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"Evidence for Impact"

5/6/2024

It’s at no surprise that the Les Voyageurs program leaves a lasting impact on those who engage and are willing to embark on the month-long expedition. This is something that I personally witnessed through each of my three younger siblings as they embarked went through this program. When you ask a participant how the trip changed them there is often a pause, signifying their recognition of the transformation, followed by some attempt at describing what they notice. Intrigued with growth, I put my efforts into studying this phenomenon to provide objective data to communicate the scientific underpinnings of this powerful transformation the program creates.

While completing my PsyD in clinical psychology, I directed my dissertation, “Impact of a Recreational Outdoor and Adventure Program on Adolescent Well-Being” towards identifying how well-being, self-efficacy, perceived stress, peer relationships, and connectedness to nature change over a participant’s involvement in the program. My study gathered data starting soon after crews were formulated and concluded 45 days following their return from their trip. I wanted to see how the variables I noted above were influenced across different points of time (at the beginning of crew formation and relationships forming, after returning from their trip, and 45 days following their return). These points in time helped me to determine in what way the trip impacted the participant while on trail and when returning, but also what lasting impact the trip may have had.

The findings of my study showed promising results. Well-being was shown to have significantly improved from the time of crew formation to the time of return. My study did not look at specific factors that contributed to this improvement but one could speculate. Maybe it was the development of new friendships. Or maybe it was the building of confidence one developed over the course of trip planning and trip execution. Or maybe the time away from their cell phone, or the 28 - 45 days of meditative paddle strokes, or 24/7 fresh air, or daily physical movement, or learning or overcome boredom, etc. etc. Whatever the combination of factors may be, I can tell you this program has, and will continue to positively impact adolescent well-being. It’s also important that I share the benefits did not conclude upon returning from their trip. When looking at the results from the 45-day follow up period it showed the participants continued to report sustained improvement in their well-being well after the trip was over and returned to their day to day lives.

Self-efficacy, defined as a person’s belief in his/her capacity to manage functioning and control meaningful events also showed improvement from the time of crew formation to returning from their trip, and was sustained at the follow up period. I found this finding to be fascinating for several reasons. First, the age in which participants are eligible to partake in this program is generally quite a volatile time period. During this time, individuals are seeking greater autonomy, forming and reforming relationships with themselves and others, attempting to understand their place in their social context, learning how to recognize and manage strong emotions, moral development and value forming among many other crucial areas of development. While again my study did not look at which factors of the program point toward any specific experience that positively impacts self-efficacy, there are many that one could speculate contribute to this growth. My good friend, Nick Schmit does a thorough job at describing the various components of this trip through his writing, “The Voyageur Way” which I would encourage you to check out if you have not yet read. It’s enough to get any past participant or outdoor lover fired up and motivated to start trip planning for the warmer months ahead.

Perceived stress defined as an individual’s perception of the nature of events and their relationship with the values and coping resources of an individual was the third variable and showed to tread downward from the pre-trip period to the 45-day follow up. Unsurprisingly, time on trail challenged the participants way of managing and coping with emotional stress and discomfort the most of the three times measured. Discomfort presents itself in many forms over the course of this trip and participants learn to manage this more effectively as a crew, as well as autonomously by refining or learning new ways of coping. This is imperative in order to successfully transition into young adulthood, especially as we see rising levels of anxiety and depression among teenagers today. Learning to cope with emotionally distress and increase one’s ability to tolerate discomfort teaches the participant to focus on what is within their control while learning to let go of what isn’t. Furthermore, the significant improvement shown between the time of returning home to the 45 day follow up period may suggest that the behavioral and emotional skills acquired over the course of trip preparation and execution positively impact the participants ability to manage stressors once returning back to their day-to-day environment.

Peer relationships were found to have significantly improved over the course of the trip, and while this might not come as a surprise, the findings establish grounds for future work that could provide further objective data to the benefits of this program and getting out of doors. Crew size falls in line with the previous literature suggesting the crew size promotes a sense of belonging, responsibility, and minimizes the chances of in and out groups forming. Moreover, group cohesion is strongly secured when embracing shared challenges like the ones endured on this trip and when individuals work together to provide physical and social support for each crew member’s vulnerability.

