Voyageur Canoe Skills Training

04/22/2026

Spring 2026 registration is full! Fall session registration has 14 spots remaining!

Voyageur Canoe Training
https://www.joinscoutsin.org/resources/training/voyageur/

04/17/2026

Spring filled faster than expected, so we expanded capacity to 20. Only 3 spots remain.

If you’ve been thinking about building your canoe and kayak leadership skills, now is the time to lock in your spot.

Fall session registration is also open for September 12–13 and 26–27, 2026. Plan ahead and secure your place early.
https://www.joinscoutsin.org/resources/training/voyageur/

Swim checks are required to attend. If you need one, a session will be held May 3 at Beech Grove High School. Registration is required:
https://scoutingevent.com/160-SwimTestsMay2026

04/05/2026

We don’t find eggs on the water very often… but we do end up searching for things that should have never been lost.

Take a look and see if you can spot the differences.

The details matter. The same mindset that helps you notice small differences is what keeps trips running smoothly and safely.

Leave no trace. That includes your gear.

Stay organized. Keep track of what you bring.

If you’re leading youth or getting on the water this season, make sure you’re prepared.

Voyageur Canoe Training
https://www.joinscoutsin.org/resources/training/voyageur/

03/30/2026

Grumman canoes don’t retire. They just become landmarks.
Come train in ours and learn how to stay safe on the water.

https://www.joinscoutsin.org/resources/training/voyageur/

03/24/2026

03/23/2026

This is absolutely a whitewater video, and beyond the scope of the paddling we teach. However, it drives home some safety points we make on-course. We talk about the importance of having a clean PFD, avoiding having loose lines/straps/etc... on you, your gear, or the boat, and avoiding using non-locking or novelty carabiners. The raft guide in this video is wearing a Type V rescue PFD, likely with a locking carabiner on his rescue cow tail. He tries to release it, but he has become snagged on a separate carabiner on the boat, so the release is useless. Unfortunately, someone rigged the raft with non-locking carabiners. He manages to cowboy the raft, and an experienced boater on shore realizes what no one else does and makes a hero rope throw, pulling the boat and guide out of the hole. Check out the narrative to follow what happens. This is the first visual example of this that I have actually seen, and wanted to share it here. Had the raft flipped, this could have become a really bad day very quickly. This is shared to drive home the point on clean boat/gear and appropriate gear, not to critique any of the paddlers or spectators. Also, practice throwing makes perfect.

Learn more about the Ocoee River at https://fastfreds.com/OcoeeRiverGuidebookVery experienced 30+ year veteran raft guide becomes entrapped when his PFD beco...

03/20/2026

Spring is here, and that means paddling season is starting up again.

But early season rivers can be cold, fast, and full of rocks. If you ever find yourself unexpectedly swimming in rocky water, remember the Rump Bump.

Float on your back with your feet pointed downstream, knees slightly bent. This position helps your feet and legs absorb contact with rocks while protecting your head. Keep your nose and toes up, look where you want to go, and work toward the shore or a rescue line.

Voyageur Canoe Training teaches these skills the right way and gives you the chance to practice them in a controlled environment before you ever need them for real.

Stay safe, paddle smart, and enjoy the first day of spring on the water.

03/15/2026

Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) must be completed soon for all Scouting America volunteers.

To remain current, leaders must complete SYT between January 1 and March 31 each year.

Training details:
• Initial training takes about 90 minutes
• Annual refresher takes about 15–20 minutes

To complete this training, visit https://my.scouting.org/ . While you are in the training portal, check your Hazardous Weather Training as well. This training is required for direct contact leaders and expires every two years.

Keeping these trainings current ensures every leader understands the latest policies and best practices for protecting youth. This is one of the most important responsibilities we share in Scouting.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the safety and well-being of our Scouts.

District Commissioner
Angie Adelsberger

03/13/2026

Reach. Throw. Row. Go.

Know the order before you need it. Voyageur Canoe Training teaches the proper techniques and gives you a chance to practice them safely.

Learn more about the four water rescue methods:
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/178557/reach-throw-row-go-learn-more-about-the-4-water-rescue-techniques/

03/08/2026

Ready for a canoe adventure?

Turn your sound on to hear a song about our program!

Voyageur Canoe Training returns to Camp Belzer soon.
Details and registration:
https://www.joinscoutsin.org/resources/training/voyageur/

02/07/2026

Keep It Fun While You Train

As we head into Super Bowl Sunday, it’s a good reminder that mixing in playful, skill-building activities helps keep training engaging and rewarding. Games like kayak football blend paddling, teamwork, and friendly competition, making them great tools for reinforcing craft control and communication while having fun.

Check out this link to learn more about kayak football and how you might use it in your sessions.

Blog, News March 29, 2017 Learning to play Kayak Football- The Rules In 2009, Team River Runner introduced Kayak Football to the veterans and volunteers in our chapter system.  Kayak Football is a competition that combines elements of Kayaking, American Football and ultimate frisbee. Fast paced a...