July 7–July 20, 2025
Ages 13–16
10 participants maximum, 2 trip leaders
$2,950 Tuition (Pay-What-You-Can)
If you’re interested in kayaking, navigation, and backcountry camping, this is the expedition for you. The biggest adventure we go on each summer, Champlain Discovery is a 15-day trip from Whitehall, NY to Canada by kayak with a maximum of 10 participants and 2 trip leaders. This expedition takes place on Lake Champlain, sharing views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains as we paddle to our destination on the Canadian border. Our days will be spent exploring the lake before reaching our next campsite and setting up camp for the night.
During this adventure, participants will build their self confidence while learning new skills in outdoor cooking, navigation, leadership, paddling techniques, shelter set up, and Leave-No-Trace principles. Though we will each be paddling our own kayaks, teamwork is an essential part of this expedition. This expedition emphasizes responsibility, engagement, and leadership as we challenge ourselves to be part of a team while being in charge of our own vessels.
Participants can either use their own kayak they build with us as part of our Kayak Building program (or previous years), or use one of the Museum’s expedition-ready kayaks. This expedition is perfect for you if you’re interested in kayaking, navigation, and backcountry camping.
Browse through photos from past kayak expeditions below.
The Outdoor Expedition Experience
Champlain Discovery is a full-time outdoor experience that takes place rain or shine. In the event of high winds or lightning our group will stay on shore; otherwise, each day we will work as a team as we travel on water, strengthening our leadership abilities by making informed and thoughtful decisions. We practice low-impact camping and there is little to no running water or bathroom access along the way. We are outside for the entirety of the expedition, sleeping in tents, preparing meals, and exploring what Lake Champlain has to offer.
Each member is expected to contribute, working as a team, and supporting each other along the way. Our expeditions can be physically and mentally challenging but the rewards of overcoming those challenges together are worth it. As our past participants have told us, these expeditions on Lake Champlain are life-changing experiences. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at expeditions@lcmm.org.
