FLC Tales From The Water

If you ask the questions “what is your favorite activity at FLC” to a group of campers the chances are many of them will say anything that involves water. Whether it is time at our waterfront on our private 22 acres spring-fed lake or canoeing on the waterways throughout the Adirondacks; our campers thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to swimming, sail, canoe or merely just float around in the refreshing waters of the Adirondacks.  In this month’s newsletter we have decided to share some camper and staff stories of their time on the water while at FLC.

I led a trip to the St. Regis Canoe Area, northwest of Forest Lake Camp. This trip is a key highlight of my summer for multiple reasons. I learned new things about myself and my campers each moment I was in the beautiful wilderness. I was reminded of how much I enjoy peaceful mornings on a lake and the sound of a paddle entering and exiting the water. I was reminded of how valuable working as a team was, and I know that my campers learned this too through miles of portaging and the expected campsite chores. I encourage everyone to give a canoe trip a try! -Emily Fagan, FLC Trip Leader and Counselor 

I think my favourite stories were all about the girls’ strength during the portage. They pushed through the entire way, and always found a way to help the group even if they could no longer physically carry a canoe. On our second to last portage, I was carrying a canoe with two of the campers . We had just done a mile long portage, and had another one coming up, but also needed to get through this quarter-mile one first. The girls were exhausted, but would not leave me behind with the canoe. They each carried the canoe part of the way, and were always willing to lift it off of my shoulders if I needed a break. After we got the canoe through, they immediately turned around to grab bags, and were even prepared to carry another canoe if need be. 

I can honestly say that all of my campers were the most positive people, and seeing them overcoming the challenges of canoe-tripping while always smiling and offering assistance was just amazing. I can single out a great moment from portaging for each one of my campers, and that is outstanding. The girls really made the trip, and pushed themselves to their limits for what was an amazing three days.

Even though it’s technically a tale from the land, portaging is by far the hardest part of canoe tripping. I have led trips with adults, and I’ve never seen them motivate each other the way that all of my girls did on this trip, and it was so inspiring and amazing to see.  – April Fowler, FLC Trip Leader and Counselor