Lastly, I was curious to know how this trip would impact participant’s connectedness to nature. I was surprised to see the spectrum of previous outdoor engagement with participants ranging from yearly family trips in the BWCA or backpacking out West to those who have never been in a canoe! One of the many beautiful things about this program is that it can offer something for every skill level, and that no matter the background a participant comes in with, they have a perspective to offer their crew. My findings demonstrated that the participants connectedness to nature not only improved over the course of their trip, but this feeling, mindset, or lifestyle, whatever you wish to call it was found to stay even at the follow up period suggesting a longitudinal impact.

One of the unique things about this study is that it looked at a healthy population of teenagers. Most research today looks at clinical populations, meaning studies evaluate wilderness therapy programs, or participants who are there because of an existing emotional or behavioral health problem. While Les Voyageurs screens for these types of problems apart of their routine medical screening to ensure stability like they would for any medical concern for participant safety, it is not a basis for exclusion to participate. These findings communicate valuable preliminary information about recreational engagement in the outdoors with benefits of engagement lasting beyond the time on trail. I have heard many alumnae of the program describe their experience of the Les Voyageurs program to have impacted them for decades beyond communicating the astonishing impact this experience creates. Future research on this program would benefit from evaluating the various factors involved in each step of the trip’s preparatory process to execution to determine which components lead to the greatest impact. In the meantime, I am happy to share that time out of doors on trail has been, and continues to remain, beneficial for our emotional health and well-being.

Happy Trails,

Mitch Fritz

"WINTER MAGIC"

1/8/2021

The winter months for many seem to be a time of shortened daylight, cold temps, and cabin fever dreaming of the warmer days and activities ahead. At Les Voyageurs basecamp, nestled beneath the towering white pines of Pine Point on the Mississippi River, winter magic comes alive for both past and future participants.

As the previous summer came to a close and crews returned home, their memories and stories from their trips are brought with them, but the excitement of seeing their photos, videos, and their crew journals for the first time doesn’t come until later in the winter. As the guides, participants, and everyone makes their way home around the holidays, the crews begin to gather (virtually this year), to see the photos and videos from their previous summer expedition. A beautiful time for crews to reconnect, retell the stories of their triumphs and failures and reminisce about their summer and life on trail.

These winter months also represent a time that for many, is the first step in the adventure of a lifetime. Interested participants visit basecamp for the first time (virtually this year) to learn about the program and our first year expeditions. As a sophomore in high school, I distinctly remember the pure excitement and joy I had leaving Basecamp for the first time and the itch for adventure in Canada’s wilderness.

That summer, my first year trip was everything I could have hoped for and more. A new perspective on life, for myself, and the hope that I would return again someday. The summer of my first year trip ignited the flame of adventure for another seven trips as both a participant and guide, and just the beginning to the trips and journeys I hope to embark on throughout the rest of my life. All of which were started because of the “winter magic”.

**Les Voyageurs is currently holding information meetings for interested first year participants. You can sign up to learn more about our expeditions by clicking here.**

Happy New Year from Les Voyageurs. We wish you all a safe and adventure filled new year!

Zach Fritz
Program Director
zach@les-voyageurs.org
320-250-2045

Making the impossible, possible

8/12/20

Proud. The leading word that comes to mind as I reflect back on one of the most unexpected summers and seasons Les Voyageurs has endured. This year has shown the magic of this amazing program. Similar to life on trail, this year we have all been removed from our familiar circumstances of our daily life and met with obstacles and challenges that no one could have expected and have stood in our way, making it ever more difficult to get crews on the water. Amidst a global pandemic, the impossible became possible – but that did not come easily. Every plan put in place for another year on trail was scrapped all the way down to plan Z. In a year when there was so much going against us and the option to close the program seemed too easy, the participants, guides, and staff at Les Voyageurs were able to find a way to make it possible. Protocols were put in place to ensure safety of crews as they prepared for their expeditions which proved to work.

