Edward N. Cole Canoe Base offers a High Adventure type program normally offered only at the National High Adventure Bases. Cole Canoe Base also offers a full service traditional summer camp program and is completely equipped to assist your unit with all of your in-camp needs for advancement, merit badge, and other program needs.

The Rifle River is one of a very few large rivers in Michigan that is without dams and is protected by the Department of Natural Resource's "Wild River Act". It is not deep, but clean and also fast. There are no real "bad" spots in the river, but it does have a few riffles. No problem for even the beginning canoeist. You will travel through beautiful country with wildlife often seen. Fishing (including trout) is considered good. Wildlife sightings are an everyday experience.

The Rifle River is considered to be one of the safest canoeing rivers in Michigan because it is shallow and even if one tips over you are normally able to stand up.

Cole Canoe Base has over 100 canoes equipped with paddles and life jackets. The Base will provide transportation for canoes and each unit provides transportation for people. We also will help with transportation of canoeists as required. Voyager tents with floors and mosquito netting are available for rent. Protection from insects is a must on the river.

In addition to the traditional Scout Camp program, Cole Canoe Base offers a unique canoeing program complete with everything for a fun filled High Adventure experience.

Summer Camp:

Your Summer Camp fee includes all canoes for your river trip. Summer Camp check in Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. You may check in on Saturday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., but please make advance arrangements with the Camp Director.

Weekend Camping:

Your canoe rental includes your campsite fee. Check-in Friday night and then meet with the Ranger on Saturday morning to obtain equipment and review safety procedures.

The River Guidelines

We want to make sure that your river trek at Cole Canoe Base is one of the highlights of your camping year. To this goal we ask that you review and follow the guidelines below. Should you have any questions, please be sure to see the Cole Canoe Base staff who are always willing to assist in making your trek a memorable event.

• Each unit must provide its own transportation for their Scouts, to and from the starting and ending locations of the river trip. Cole Canoe Base will provide transportation of canoes and assist in movement of the unit’s vehicles and drivers. You can count on the Cole Staff for any assistance you may require

• Most units provide their own tents and equipment, however, tents, tarps, cook kits, chef tool kits, packs, Dutch ovens and reflector ovens are available for rent from the Base. Many items are available free of charge in our complete Quartermaster facility. There is a small rental charge for tents, propane stoves and cots, all for your convenience.
• Cots are available and may be used with your own tents or with wall tents available from the Quartermaster. Cots may not be used with voyageur tents supplied by the camp.
• Units renting tents will be provided with voyageur tents with floors and mosquito netting or with tarps for out-of-camp use. Equipment will be inspected upon return. 
• You may want to set up your camp at the Base and use trail tarps or other tents for your nights on the river. However, the Base will not be responsible for materials left in camp and we recommend that valuables be locked up when your campsite is not occupied.
• Each unit must provide its own first aid kit to take with them on the river. Our Camp Health Officer will inspect your first aid kit.
• Canoe Trips are designed to give about four to six hours of river time between camping locations or take-out points. This is enough for the normal Scout to canoe in one day and still be enjoyable. Don’t try to see how fast you can go or try to cover a two-day trip in one day.
• It is extremely important that your group stays together on the river in case of injury or other medical problem. Don’t leave any canoes behind and alone. Keep within normal sight of each other and wait if a canoe falls behind. There could be medical reason why they are lagging behind!
• Equipment and clothing needed on the river include long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a hat with a visor for sun protection. Sunglasses and sun block are a good idea since sunburn comes easily on the water. Tee shirts and shorts are fine in hot weather but be prepared for possible sunburn and head off a painful experience. Old tennis shoes are great for wearing on the river. Wet or dry, they protect your feet from rocks or glass in the river. You must wear foot protection on the river.
• Insects are normally a problem on canoe trips and again the long sleeve shirt and long pants are important for a comfortable evening. Insect repellent is a must. You may want to consider tents with insect screening to insure a good nights sleep.
• Rain should always be considered and rain gear and tarps can turn the trick towards a successful and fun trip.
• Plastic or rubberized bags for packing clothing and equipment will keep things dry in case of rain or a tip-over. Plastic bags can be obtained from the Commissary.
• River water is not suitable for drinking, so you must bring your own canteens and water jugs. Fresh water is available at the North Landing campsite and the Pinnacle Bridge campsite. The Quartermaster has water jugs available.
• The Buddy System is required both in camp and on the river.
• Conservation is important. While on the river all burn-able trash, including garbage, should be burned. All other trash should be put in a plastic trash bag and brought back to Base for proper disposal. Be a good camper and always leave your campsite better than you found it.
• Do not cut live trees or brush at any time.
• All fish caught should either be returned to the river alive or properly prepared and eaten.
• Be very sure that your group is not responsible for a fire that can burn hundreds of acres and destroy timber and wildlife. Put out all fires that are not attended.

• Each canoe will be equipped with two seats, two paddles and two personal flotation devices (PFDs). All canoeists must wear a PFD at all times. One or two extra paddles can be provided for each group. Units will be required to pay for equipment that is lost or damaged beyond normal usage. One main cause of damage is ripped PFDs and broken paddles. Paddles are not made for water fights. If you need to push off with your paddle, don’t push off with the blade, use the handle. The handle is thicker and sturdier than the blade.
• All equipment should be lashed in the canoe to prevent being lost in case of a tip-over. Valuables should be placed in waterproof containers.
• The Trading Post has waterproof wallets and rain ponchos for sale.

The River Program Mileage

>>Also See:

>> Northern Tier

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