What goes into planning the sojourn?

By Laura Catalano

 

The Schuylkill River Sojourn begins June 2, and it’s a safe bet that many of the 200 sojourn participants are getting ready, packing everything from camping equipment to waterproof cameras. At the Schuylkill River Heritage Area we are getting ready, as well. In fact, we began preparing nearly a year ago.

Sojourners pull their kayaks in for the night.
(Photo courtesy Laura Catalano)

Many people wonder what goes into planning the 112-mile, weeklong guided sojourn down the river. Well, it takes quite a bit of preparation ranging from ordering all meals (sojourners get three meals a day and a place to camp) arranging shuttles and verifying campsites.

The process of planning for each sojourn begins soon after the last sojourn ends. That’s when we set the date for the following year (it’s always the first week in June), and when our staff of six discusses what changes or new ideas should be implemented.

After that, the first step to organizing begins in early January, when we send out Save the Date emails to everyone on our sojourn list. We also begin soliciting for sponsorships, since the sojourn is a costly venture that is not entirely covered by participants’ fees. The real purpose of the sojourn is to draw attention to the river as a valuable recreational and natural resource, and sponsorships provide the backing we need to pull off a meaningful event.

Tents in the mist along the Schuylkill
during a previous sojourn.
(Photo courtesy Laura Catalano)

The next step is organizing programming. We don’t want people to simply paddle the river, we want them to learn something in the process. Programming themes vary from year to year (history, conservation, river ecology) but always focus on the river. This year, the theme is "Recreation and the River."  We came up with a list of presenters who are experts in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, yoga and orienteering. At every evening and lunch stop, a presenter will speak to the sojourners, and in some cases, provide demonstrations.

Once we have all the programming ironed out, we send out our registration brochures. That’s when the real work begins! Registration for the first two days of the sojourn fills up very, very quickly (usually within the first week). We need to make sure everyone has waivers signed and paperwork completed. This work falls to two people in our office: Dolores and Cindy, who have all the answers to every sojourn question anyone might ask. And people ask plenty of questions!

Sojourners travel around a bend in the river.
(Photo courtesy Laura Catalano)

Since we partner with dozens of organizations to provide meals, Dolores must call all the partners to make sure they are still interested, then she sends them the total meals needed. Food is a crucial part of the sojourn and perhaps the aspect most appreciated by the sojourners, who often rave about the great meals.

They also appreciate our guides, Alan and Betsy Quant from Canoe Susquehanna, who lead the sojourn annually and make it a safe event. This year, we have hired Doug Chapman, owner of Kelly’s Kayaks in Gilbertsville, to serve as our outfitter. He provides rental kayaks and helps shuttle camping gear.

Of course, the most important thing about the sojourn is that it is a fun event. Some participants come back annually, and even people who have never paddled enjoy watching the long, colorful flotilla of kayaks coming down the river.

 If you are driving across a bridge or near the river from June 2-8, keep an eye out. You just might see them, too.