The 2007 Delaware River Sojourn, an annual event that combines canoeing, kayaking, camping, educational programs, and more, will be held June 24-30.

The theme for this year's event is “Celebrating Native American Culture,” which recognizes the river’s first settlers. Programs to be offered will teach participants about the history of different native cultures and efforts to keep that history alive today.

In addition to paddling almost 50 miles on the mainstem Delaware River, sojourners will have the opportunity to experience stretches of two tributaries -- the Lackawaxen River in northeastern Pa., renowned for its Class I and II+ whitewater, and the tidal Rancocas Creek in Burlington County, N.J.

The sojourn is suitable for people with varying paddling skills. Sojourners may sign up for the entire seven-day trip or for the day(s) of their choice. Distances paddled will range from eight to 13 miles daily

This year an early bird daily fee of $55 ($40 for non-paddling children age 12 and under riding in the parents’ canoe) is being offered for those who register prior to June 1; after June 1, the registration fee is $65 per person per day ($45 for non-paddling children).

Registration fees cover the guided river trip, canoe/kayak/raft rental, shuttle transportation, educational programs, certain meals, a souvenir T-shirt, and optional overnight camping sites. In addition to the daily fee, a one-time $5 per person insurance fee will be charged to non-members of the American Canoe Association, which sanctions the event. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but aluminum canoes are not recommended. Additional requirements will apply on June 25 when paddling the Lackawaxen River.

Space is limited each day, so please register early! A limited number of scholarships are available for first-time paddlers and K-12 teachers.

Detailed information, including registration materials and a daily overview, are available on the sojourn website hosted by the Delaware River Basin Commission.

Registration and scholarship-related questions may be directed to Flo Mauro at the Pocono Environmental Education Center by phone 570-828-2319 or by sending e-mail to: fmauro@peec.org .

The purpose of the sojourn is to heighten awareness of, and appreciation for, the ecological, historical, recreational, and economic significance of the Delaware River, which is the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi. The Delaware stretches 330 miles from the confluence of its East and West branches in Hancock, N.Y. to the mouth of the Delaware Bay where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee representing various organizations and government agencies in the Delaware River Basin. This year’s committee is chaired by a representative from Pennsylvania’s Delaware Canal State Park.

For a list of all river sojourns across the state, visit the PA River Sojourns webpage.

5/25/2007