6-Week Voyageur/Serendipity Trip
The 6-week canoe trip is the most advanced wilderness experience offered through the Camp Stephens program. Participants will travel through remote northern waterways, build deep connections with the land, and grow as leaders within a small, tight-knit group. This trip challenges participants physically, mentally, and emotionally and invites them to step into meaningful leadership, community living, and reconciliation in action.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 - Friday, August 28, 2026 : $5,787*(taxes extra)
We’re looking for applicants who are curious, self-aware, and ready to contribute to a supportive team. Your application will help us understand who you are, why you want to go, and how you’ll approach this experience. Long-form, reflective answers are encouraged — aim for a minimum of 100 words per response to help us get a full picture of your personality, motivation, and readiness for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Submit your completed application to [email protected] with the subject line
RE: 6-Week Application 2026 – “your name” by November 22, 2025.
*Please Note: Camp Stephens is committed to accessibility. Financial support is available to ensure all qualified participants can take part, regardless of financial need.
Your Journey Begins Here
Tripper Selection
Campers who have completed the 3-Week Pathfinders and or 4-Week Trailblazer trip in the previous year and between 16 - 17 years of age, are eligible to apply for the 6-Week Canoe trip. The application process will begin in November with official invitations sent to successful candidates by mid-December. Applicants will be evaluated on a number of components such as past trip experience, technical, life skills, leadership, mental resilience, self awareness and teamwork. Process will include both a written application and interview.
Determining the Route
Trippers will plan the journey within the primary corridor that will take participants from Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan to Thompson, Manitoba and will follow the Churchill River. Trips may include stops in Stanley Mission, Sandy Bay, Pelican Narrows, Cranberry Portage and Pukatawagan.
Preparing for the Journey
Deep in tradition, the 6-week canoe trip is truly a Canadian experience that will see campers travelling the waterways of the north and stopping in remote villages, learning about our culture, history and land.
Voyageur and Serendipity participants begin their journey months before departure as they play an integral role in all aspects of the planning and preparation of this life-changing camp experience.
Application
November - December: Interested campers who have completed a 3-week or 4-week trip, submit a written application and if selected, proceed to the interview process. Successful candidates are extended an official invitation for the upcoming summer trip.
January - March: Senior Trippers and Camp Directors will be in communication with the campers directly to get to know each other and discuss details of the upcoming trip.
Trippers Cup
March-April: Serendipity and Voyageur alumni visit to share stories and tips from their own 6-week journeys. Camp staff meet with the families to review the trip details and answer questions. The Trippers Cup takes place in Winnipeg.
Preparation
July: 6-week participants spend one week at camp on the island checking and packing their personal gear, food, and equipment; planning their route; painting their paddles; participating in canoeing sessions, swim tests and team-building exercises.
Return Ceremony
August: A welcome home celebration in honour of their tremendous achievement! 6-weekers follow tradition and perform skits and songs to showcase the events that happened on their journey. Family and friends are invited to the island to share in this heart-warming ceremony.
