July 27–August 3, 2025
Ages 13–16
12 participants maximum, 2 trip leaders
$1,475 Tuition (Pay-What-You-Can)
If you’re interested in becoming a skilled rower, exploring Lake Champlain, learning advanced wilderness skills, and finding a crew of friends, this expedition is perfect for you! Expedition Champlain is an 8-day rowing expedition on Lake Champlain where we’ll row alongside some of the most picturesque mountain ranges on the East Coast, sharing views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Our days will be spent exploring the lake before reaching each campsite and setting up camp for the night. During this experience, participants will build confidence as part of a rowing crew and in the wilderness while learning new skills in outdoor cooking, navigation, leadership, rowing techniques, shelter set up, and Leave-No-Trace principles.
We will be rowing in the Museum’s fleet of 32′ pilot gigs, which are large traditional open-water rowing boats crewed by 6 rowers and a coxswain (captain). These boats are exceptionally seaworthy and historically have been used to bring the pilot (navigator) out to incoming sailing ships to navigate open water.
Teamwork and a positive attitude are essential on this expedition as we must communicate and work together to successfully power these boats. This expedition emphasizes responsibility, patience, cooperation, engagement, and leadership. Browse through photos of past rowing expeditions below.
The Outdoor Expedition Experience
Expedition Champlain 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.
