Two Free Ways to Enjoy the Schuylkill River Sojourn

People paddle along the Schuylkill River during the 2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn. The annual water excursion is a  7-day, 112-mile guided paddle in either a canoe or kayak. Registration for the adventurous journey opened April 1.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill :River Greenways NHA

The annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is summer camp, a regional history exploration, and bonding experience all rolled into one.

People of all experience levels are invited to come along for the fun paddling event which takes place inside a kayak or canoe. For the 21st year, people throughout the area and several states other than Pennsylvania will take a journey along the revolutionary Schuylkill River for an unforgettable adventure.

Reading Area Community College students participate in a sojourn
mentorship program during the 2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn.

The 2019 sojourn will run from June 1 to June 7. The 7-day, 112-mile guided paddle will begin in Schuylkill Haven and end a week later in Philadelphia.

The nationally-award winning water excursion is organized by the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.

One of the goals of the sojourn is to introduce new people to the river. There are two ways people can participate in this year’s sojourn for free:

• In memory of longtime sojourner and devoted member of Schuylkill River Greenways, Bill Trace, a scholarship fund was established through the generosity of Trace’s family and friends. This year, the scholarship is available to three people who have never been on the sojourn before. If chosen, the person will participate in a free one-day trip on this year’s sojourn. People can apply by completing a one-page online form at bit.ly/2019BillTraceScholarship by May 1.
• The Schuylkill Action Network will provide a full-week scholarship, a $700 value, for an enthusiastic individual with paddling, photography, and social media experience. The selected person will engage sojourn participants in a stewardship activity while taking photos and blogging about their experience. The steward will be asked to present his or her findings on the final evening. For more information about this scholarship and to apply, visit bit.ly/2019SojournSteward by May 1.

Registration for the 2019 sojourn opened this month. The first week of April is only for participants doing the full, 7-day trip. People interested in participating on individual days instead of the entire week can register beginning on Monday, April 8.

2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn participants enjoy a meal in the grass
for lunch after paddling on the river that morning. Each day of
the water excursion includes lunch and dinner stops
with a full meal and presentation.

“The sojourn draws attention to the river as a valuable natural and recreational resource. The paddling event has inspired thousands to have a greater appreciation for the river,” said Schuylkill River Greenways NHA Executive Director Elaine Paul Schaefer.

For more information about the 2019 Schuylkill River Sojourn and to register, visit the Schuylkill River Greenways website at schuylkillriver.org or call 484-945-0200.

The Schuylkill River Greenways NHA is a non-profit organization with the mission of connecting residents, visitors and communities to the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement and economic development.