We only hear the words, “The Voyagers are all here, sir,” at about 4 line-ups per session at Deerfoot. After being in camp for less than 24 hours, the Voyagers depart together for adventures in some of the most remote and pristine wilderness in the Northeastern United States. They remain on the trail together, living and working as a team, for a week and a half before they return just in time for our closing camp fire at DL ADK. We see so little of them in camp that it is easy for campers to forget about this program, which allows campers to immerse themselves even deeper into the wilderness than is possible on Whitaker Lake.
Knife Edge on Mt. Katahdin
There are two different Voyager trips. Each one has challenges, summits, and night-sky-views all its own. Campers who sign up to be Voyagers in Session 1 or 2 go on the Allagash Voyager trip. This trip begins with a hike up Mt. Katahdin in Maine’s Baxter State Park. Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, features a Mile-long ridge walk along a narrow summit passage known as the “Knife’s Edge”. With distant views to the left, right… and what feels like straight down, campers hike together in alpine breezes until they reach the final peak. Then, campers set off in canoes on the Allagash River. A trip down the Allagash is an exploration of the deserted waters of Maine’s past and the living forests of its present. Campers may encounter moose along the river. They will certainly encounter weather of all kinds, and may even come across an abandoned logging train or two! Finally, campers embark on a white-water rafting trip on the Kennebec River, which runs at a mind-boggling 3000-4000 cubic feet of water per second. Click here for a look at a rafting trip filmed by our guides, Adventure Bound: https://youtu.be/-KOK0v7dkgA.
Campers that sign up for the High Peaks Voyager trip experience the purist’s High Peaks hiking experience. Campers set out to do half of the 46 High Peaks in just two weeks. The pace is fast, but views and experiences are worth it all. Campers that sign up two years in a row could potentially complete all 46 Peaks in only two summers at camp. From the icy waters of Johns Brook to the windy summits of the MacIntyre range the High Peaks Voyagers become the consummate backpackers and develop a life-long relationship with this fascinating wilderness area.
Other Voyager Facts:
In Sessions 1 and 2, The Allagash Voyager trip is available. Voyagers in Sessions 3 and 4 hike in the High Peaks.
Voyagers need reliable rain gear, and appropriate clothing for their trips, but all specialized equipment, including dry-bags and backpacks is provided by Deerfoot.
Both of these trips are challenging and it is assumed that campers who sing up for these will show up to camp in shape for 2 weeks of strenuous activity.
Many Voyager campers stay at Deerfoot for a month so that they can experience a session on Indian Island as well as a session on the trail as a Voyager.
If you have other questions about the Voyager Program, contact Chief Craig directly at chiefcraig@deerfoot.org.
