From Rapids to Campfires along the Spanish River

Hello!

We hope this message finds you well and that your child has returned home full of stories and excitement from their recent adventure. We are Natasha, Claire, and Chris, and we had the absolute pleasure of guiding our incredible group of campers from the Chippewa section down the Spanish River this summer. We wanted to take a moment to share some of the highlights from our trip, so you can get a glimpse into the experiences and memories that your child now carries with them.

The Spanish River provided the perfect canvas for an introduction to Northern Ontario, combining steady currents, good introductory whitewater, and beautiful campsites (though our Day 1 site fell a bit short on our rating scale). As a group composed mostly of campers new to Temagami, it was amazing to see their skills develop over the course of our 9-day trip. From learning to tump a wannigan, to using an axe for the first time, to baking a delicious coffee cake over an open fire, everyone had a chance to hone their tripping and campcraft skills.

Some standout moments for us included watching the campers tackle exhilarating rapids that challenged them and brought out the best in each one. The sense of accomplishment and joy on their faces as they successfully navigated each run was a sight to behold! While we only had four portages (and one liftover), it was impressive to see how quickly the group worked together to get our gear down the trail. The grit and determination demonstrated by everyone who carried a canoe for the first time was truly remarkable.

Evenings were particularly magical, as we gathered around the campfire after a hearty meal to share stories, jokes, and reflections on the day’s adventures. So much singing and laughing (and dreams of spicy chicken sandwiches) made for wonderful memories. These moments of connection, under the vast starry sky, are what make trips like these so unforgettable.

We lost a couple of paddles, but we never lost our way. As we wrapped up our time on the river, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in how much each camper grew throughout the journey. They not only developed their paddling skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the friendships they formed along the way.

Looking ahead, we’re already excited about the possibilities for next summer.

Thank you for entrusting us with the care and guidance of your child during this trip. It’s been an honor to be a part of their journey, and we look forward to many more adventures together in the future.

Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead, and until we meet again next summer, take care!

Warm regards,
Natasha, Claire, and Chris