I have been involved with the boys’ camping movement for fifteen years beginning as a camper and working my way up the ladder of staff personnel. I have come to focus my philosophy upon the canoe trip. All that is important, not only to the camping movement but to life as well, which rotates about such a focal point.

The range in ages is from 6-16 and the type of outdoor camping is adapted to the particular age. Hence a 6 year old may go on an overnight while the 16 year old will spend anywhere from 7-14 days under canvas – or more.

The canoe trip is very important, in part, due to its pragmatism as it teaches self-reliance  and inter-dependence. If a trip is to succeed all must share in the responsibilities. 

The sternsman portages the canoe while the bowman carries the heavy food pack. Of course as the trip progresses that pack lightens. The canoe may actually take on weight if its an old canvas covered model. The middleman carries the lighter bedroll pack that contains sleeping bags, tarp, air mattress, and tent.

Should one fail the others must take up the task in addition to their own thus jeopardizing the trip’s success. Hence each must be self-dependent while contributing to the trip’s enjoyment and ultimate success.

There is no place for selfish behavior. The common group needs must take priority. Failure can be as serious as death. The campers learn to live with nature, to adapt to natural challenges and not strive to conquer nature. Symbiosis. Admire and appreciate nature’s wonders. Unlike the pioneers who strove to subject nature. Many abandoned stone fences imbedded in forests to-day are evidence of such failure. The environment is not endless; it must be cultured, sustained.

Campers are steeped in outdoor education and recreation. They carry this home and sometimes it rubs off on parents. I have heard that once leases expire in Algonquin Park and on Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay) that the government plans to replace residential children camps with more facilities for family camping. Are we ready for such an expansion? Are we educated sufficiently to avoid destroying the environment? At this time I say “no”.

In cities we are accustomed to having someone clean up after our messes. Do you clean your office, sweep the floors, take out the garbage? At home the wife cleans up after her husband; unless she is a feminist. Then hubbie cleans up after  the wife.

One goes camping to escape the city. You pay your entrance and camping fees and proceed to leave a trail of litter for park rangers to clean because, after all, you paid your fees. Campers carve their names in trees. Sheer ignorance is inexcusable Which is why the camping movement, canoe trips in particular, are so important.  As campers mature they can pass on a love and appreciation of nature to their families. Of course the campers return home to educate their parents. As such the childrens’ camping movement can contribute positively to the environment and its sustainability. On canoe trips we often have to clean up after those who went before. “Leave the site as good or better than when you first arrive.” We also left enough dry firewood so if the next group arrives ahead of a thunderstorm they might be able to prepare a hot meal quickly. 

I learned canoe tripping in Muskoka. Now that is impossible as private ownership has removed that possibility. Who wants campers setting up in front of their cottage? In Temagami  I used to camp on Bear Island. Wonder if that is still possible?