Organized by a few members of the Oak Arbor congregation, this is an annual event enjoyed by many families.  This weekend trip to Baldwin, Michigan features two days of canoeing, kayaking or rafting down the Pere Marquette River, considered to be Michigan's clearest and cleanest free flowing river. The journey offers you new opportunities around each bend to enjoy the wildlife and peaceful beauty of Northern Michigan.  A great canoeing river for the beginner to intermediate paddler, Pere Marquette follows a winding course through a mixture of National, State, and private forests. Before and after canoeing, families enjoy meals, activities and fellowship around a campfire. Many good memories have been made on this trip over the years.

In 2007, we had a record 128 people on the trip, up from 99 people in 2006. We like to have new folks, & we like to have people bring friends. This is great entry level camping for families that have never camped before. We can match up the new campers with someone who has experience (and has the equipment) to make meals over a fire or butane stove.

The Schedule

We arrive mostly Friday afternoon & evening to set up our camp. Saturday we pack lunches & canoe for a couple hours both before & after lunch. (on the river from 10:00 to 2:30). Back at camp there is plenty of time for building fires , cooking fancy meals ; general playing; smores & singing around the campfire.

Sunday includes a church service - & two hours on the river after lunch.

There are families with toddlers that may have 1 parent stay in camp all day – so there is stuff to do even if you do not canoe. (Last year there was an expedition to the beautiful state beach at Ludington.) For the "canoers" there are rubber rafts (seats 6) for families with kids between 5 & 10 years old. There are also canoes & kayaks for older folks.

Usually half the people go home Sunday night, but many stay for another low-key night of socializing, & pack up on Monday after breakfast. The weather can play a big role in the stay/go decision.

The Costs

The cost is $13 per person for the weekend - age 5 and above.  Under age 5 is free.  The weekend rate is the same, regardless of whether you will stay 2 or 3 nights.

The RV/Camper area with electrical/water hookups costs an extra 4$ per night (in addition to the per person charge above).  Please contact Craig McCardell if you want to make a reservation for your camper/RV.

Boat rental varies anywhere from about $20 to $45 per person depending on craft choice & occupancy.

There may be a very inexpensive "National Forest vehicle parking permit" needed for parking at Bowman bridge while on the canoe trip.

The Area

Click here for printable PDF maps of the area

The Organizers

The Memorial-day camp/canoe weekend is set up as a group of families that happen to be camping together in the same place/time - - nothing more formal than that.  We like to have new folks, & we like to have people bring friends.  We hope that you can come along.

What to Pack

Don't know what to pack?  The internet is full of good checklists you can use.  You can start by clicking here for a camping checklist that we found helpful.  Be prepared for a variety of weather by having wet weather gear available, and clothing that can be layered.