This document is designed to answer your last minute questions regarding the commencement of school on the Ottawa River.
Calendar Page- This is where you can find a consistent list of dates and events. Use this as your source for booking reservations.
***Familie are responsible to book their own flights to either Ottawa, Canada or Charleston, WV.
Arrivals: Below you have several options for your arrivals:
August 31
• Charleston, WV Airport Arrivals- Schedule 4:00 to 6:00 pm arrivals
• Drive to Fayetteville, WV Base Arrivals between 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Meet school en route from WV to Ottawa night of 8/31. Contact David Hughes to arrange meeting point.
Driving Route is: I-79 N to I-90E; I-90E to I-81N; 416 N to Ottawa; 417 W to 17 W to Wilderness Tours.
September
September 1
• Flights to Ottawa City. If you are flying to Ottawa International Airport make certain your return home flight is from Charleston, WV 10/15 between 8:00 to 10:00 am.
• Ottawa City, Canada Arrivals- 9/1 between 10:00 to 12:00 am
• Driving to Ottawa Wilderness Tours. You may meet at Wilderness Tours or Keenerville base anytime prior to 1:00 pm.
September 5
• New River Academy travel agent begins booking Chile fall semester group flights.
• Flights are from your local airport to Santiago and return from Temuco.
What do I bring? See attached packing list. Packing list is also being published on David Hughes’ blog.
A. Do I bring a laptop? If you have a video or photo class then yes you will need it.
B. Which boat do I bring? You will only need your play boat. This fall quarter is dedicated to safety, river running, and freestyle development. We will discuss Chile boats at later date.
C. Which camera should I bring? If you are in video class contact Tino Specht via- mcspecht@yahoo.com
Photo students may direct camera concerns to David Hughes- hugeh2o@yahoo.com.
What can we expect? Those arriving from the south will spend no time in WV. You will arrive, pack, and be on the road to Canada. Once on the Ottawa everyone will contact home to inform families of your base and road tired condition. We will begin with a safety and team building activity to wash away some of the road travel.
The first few days of school will focus on school orientation, team and confidence building, and utilizing a shortened school schedule. Oh yea… kayaking. You will be based right on the Ottawa River just a three minute paddle from fantastic waves.
You will be part of a mentor team planning a mentor team activity and a weekly meal.
What about school? Just like any great academic program once you show up you can expect exciting and intriguing lessons to be offered. Students will be taken on a department store run for those last minute school supplies. Teachers will discuss class expectations and give a list of class needs like, “uhhm you’re going to need a 3 ring binder, a compass, and a good attitude.”
What if we don’t have our passport yet? Here is a link providing more passport info. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html
Do we need travel insurance? You will want to contact your insurance provider regarding international insurance options. New River Academy utilizes a traveler’s insurance plan for our staff once in Chile. The great thing about travel insurance plans is that they often cover broken, stolen, or lost equipment. We use www.WorldNomads.com.