On top of all this, the US-Canada border stayed closed and crews prepared routes here in Minnesota and paddled routes historic to the original fur trade voyageurs and found the true beauty of their “backyard”. Most importantly, crews learned what it means to work together through the unknown when the answers to your questions may not be so simple. A month-long canoe journey with all sorts of obstacles and challenges is an accomplishment in-itself but to accomplish this when everything is against you is all the more impressive.

First Year Crew's say the Voyageurs Prayer before their first meal off trail.

When I first began talking with the guides this past spring, there was a lot up in the air in regards to the trips this summer. Would Canada still be an option? How long will everyone need to be quarantined at home? There were many more questions than answers and everything was a moving target. But, the support and perseverance of the guides sticking with the program throughout all of this uncertainty spoke volumes towards their dedication and character in providing a successful summer program, uncertain of what it would look like in the end.

As the preparations progressed from Zoom based parent meetings and crews conducting virtual meetings at home adhering to strict Covid-19 protocols during preparations, nothing was moving as normal. But as we arrived home with an excited busload of seasoned crews, the efforts and sacrifices proved to be a successful testament to all the hard work crews put in this summer. Patience, persistence and prayer became the theme that guided our way.

Far North crew's smile for a photo before leaving on trail in early July.

As crews were picked up yesterday, hearing the laughter, stories of struggles, and seeing the comradery and tight bond of each crew and their guide, it put a huge smile on my face as it showed that though this year may have looked slightly “unusual” compared to recent years and at times seemed impossible, the philosophy of the program, the “Voyageur Way”, and the life lessons learned on trail were not lost but maybe even more so reinforced. The way of the canoe and the rhythm of nature are merely the mediums in which we deliver this amazing program.

The crews of 2020, the Far North Crews who conquered the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in Maine and the First Year crews who dissected the historic Voyageur routes of northern Minnesota will always look back and realize that while the world struggles with a pandemic, they rose up as incredible young adults, led by dedicated and caring guides and together they conquered something that many thought to be impossible. They made the impossible possible!

Zach Fritz
Program Director

The author, Mary Spethmann (third from the left) stands with her crew on her first Voyageurs trips in 2009.

Water at the End of Every Portage Trail

5/18/20

In 2008, I went to the Boundary Waters with my dad for a long weekend. I knew I wanted to go on a Les Voyageurs trip the next summer, and this was my first time in a canoe. We borrowed a canoe, packed some freeze-dried meals that we bought at Fleet Farm and headed north. I didn’t know how to paddle, so I sat in bow. The canoe was a heavy aluminum monster and when my dad asked if I wanted to try and portage it, I climbed underneath the 17 foot reflector oven and thought I would surely die on a Voyageurs trip the following summer.

Fast forward to the spring of 2009. I was assigned my crew and we started preparations for our trip. I learned many little tips and tricks from my guides to make things like paddling and portaging easier. Again, we headed north. Spoiler alert- I didn’t die. It was a record-high year for water levels so many of the portage trails were washed out, and it rained every single day. No really, every. single. day. I had a green rubber rain suit that was ten kinds of terrible, and our packs never fully dried out. Everything was damp.

It was challenging in all of the ways that a Voyageurs trip is designed to be challenging, and then some. But the moment I stepped off that bus at Perkins, I was ready to head back into the bush.

Despite the bad weather, challenging portages, wet boots, and pointless rain gear, for some reason I decided that I wanted go back. So, I guided in 2011. And 2012. And 2013. And 2015, 2016, 2018.

And I think that two of the most important things that I’ve learned from these trips are lessons that have shaped who I am:

Attitude is everything.

Maybe this is a cliche, but it’s true. Many of the things that we perceive as “hard” are mostly just inconvenient.

Was it hard that it rained for 28 days on my first-year trip? No, it was inconvenient.

Was it hard that the portage trails were washed out? Well, it definitely wasn’t easy, but it made for good stories.

Was it hard to put on wet boots every single morning? Nope, honestly it was just cold and uncomfortable.

I was listening to a podcast the other day and heard a quote that I can’t get out of my head: “You can make the choice to either be a thermometer or a thermostat- you can reflect the temperature of the room or you can control it” (Seth Godin).

On trail, we controlled the climate of each day by having positive attitudes. Turns out you can have fun, even in not-so-fun situations.

