Calendar Page- This is where you can find a consistent list of dates and events. Use this as your source for booking reservations.

Arrivals: Below you have several options for your arrivals:
A. Fly to Charleston, WV
8/27 Charleston, WV Airport Arrivals- 8/27 between 4:00 to 6:00 pm
B. Drive or carpool to Fayetteville, WV
8/ 27 Fayetteville, WV Base Arrivals- 8/27 between 4:00 to 6:00 pm
C. Meet school en route from WV to Ottawa. Contact David Hughes to arrange meeting point. 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.
D. Fly to Ottawa City. If you are flying from the west to Ottawa make certain your return home flight is from Charleston, WV 10/10 between 8:00 to 10:00 am.
8/28 Ottawa City, Canada Arrivals- 8/28 between 10:00 to 12:00 am
E. Drive to Wilderness Tours
8/28 Ottawa River Arrival- You may be at Wilderness Tours or Keenerville base anytime prior to 1:00 pm.

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.

I remember when we first all arrived in Chile, this new location for everyone, even the most seasoned traveler out of us all, Matti. All our eyes wide with excitement just soaking in all the hustle and bustle from the airport. We hadn’t even reached the outside yet and we were already so giddy for this new adventure. After that it was us learning our way around a totally different country, speaking a totally different language. The first time we were in Chile the language barrier was definitely a struggle for all of us. But, the next quarter when we arrived the group was prepped and ready. We seemed like pro’s navigating around the city, getting the meal or ice cream we wanted, and finding the laundromat.

I think one of my peers that has grown the most is Zoe. I remember when she first arrived at the school second quarter, she was introverted and always questioned herself. Oh, but how that did change! If you look at this lovely girl now she’s extroverted, bright, and has gained so much independence. She does what she wants and never second guesses herself anymore. Its amazing how much confidence she gained in herself and it’s all because of her time here. I think she’s pretty proud of all the knowledge she’s gained here too.

Many of us have also gained more knowledge and confidence about ourselves through our year or semester here. This school definitely helps you grow no matter how set in your ways, or sure of yourself you are. I’m so thankful of the time I’ve spent here this year with this group of people and all the knowledge I’ve gained. I would’ve never had anything of this impacting stature otherwise. “And that has made all the difference…”

The Haitian people already struggling for a good life, they didn’t need strife and then Mother Nature it seemed out of spite planned to smite this poor island nation who’s freed of plantations,
The quake planned to break everything in its powerful wake leaving destruction and the crumblings of what used to be, Haitians began to cry for the world to see, they couldn’t even hold their economy,
The death toll was staggering, women, children, and men their was no exception, I doubt they had any conceptions that a tragedy such as this would squish many hopes and dreams so quick-ily,
The mass confusion, leading to stores having no more,
The hospitals packed to the brim trying to save many without any supplies or equipment leaving many to suffer through the pain while they remained,
The weak government shocked and helpless to do anything but watch as their country cries out in pain but all they can do is hide their face in shame