A Voyageur Brigade is a Northern Tier crew that travels without an Interpreter. Voyageur Brigades follow all traditional Northern Tier program standards and fully participate in required orientations, on-base and on-water programs.
Voyageur Brigades are Triple Crown and Grand Slam qualifying programs when the minimum trip length of six (6) nights is met.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a Voyageur Brigade, your crew must meet both of the following criteria:
Crew Advisor Experience
The Crew Advisor must have either:Participated in at least two Northern Tier trips with an Interpreter within the last 10 years, or
Served as a Northern Tier Interpreter for one full season within the last 10 years.
Additional Crew Experience
At least one other adult or youth (age 16 or older) must have participated in a Northern Tier trip with an Interpreter within the last 10 years.
Program Expectations & Required Policies
Crews approved to travel without an Interpreter must adhere to all Scouting policies as well as U.S. Forest Service and/or Provincial Park rules and regulations. Below is a summary of required policies and expectations (this list is not all-inclusive):
Follow Scouting Safety Afloat
Follow Scouting Safe Swim Defense
Follow Scouting Safeguarding Youth Guidelines
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn:
At all times while in a canoe
While swimming
Boots must be worn while swimming
No whitewater canoeing
No cliff jumping or diving
No skinny-dipping
Follow the Buddy System while:
Swimming
Canoeing
Portaging
Hiking
Fishing
Follow Leave No Trace principles
Follow all applicable Forest Service and/or Provincial Park rules and regulations
Application Process
To apply for a Voyageur Brigade:
Complete the Voyageur Brigade Application
A separate application is required for each crew
All applications will be reviewed, and you will be notified of each crew’s eligibility status.