There is water at the end of every portage trail.

No matter how difficult the terrain, how many kilometers long it is, or how many black flies weasel their way into the worst spots, the sparkle of blue that you see through the trees is one of the greatest rewards. Portages can be quick up-and-overs or day-long endeavors. But one thing is guaranteed: There will always be water waiting for you at the end of the portage trail.

I think both of these lessons are particularly relevant in the world we’re living in right now. 59 days ago was the last time I was in my classroom with my high school students. Since then, I have been teaching through emails, recorded videos and Zoom calls from the confines of my two bedroom apartment.

But, reflecting on these two lessons from trail has helped me put things into perspective, and I hope they can help lighten the load for you, too:

1. We get to control how our day goes. Find things to be thankful for, find happiness in simple things… if you’re not happy with the situation you’re in, make some changes. Set the thermostat.

“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change” - Wayne Dyer

2. This pandemic is a long and frustrating portage. There is uncertainty about what may lie ahead on the trail. There may be mud, or bugs, or steep cliffs, or slippery rock, or waist-deep loon shit. No matter how long the path may be, one thing is for certain: there is water at the end of this portage trail, too.

Mary Spethmann
(Participant 2009, Guide 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018)

The Author, Nick Schmit paddles stern (far left) with his crew members on his first Les Voyageurs expedition in 2010.

Forward Always Forward

3/30/20

There are often experiences in our lives that dramatically shape the people we ultimately
become. Many times, we aren't even aware how large an impact that experience will have until
we are many years down the road and can start to connect all the dots. For a 16-year-old high
school student, the Les Voyageurs program was exactly the experience I didn't yet know I
needed. The lessons it taught me, relationships it gave me, and challenges it brought me have
had such a profound impact on who I have become that it is impossible to think about where I
would be without this program.

So when I was asked to write a blog post about how much LVI has helped me in my life
in 500 words or less, it’s a little stressful hoping I’ll choose the right ones.

Nick Schmit (far left) poses with some of the other Les Voyageurs guides from 2013 after getting off trail.

I could tell you about all the success this program has brought me. I graduated with a 4-
year degree in Zoology from NDSU. Have stayed very active exercising around 4-6 times a
week. Worked all 4 years of undergrad allowing me, with the help of my parents, to graduate
with no debt. Was a three-sport athlete in high school and played club soccer at NDSU while
balancing work and school. Was accepted into a physical therapy program at UNMC on my first
try. And in less than 2 months I will graduate as a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Although it’s fun for me to sit here and think/write about some of the incredible things I
have been able to accomplish, much of which can be attributed to lessons learned from this
program, many of you know that’s not the whole story. No matter how beautiful our lives look
from the outside, what we don't often post/talk about are the disappointments and struggles.

These are obviously not fun to think about or share, but they are there, nonetheless. I
procrastinate a lot. I have been known to talk way too much, usually about myself. I have failed
multiple tests and quizzes throughout school. My faith has had so many peaks and valleys I
often feel like I'm starting from square one daily. I have disrespected my body with plenty of junk
food. And after almost 4 years in the physical therapy world, now with a large amount of student
debt, I still have doubts whether this is even the right career path for me.

It’s easy for us to focus on all of the bad sometimes and wonder how we could ever
create enough good to justify it. This is where the Les Voyageurs program comes in. Despite all
our shortcomings, inadequacies, and faults, you are able to face challenges and discover that
you are capable of so much more than you ever thought possible.

On trail there is only one direction to go, forward. Once your crew is dropped off you
have no choice but to be at the rendezvous spot at the end of the month. So, when the portage
seems too long, the mornings too early, and your body too weak, you find a way to get stuff
done. I would argue almost every participant of this program accomplished something on trail
they believed was impossible. The feeling you get when that happens can’t be put into words,
but it hopefully can be put into practice.

Nick with his parents Sherri and Matt after his physical therapy white coat ceremony in 2017.

We are all capable of so much more than we realize. Good and bad. And I am thankful
that the LVI program has shown me how to look past the bad and focus on creating more good
than I ever thought possible.

