Les Voyageurs Inc.

Les Voyageurs Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "expand the horizons of young people as it challenges their physical, psychological, social, and learning skills through an intense outdoor experience."

About the trip

During a 28-day canoe trip in the Ontario and Manitoba provinces, voyageurs are placed in a 9-person crew (seven young people and two experienced guides). Each crew lives and travels in the unspoiled wilderness of this region while learning to function as a member of a close knit group whose lives depend on each other as well as respect the land on which they are living. Preparation before the trip is extensive: dehydrating, packing, and route planning, a lot of work is required by the guides and the crews themselves. During their time North, little human contact is made apart from with the crew in which the voyageur is placed. This period can be emotionally draining and requires strong-willed parents and voyageurs. Crews must rely on themselves for strength and emotional support and courage. The program is directed by Fred Rupp and based out of St. Cloud, Minnesota. It is here that all of the pre-trip training and preparations take place.

History of Expeditions North

The first expedition was in 1971 with one crew of 8th grade boys. The trip lasted 10 days in the upper St. Croix River. The following year the trip moved north into Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park. In 1973, the trip had expanded to 14 days, four crews, and the ages raised to 9th, 10th and 11th grades. Also, in 1973, the trip moved north once again into northern Ontario and Manitoba (where it takes place today). In 1977, the first 30 day trip was taken. Due to the extended length of the trip, "CARE" packages and resupply were added as well as a more extensive route into the wilderness. As the popularity of the program grew, as well as the length of the trip, Fred Rupp was forced to turn down many applicants due to his inability to guide more than four crews per summer.

The next step in Voyageurs history was in 1981 with a grant from the Sexton Foundation. The name was changed to "Les Voyageurs" (after the "voyageurs" who were trappers in the Canadian wilderness) and it was granted non-profit status by the IRS. With the expanding program, Fred enlisted past voyageurs who showed exemplary skill to guide four of the crews that summer. The summer of 1981 also marked the first females to hit the trails through this expedition.

Now, all crews are guided by past voyageurs who want to make a difference in the lives of those who are up and coming. In 1987, Far North Expeditions were added as a second year trip for those wanting to continue with the program for another year.

About the Program Director

Fred Rupp is the founder and director of Les Voyageurs Inc. During the fall and winter, Mr. Rupp teaches biology at Cathedral High School while coaching the Boys cross country team. During the spring and summer he, along with his wife, Roberta Rupp, prepares for the trips by training the guides extensively as well as providing facilities for crew meetings and training sessions.

External links

* [http://www.les-voyageurs.org Les Voyageurs Inc. Homepage]
* [http://www.biscuitharbour.com/northway/index.shtml Nothway Aviation Ltd. Homepage (main source of transport in or out of the area)]
* [http://www.chsj23.org Cathedral High School Homepage]