Join us on Saturday, June 16 for a unique sojourn that combines paddling with some of our area’s extraordinary history.   In 1753, a young George Washington traveled from Virginia to the French fort called LeBoeuf at present day Waterford.  His purpose was to inform the French occupying the region that they were to extricate themselves from British territory.   The Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society maintains a campus of three buildings in Waterford that highlights these important events, recognizes the region’s significant native peoples impacted by European colonization, and explores other regional history.

In the morning we’ll be touring these three historic sites, followed by lunch at Sugar & Spice in the Historical Society’s Eagle Hotel. Our afternoon paddle down LeBoeuf Creek will be a much more intimate experience than the typical French Creek Summer sojourn, offering a closer connection with the tree-lined banks and a better opportunity to be up close and personal with wildlife.   We’ll finish the day connecting to French Creek and paddling to the take-out, where we’ll enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking French Creek at Creekside Grille.

Sojourn registration fees are $65 for members and $90 for non-members (includes FCVC membership) and includes entry at all three Waterford museums, morning snacks, lunch at Sugar & Spice, dinner at Creekside Grill, driver shuttle, educational programs, and commemorative t-shirt.

2018 Sojourn Info and Safety Guidelines:

  • Participants must complete and sign all liability, photo, and medical waivers.
  • Participants under age 18 are the responsibility of a parent or guardian. For sojourners under 18, a parent or guardian must sign all waivers.  If not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a permission slip for minor which also identifies the chaperoning sojourner must be signed by the parent or guardian.  Children age 8 and under may not attend.
  • All participants must attend the safety briefing conducted before launching and agree to abide by the safety instructions.
  • Safety boater instructions must be adhered to at all times. Failure to follow instructions can result in ejection from the sojourn.
  • All participants must wear a USCG approved PFD, properly fastened, at all times on the water.
  • Participants are responsible to carry any necessary medical items, like inhalers and bee sting kits, at all times.
  • No pets are permitted on the sojourn.
  • No consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to launch or while on the river.
  • Cancellations after June 6th are non-refundable.  You may send someone in your place but must let us know ahead of time so we can communicate details with them.
  • Sojourn participants are required to provide all of their own paddling equipment.
  • Participants should be able to manage personal care and mobility independently or with assistance of a sojourner companion. Participants also should be able to follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a sojourner companion.
  • Alternate French Creek related activities will be planned in the event that weather or conditions prevent safe paddling, and we are unable to issue refunds should that occur.

We’re maxed out!  Registration is closed for the 2018 French Creek Summer Sojourn.  Thank you for your interest!