EMHR’s Youth Heritage Sojourn 2024 | June 27-29, 2024

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Endless Mountain Outfitters have partnered once again to host EMHR’s annual Youth Heritage Sojourn on the Susquehanna River North Branch! This three-day, 33.5-mile river adventure from Sugar Run to Tunkhannock is for students grades 6-12. Not only do these scenic trips down the North Branch give our youth the opportunity to learn about paddling safety, the history of the river and the local area, and environmental stewardship, but also engage in a healthy outdoor recreation activity, 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) by 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 27th to check-in. Parents/guardians MUST stay on site until their children are signed-in.
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 take to the water from EMHR and begin their 33.5-mile journey to Tunkhannock over a three-day, two-night period. Along the way, students will stop for educational talks with amazing guest speakers and lunch breaks. Participants will be lodging at Camp Lackawanna (1219 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock, PA) for both nights of the trip. The cost of this trip will be $200, 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. Parents/guardians have the option of picking up students at 12:30 p.m. at the Tunkhannock Riverside Park or back at EMO at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29th.

For more information about the sojourn, contact Keith Brown at 570-746-7102 or send an email to KBrown@tsd.k12.pa.us. Space is limited, so sign up now!

2023 Youth Heritage Sojourn itinerary:

DAY 1: Thursday, June 27 – Theme of the day: Wear Tye Dye

• 8 a.m. – Meet at Endless Mountain Outfitters to sign in. Parents MUST stay to complete paperwork. We’ll prepare to depart and put all camping gear in the trailer/van/truck. **Students should bring a bagged lunch for the first part of the trip**
• 9 a.m. – Get fitted for kayaks/vests/paddles.
• 10 a.m. – Safety briefing with Keith Brown and EMO river guides followed by getting boats on the waters and departing for Champluvier’s Farm in Laceyville – 9.5 miles – (Stop for lunch along the way Be sure to bring your lunch and a drink)
• 3/3:30 pm – Arrive at Laceyville. Secure Kayaks for the nights. Shuttle to Camp Lackawanna.
• 4:30 p.m. – Arrive at Camp Lackawanna, Unload personal items, settle into camp, tour the area, get ready for the evening.
• 6 p.m. – Dinner and welcome from Cain Chamberlin of the EMHR
• 6:30 p.m. – “Reptile Walk” with the Penn State Extension
• 9 p.m. – Campfires, games, and socializing
• 11 p.m. – Lights out

DAY 2: Friday, June 28 – Theme of the day: Hawaiian Shirt!

• 7 a.m. – Breakfast – Fruit/Yogurt/Breakfast Bars
• 8 a.m. – Talk with PA Fish & Boat Commission
• 9 a.m. – Shuttle to Laceyville
• 10 a.m. – On the water and headed to Camp Lackawanna – 14 miles
• 12/12:30 p.m. – Provided lunch at halfway point: Meshoppen Boat Launch
• 4 p.m. – Get off water at Camp Lackawanna
• 5 p.m. – Guest speaker/educational programming
• 6 p.m. – Dinner
• 8 p.m. – Storyteller Steve Davenport will be telling stories around the campfire.
  Afterwards, students can enjoy campfires and socializing, games, and stories.
• 11 p.m. – Lights out

DAY 3: Saturday, June 29 – Theme of the Day: Crazy or Cool Hat and/or Sunglasses

• 7 a.m. – Breakfast, camp breakdown, clean up camp, load items for end of trip. We will not be coming back to Camp Lackawanna.
• 9 a.m. – After safety talk, get on water and head to Tunkhannock – 6.5 miles
• 12:30 p.m. – At the end of the paddle, boats will be loaded back onto the shuttles. After everyone is finished, they will depart for home.
  ****Student pick up will be at 12:30 p.m. at Tunkhannock Riverfront Park OR at 2 p.m. at EMO (whichever is more convenient for parents)****

Time Schedule is subject to change.

This event is being funded in part by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, and the Wyoming County Room Tax Fund.

Youth Sojourn Packing List:
Download 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.