It is important to acknowledge that for all of us, committing to this undertaking first came with personal motivations. As campers, we heard the tales of the original Coppermine and Hood Expeditions, sat in disbelief and wonder during the Tri-Provence Expedition presentation, and watched our friends and fellow expedition leaders undergo life changing experiences on the 6 North of 60 and the Source Runs North expeditions. In committing to our own expedition, we are seeking not only to successfully and safely complete our planned route as a team, on time, and in one piece – we are looking to fulfill a dream that was placed into our minds the moment we each uncovered the adventure, fulfillment, and freedom of long distance canoe trips. This passion found at in the north woods – be it along the Bloodvein River or at the mouth of the Hudson Bay; during grueling portages and in the thrash of white water – is a passion that uniquely shapes each of us, and one that continues to influence the way we view the world around us. Like those who came before us, we are chasing the opportunity for self-exploration and introspection in the deep wild provincial areas. We seek a chance to push ourselves mentally and physically, through the intense grit and solitude singularly encountered on a two month Arctic canoe expedition.

 

There is also a sense of urgency that we’ve each found attached to our individual motivations, a feeling that if we do not do this now, we may never be able to. Camp has taught us to be adaptable under discomfort, to be resilient and reliable, to seek the joy of being alive. It has shown us that initiative and action are our most powerful tools as individuals and community members. These past four years have made us realize we should not, but also that we cannot, wait around for an opportunity like this to present itself for us. This past summer, we watched in awe as the Kazan 360 Expedition fulfilled a dream that had been forty years in the making for its members; and it is hard not to wonder if our older selves will have the ability to complete such a trip. Over the past four years, the CEF has had to be adaptable in ways that never could have been planned for: covid, floods, fire bans, etc. The changing Arctic environment may literally make it impossible for any of us to complete an Arctic Expedition forty years from now, simply because there will not be the same Arctic environment to travel to. As much as we hope our bodies will remain strong and able, how can we be sure? No time will ever truly be perfect, but no time will ever be better for all of us than right now, knowing that in this moment, we have the skills, the intent, and the deep motivation to reach Arctic Sound Bay come August.

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The intent of our trip is to exalt the influential outdoor experiences that the Camping and Education Foundation’s various programs offer young people. The Centennial Arctic Expedition, like many past CEF sponsored trips, will be carried out by individuals whose craving and skills for canoe trips have been developed and sharpened through their summers as expedition guides. We intend to acknowledge the immense privilege we have in pursuing our expedition by showcasing how the formative experiences we have had over the last decade guided us toward the ability and confidence to commit to such an undertaking now. In completing our expedition during the hundredth summer of the camp that brought us our spirit of discovery, we hope to highlight how powerful an influence the CEF has had on people’s lives over the past century, and all the impact that it, and organizations like it, can have in the next through our outreach efforts focused on inspiring youth to adventure and conserve.