2: Friday, June 16 –

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast – Fruit/Yogurt/Breakfast Bars
8:00 a.m. – Talk with PA Fish & Boat Commission
9:00 a.m. – Leave for Whites Ferry – 14 miles
Noon – Lunch at Tunkhannock Boat Launch-Song of Bread providing lunch.
4:00 p.m. – Get off water at Whites Ferry – Shuttle back to Camp Lackawanna
A hike and other outdoor activities after we return students can clean up and hand out until dinner and guest speaker
6:30 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – Guest speaker after dark at the campfire – Storyteller Steve Davenport and discussion of trip.
Afterwards, students can enjoy campfires and socializing, games, and stories.
11:00 p.m. – Lights out

DAY 3: Saturday, June 17 –

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast, camp breakdown, clean up camp, load items for end of trip. We will not be coming back to Camp Lackawanna.
9:00 a.m. – Students transported to Whites Ferry
10:00 a.m. – After safety talk, get on water and head to West Falls Boat Launch – 4.5 miles
12:30 a.m. – At the end of the paddle, help load boats. After everyone is finished, they will depart for home.
Student pick up will be at 12:30 p.m. at West Falls Boat Launch OR at 3 p.m. at EMO (whichever is more convenient for parents)
**** Parents will be picking kids up in at West Falls or back at EMO*****

Schedule is subject to change.

Youth Sojourn Packing List:

The items below are suggested but not mandatory.
Shelter – We will be staying in cabins at Camp Lackawanna, so tents are not mandatory.

_Canteen/water bottle/cup (MUST HAVE WITH YOU)
_Sleeping bag
_Sleeping Pad
_Blankets
_Pillow

Miscellaneous Items
_ Sunscreen***
_ Aloe for after you don’t use above suggest items
_Chap stick
_Bug spray
_Backpack
_Ziplock Bags
_Sunglasses
_Playing Cards
_Flashlight/batteries
_Trash bags
_Cell phone/Dry Case- Should stay in your dry bag that is on the bus or in your cabin
_Charger
_Snacks

 Weather should determine how you pack for the trip. May weather is hard to predict. It could be 90 degrees or 30 degrees. Please pack accordingly. Try not to over pack. Space is limited.

Clothes – Prepare for all conditions and weather.
_Shoes/boots
_Crocks or water shoes
_Jeans/pants/belt
_Shorts
_T-Shirts
_Socks/extra socks
_Sweatshirt/jacket
_Underwear
_Dry Sleep Clothes for Night
_Rain gear
_Towel
_Laundry bag
Try to stay away from cotton, if possible

Personal
_ Towels
_ Toothbrush/ toothpaste
_ Deodorant
_ Feminine products
_ Toilet paper
_ Personal medications
_ Dry bag or double plastic bags for everything you want to keep dry

We have been on trips where it rained and trips where it was very hot, so please have appropriate clothes packed and a personal supply of water.