Introduction to Canoe Camping
Chain O' Lakes State Park
2355 E. 75 S. Albion, IN
July 8-9, 2023
Co-Trip Leaders: John Carlson and Bob Hart
Type of Trip: Canoeing/Camping
Trip Cost/Deposit: $70
Cancellation Date and full payment: June 10, 2023
Wilderness Level: 2
Trip Difficulty: Easy, very little wind, waves up to 1 foot; some camping experience required.
Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment Level 1: Applies to trips in which we carry only day packs and stay on maintained trails. Hiking distances range from 3-6 mile, and elevation gain can be as much as 2000 feet. You should be comfortable hiking 3-6 miles in a day with considerable gain/loss on good trails. Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.
Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment
Level 1: Applies to trips in which we carry only day packs and stay on maintained trails. Hiking distances range from 3-6 mile, and elevation gain can be as much as 2000 feet. You should be comfortable hiking 3-6 miles in a day with considerable gain/loss on good trails.
Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.
Group Size: 10/07 Maximum/Minimum
Adults and High School (with leader approval)
This activity is designed for those who wish to learn about and prepare themselves for extended canoe camping trips out of state. This can be a qualifier for an extended canoe camping trip. Canoe camping is one of the best ways to experience the wilderness area as it gives you a lot of flexibility. For this introductory event we have picked a slightly remote setting on the water but our campsite will definitely be away from our cars. Safety will be stressed. Participants must be able to enter and exit a canoe by crawling over packs and be prepared to swim if the canoe would swamp.
You will learn basic canoe strokes and safety considerations plus how to lift carry and portage a canoe. We will demonstrate rescue scenarios in case of an open water swamp. You will have plenty of time to practice what you have learned. Our canoe camp will cover setting up of tents and tarps as well as how to safely secure food away from animals. You will also learn that canoe campers eat very well – leaders will plan both dinner and breakfast meals. Participants will be responsible for their own lunches and snacks. More information including what gear to bring will be provided in advance of the trip. We will meet at the Chain O Lakes State Park Saturday morning.
Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.
All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.
Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee.
