VOYAGEUR
Canoe Training & Paddle Craft Safety

Youth and Adult Training

The Voyageur Canoe Training Program was established in the Central Indiana Council (now Crossroads of America Council) of the Boy Scouts of America following the death of two scouts during a canoe trip to Quetico Provincial Park in 1964. In response to this tragedy, the Voyageur Canoe Training program was established to provide adult leaders and youth with the canoe skills and trip planning skills necessary to avoid accidents like this from ever occurring again. The training is open to any adult over 18 registered with the BSA, as well as to youth over 14 who are registered with the BSA.

Objective:  To prepare youth and adults to take the Voyageur program back to their unit and conduct safe canoe outings including High Adventure trips. To hold the older Scouts' interest and keep them active in the Scouting program. To encourage younger Scouts to earn rank advancement. To provide canoeing adventure for Venture Crews.

How can Adults obtain or renew their BSA Canoe Paddle Craft Safety Certification?

Adults that complete prerequisites (Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat), attend the entire 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.

Adult leaders may renew their Paddle Craft Safety certification by attending the one-day Paddle Craft Safety recertification day on the second Saturday of the course. Participants will be tested and need to pass the performance and written requirements to obtain recertification. 

Additional information and prerequisites

Participants should be aware that spouses, significant others, friends, and unit mates will not be assigned to the same canoe.  This policy has been developed through years of ‘what could possibly go wrong’ experiences.  Tandem canoeing can be challenging to learn without the additional stress of relationship dynamics, and we wish all our participants to leave the course with the same friends and family members that they began the course with.

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

• Bring your BSA Registration number with you.
• Current Scout Health Form-Minimum Sections A & B Scout health form.
• Current documentation of “swimmer” classification from camp or from your unit swim check.  Must be current/within the last year.  This is required for participation.

Additional requirements for adults:

• Proof of current Youth Protection Training.
• Proof of current Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat certifications.

Please see the attached forms and welcome information.