Voyageur Canoe Training Program

The Voyageur Canoe Training Program was established in the Crossroads of America Council following the tragic deaths of two youths in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the early 1960s. To reduce the potential for that tragedy to be repeated, this program was established to provide adults and youth training and education in canoe safety and trip planning. Through the years, the training has been limited to registered adult Scout leaders but is now open to youth ages 14 and older and all adult leaders.

Our course’s objective is to prepare both adults and youth to take the Voyageur program back to their Troop and conduct safe canoe outings, including High-Adventure trips. It also aims to hold older Scouts’ interest and keep them active in the Scouting program, encourage younger Scouts to advance in rank, and facilitate canoeing adventures for Venture Crews.

Adult participants who complete the course prerequisites (Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat), attend the course, and pass the written test will obtain their BSA Paddle Craft Safety – Canoe certification. All certification requirements (except the swimmer test, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat) are taught during the course, and certification testing is conducted. Kayaking certification is available for an additional charge and requires an additional day of coursework.

Paddle Craft Safety certifications may be renewed by attending a one-day recertification day on the second Saturday of the course. Participants will be tested and must pass the performance and written requirements to obtain recertification. 

Participants should be aware that, if possible, spouses, significant others, friends, and unit mates will not be assigned to the same canoe. Tandem canoeing can be challenging enough to learn without the additional stresses of relationship dynamics, and we wish all our participants to leave the course with the same friends and family members that they began with.

Please bring the following completed required documentation with you on the first day of the course:

• Proof of current Youth Protection Training
• Current Scout Health Form – at minimum, sections A & B
• Current documentation of “swimmer” classification – from a camp or certified during a unit swim check within the last 12 months. This is required for participation.
• Proof of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat completion within the last two years.