Apostle Islands - Sea Kayaking Adventure
This program will find you paddling among the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior! Participants spend 5 days on the water and 4 nights on islands. Typically 3 days are travel days and two are exploring days. Enjoy perfecting your skills and learning about aquatic life, kayaking in sea caves and enjoying meals from the sea.
Weekly Itinerary
Sunday
- 1:00 pm - Check in at Tesomas for medical re-checks
- 2:00 pm - Equipment checkout, personal gear check, and van packing
- 4:00 pm - Prepare and eat dinner
- 5:00 pm - Depart for Bayfield, Wisconsin
- 8:00 pm - Setup camp, Social campfire
Monday - Friday
- 8:00 am - Breakfast
- 9:00 am - Kayaking/exploring (Monday begins with basic kayaking & safety training)
- 12:30 pm - Lunch on an island
- 1:00 pm - Continue kayaking/exploring
- 3:30 pm - Locate an island to camp on for the night, setup camp
- 6:30 pm - Dinner
- 7:30 pm - Evening program (GPS, Leave No Trace, Campfires)
Departure
- Sea Kayaking treks will end Friday afternoon and participants will be transported back to Tesomas for the night. On Saturday gear will be unpacked and a short awards cermemony given by the staff. Units can plan on leaving for home around 11:00 am.
Additional Details
- You must be a strong swimmer, and some kayaking experience is required. Participants must pass the BSA swimmers test prior to arrival at camp (see page 8 for more information).
- Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Kayaking BSA activity patch.
- A comprehensive medical examination is required for all participants because of the higher level of activities. This involves a physician’s visit within one year.
- Participants should purchase a set of wetshoes/booties to protect their feet and ankles.
- Remember, it can be colder on the water and conditions can change quickly so it is important that you bring everything on the list. Cotton clothing is highly discouraged. Wool or synthetic fabrics will keep you warmer, dryer and more comfortable.
Provided Equipment
- Fiberglass sea kayaks, paddles, & skirts
- Sleeveless wetsuits, gloves & life jackets
- Rescue pumps & tow ropes
- Dry bags - for all food, personal and crew gear
- VHF radio/cell phone - for emergencies
- Unit first aid kit
- Backpacking stoves
- Cook & chef kits, Mess Kits
- Collapsible water jugs
- Water purifiers & iodine tablets
- Tents & Sleeping bag
What to Bring
- 1-2 sets of stay-dry clothes
- 1-2 sets of get-wet clothes
- Underwear (sport appropriate)
- Socks (including a pair of wool)
- Loose, comfortable pants & shorts
- Sweatshirt or Jacket & Rain gear
- Hiking Boots & Walking shoes
- Swimsuit (one-piece for females)
- Personal Hygiene items & towel
- First Aid Kit, pocket Knife, flashlight
- Insect Repellent (non aerosol)
- Sunscreen, Hat and/or Sunglasses
- Medical form (class 3)
- Medication (original container)
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Camera/Film (optional)
- Fishing Gear (optional)
Due to limited storage participants should plan on wearing their clothing for 3 or more days at a time. Participants will become dirty by the end of the week.
