Camp Gallagher → Jarrell Cove State Park
~6 miles

Itinerary
Participants arrive at Camp Gallagher in the morning for introductions, final gear checks, boat loading, and a comprehensive safety briefing. After lunch at camp, we launch directly from Gallagher and begin our expedition. Staff coach efficient stroke technique, communication, and boat handling as we settle into expedition rhythm.

Arrive at Jarrell Cove State Park around 3:00 PM, with time to set camp, swim, explore the beach, or rest. The evening includes dinner prepared together, a tide and route briefing for the next day, and our first sunset on the water.

About the Camp
Jarrell Cove offers a welcoming first night with established campsites, beach access, and restrooms, making it an ideal transition from camp life to expedition living.

If you would like to camp in the area the night before the session, Joemma and Penrose State Parks are both nearby and are not included in this year’s itinerary.

Jarrell Cove → Hope Island Marine State Park

Itinerary
We enjoy a relaxed camp morning—coffee, breakfast, and a skills refresher focused on the unique current patterns of the area. We depart Jarrell Cove around 11:00 AM, timing our paddle to move efficiently through narrowing channels. This stretch includes open crossings and opportunities to practice navigation and reading water, with optional coaching for those who want to deepen technical skills.

Arrive at Hope Island around 3:00 PM. The afternoon is unstructured: hike the island trail, journal, nap, or swim. Evening programming may include a short workshop on tide planning or games in the orchard.

About the Camp
Hope Island is accessible only by boat, offering a true island experience. The park features open meadows, an apple orchard, and miles of shoreline, creating a sense of remoteness while still offering basic facilities.

Hope Island → Boston Harbor → Anderson Island
~12 miles total

Itinerary
An early breakfast sets us up for a longer, dynamic day. We depart Hope Island at 10:00 AM and head toward Boston Harbor for a rest break, snacks, and regrouping before the longest crossing of the trip.

After departing by noon, we commit to the afternoon paddle toward Anderson Island, moving purposefully to pass through Dana Passage by mid-afternoon.

Arrive at Anderson Island around 4:30 PM. Camp setup is followed by a well-earned dinner and a relaxed evening—often a highlight of the trip as confidence, camaraderie, and expedition identity peak.

About the Camp
Anderson Island offers a quiet, tucked-away marine camping experience, with forested sites and protected shoreline that reward a long day on the water with calm, cozy surroundings.

Anderson Island → Camp Gallagher
~8 miles

Itinerary
We enjoy a leisurely final morning and depart Anderson Island around 11:00 AM, with options for additional exploration along the way. Back at camp, participants unload boats, clean gear, complete brief surveys, and receive expedition T-shirts. The journey concludes with lunch at camp before final goodbyes and departure.

• Big canoe paddling (multi-person, crew-based boat)

• Expedition camping

• Learning paddle rhythm, timing, and teamwork

• Navigation and basic tide awareness

• Reading shoreline features and currents

• Campcraft and group meal preparation

• Communication, leadership, and shared decision-making

For participants with prior paddling experience—or those eager to stretch their skills—optional opportunities include:

• Practicing steering

• Helping set and maintain paddling pace

• Participating in route and timing discussions

• Taking on informal leadership roles within the canoe crew

These opportunities are optional and offered in ways that support group safety and cohesion.

• Island hiking and shoreline exploration

• Wildlife observation (seabirds, seals, porpoises, eagles—and maybe even orcas if we’re really lucky)

• Swimming and cold-water dips (conditions permitting)

• Reflection, journaling, and group conversation

Big canoe travel emphasizes coordination over individual strength. Participants paddle together as a team, learning how shared effort and communication allow the group to move efficiently and confidently.

No previous paddling or canoeing experience is required. This expedition is designed for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

We travel in large, stable big canoes where coordination and communication matter more than individual strength. You’ll paddle from a seated position at all times, and staff provide progressive coaching throughout the trip. As skills develop, the group moves more efficiently together.

You should expect to spend several hours on the water most days, with breaks, coaching, and adjustments built in to support different experience levels.

We camp each night at marine state parks and established shoreline sites. Sleeping arrangements are expedition-style and communal, with shared group space.

Camp Gallagher typically uses a combination of top and bottom tarps for weather protection, and staff work with the group to create sleeping arrangements that respect individual comfort and needs. You’ll sleep on the ground and live out of dry bags for the duration of the trip.

Yes, you may bring and use your phone. That said, we encourage participants to be mindful of how phone use can shape the experience.

At certain times—especially during launches, landings, and safety briefings—phones may need to be put away at staff direction. You assume all risk for damage to phones and accessories, and many campsites will not have access to electricity for charging.

Meals are simple, hearty, and well-suited to expedition travel, with food prepared and enjoyed together and shared roles supported by staff.

You can expect a mix of familiar camp and expedition favorites such as yogurt and granola, sandwiches and wraps, bagels with smoked salmon, BBQ, foil-packet dinners, burrito nights, trail mix, fresh fruit, and campfire treats like s’mores. And yes—there will be coffee.

Menus are designed to fuel paddling days and can accommodate many common dietary needs with advance notice.

Camp staff are on the trip to facilitate, guide, and support the group. They are responsible for safety, logistics, instruction, and the overall flow of the expedition.

Staff set the itinerary based on weather, tides, and conditions, and invite participant input when appropriate. They help the group build norms, develop paddling and navigation skills, and orient everyone to each campsite.

Participants are responsible for managing their own behavior and for treating fellow participants, staff, the public, and the natural environment with respect.