Paddle Awards

In the 1930s and 1940s, individuals were eligible for the Bronze, Gold, and Silver Paddle awards which recognized “careful attention to camping fundamentals, use of a camera and careful observation”.

To receive the “Order of the Silver Paddle Award”, a canoeist had to identify forty plants and trees, and tell of their uses. Plus, the applicant had to submit three photos of their trip together with a trip diary. Sometimes, a map showing the crew’s route was included with the application. Campers who qualified were awarded a full-length paddle with a silver blade.

Among alumni, we often talk about how, despite differences in generations, the canoe country we travel through remains constant. Looking at the photos and reading these trip diaries further evidences the common legacy in which we all share.