What is a Sojourn?

For us it is the coolest way to experience the hidden beauty of the Conestoga river. It’s where we first discovered that life really does look different from the water. It’s where we made new friends, grew the CRC community, and became the Stewards of the Conestoga River.
What it really is is a fully supported kayak camping trip. Over two days and 32.5 miles, we explore the entire Conestoga Water Trail from Brownstown to Safe Harbor, with an overnight camp out in a secluded urban woodland. Along the way you will discover hundreds of years of Lancaster’s history and culture, make new friends, experience a side of the county not often seen, and connect more deeply with the world we live in.

How does it work?

Upon registration you will be prompted to provide some basic information:

Menu selection for catered lunches
Dietary concerns
Perform an Essential Eligibility Criteria self evaluation (access ACA EEC here)
Emergency contact information
Personal contact information

This is also where you will have the opportunity to rent a kayak package if it is needed.
After purchase you will receive a confirmation email with ticket information and a waiver to sign and return via email.

What to expect:

Leading up to the event you will receive two emails, one will include a recommendation of camping gear, personal needs, and a Zoom Meet and Greet/ Q&A session. You will get the opportunity to meet the CRC volunteers that will be acting as guides and safety personnel, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
In basic scope, paddlers will arrive with their boats and camping gear where the trip ends. Camping gear will be loaded into our secure box trailer for transport to the camp site, and you will be transported with your boat and safety gear to the head of the trail/ launch area. Coffee and Danish will be available at checkin.

Launch location, where to meet, and basic itinerary:

please note that the launch location is not the same as the meeting area.

Saturday, June 29th, meet at Powerhouse Rd boat launch.

6am, registration opens.
7:30am, shuttle departs
8:15am, shuttle arrives at trail head launch Sylvan B.Fisher Park
8:15-8:30am, trip lead introduction, and safety brief and gear check,
8:30am, Boaters launch/event start time

Here’s where it gets easy. All that’s left is to enjoy the trip. We will be on the water for about 8hrs each day with rest stops for hydration, sanitation, snacks/lunch, and the all important stretch your legs every 2 hours or so. Upon arriving at the campsite, your camping gear will be waiting and you will have ample time to set camp, and see to your personal comfort and hygiene before dinner is served. It is recommended that you bring a camp chair as there is limited "organic" seating, and be ready to enjoy s’mores, stories, and sing alongs.

Sunday morning begins with breakfast and coffee. After, there will be time to strike camp and prepare for day 2. Your camping gear will be delivered to the end of trip take out.
The full menu for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be provided in follow up emails.

The same format for rest stops and lunch applies on Sunday as Saturday, and when we reach the end of our journey it will be a simple matter of loading up your gear and heading out.

As a Conestoga River Club Event, all participants should expect the following policies and procedures:

To be prepared to sign two waivers; a medical release to treat in case of emergency, and an ACA waiver of liability.

To be prepared to follow all PFBC boating safety laws and regulations.

To be prepared to wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD while actively engaged on the water or within 10’ of the launch facility.
To follow the instructions of the group leader/ trip guides.

To arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Anyone arriving more than 10 minutes after the posted start time may be excluded from the trip. Trips will be held "rain or shine". In the case of unsafe river conditions (2500cfs+) trips will be rescheduled.