God Bless,

Nick Schmit (Participant 2010, Guide 2013)

If you know of people who did not receive this blog, help us by forwarding it to them and asking them to let us know by emailing to zach@les-voyageurs.org to update their contact information. If you have changed an email, home address, phone number or have a married name change, please let us know.

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Blazing New (Portage) Trails

3/2/20

Since 1971, the Voyageurs tradition has been shaped and molded into a life changing experience. From the early years of discovery and experimentation to the Far North excursions reaching the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay, the magic of Les Voyageurs has imbedded itself in over 2,800 alums.

The chokers continue to be a symbol of unity and teamwork among crews and remind participants of the personal goals they set to challenge themselves upon arrival home. While hundreds of crew expeditions may have long since returned home, the spirit of Les Voyageurs (The Travelers) runs through their veins and has become part of their souls, for life.

Once a Voyageur, always a Voyageur.

As we near the 50^th anniversary of Les Voyageurs and reflect on the storied legacy of the program, it was important that we look toward the next 50 years (and beyond) to ensure that future generations can experience the magic that we have all felt in our own expeditions north. In November 2019, the Les Voyageurs board of directors turned the page to the next chapter of the program, naming Zach Fritz as the new Program Director for Les Voyageurs, taking the place of long-time founder and now retired leader Fred Rupp.

Zach has been a long-time participant and guide with seven expeditions under his belt, including guiding five trips and most recently leading the 2019 Far North Crew to the Coppermine River and the Arctic Ocean. Zach is a graduate of Saint John’s University with a degree in environmental studies. He has managed the Outdoor Leadership Center while at Saint John’s and has done extensive field research in the mountains of Patagonia, Chile.

The board of directors and Zach Fritz, as Program Director, are steadfast in the “Voyageur Way” and are committed to the fundamentals (mission, vision and traditions) of the program that have evolved over the past 49 years. Throughout the succession planning, which has been in discussion with Fred for several years, he has provided valuable insight and guidance, while knowing that for the program to evolve over the next fifty-years, that it was time to step back, provide space and cheer for the next generation of leadership

So, looking forward, what does 2020 look like? Informational meetings began in early December 2019 and ran through mid-January for all First Year and Far North crews. Guides are now being hired and guide training will begin in early Spring. Shortly thereafter, crews will begin to plan and prepare for their summer expeditions: food preparation, gear selection, canoe skills training, route planning, learning the soft and hard skills and spending time on the water. Of course, all of that activity builds toward the anticipation of the Last Supper with families and then ultimately their days on trail.

As Les Voyageurs portages into the next 50 years, I invite all of the alums and parents to embrace what your experience on trail or with the program has meant to you, and take this opportunity to think about how you can get involved to support the program so that it remains strong for the next generation of Voyageurs. A Les Voyageurs alum recently shared his reaction after hearing about the creation of a board of directors and the hiring of a program director. “I have four young children, and I am so excited to know that my kids will get the chance to participate in Les Voyageurs, which meant so much to me and my wife when we participated in the late 1990s.”

In the future, we will share regular posts on the Les Voyageurs Blog – Portage Trail, which will help you stay connected to the program, read stories from the past, learn where alums are now and follow the progress of active crews preparing for trail. We hope you will enjoy the journey as it reignites memories from your own expedition(s). To learn more about upcoming news and travel, follow Les Voyageurs on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LesVoyageursInc/, on Instagram and Twitter at @lesvoyageursinc or visit us on the web at www.les-voyageurs.org.

If you would like to get involved or if you have questions, please reach out to Zach Fritz or the board of directors, whose contact information you can find at https://www.les-voyageurs.org/contact. We are proud and honored to be serving as the stewards of this amazing program, and we hope you will join us in ensuring its tremendous success, long into the future.

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If you know of people who did not receive this blog, help us by forwarding it to them and asking them to let us know by emailing to zach@les-voyageurs.org to update their contact information. If you have changed an email, home address, phone number or have a married name change, please let us know.

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Les Voyageurs always has and always will thrive because of the generosity of our alumni and supporters. We appreciate the support and we are excited to provide life changing expeditions for young adults around Central Minnesota for years to come.

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Making the impossible, possible

Forward Always Forward

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