Good tips canoedogs, added duct tape to my list, and we usually send an extra paddle with each canoe so no worries there. Same with the water. Will try to post up some pics if I can.

I'm with ya there NAro, I'm hoping to stay dry, but planning to go "splash." My survival kit that will be on my person is a comprehensive kit in a small watertight dry box. The heatsheet blanket is still wrapped in it's protective plastic wrap but a little (or a lot of) water shouldn't hurt it anyway. Likewise with the other items I've mentioned. Anything that MUST stay dry (items for fire, first aid items, extra clothing, cell phone, etc) is going in a dry sack, ziploc bag or dry box depending on how much stuff I have to put in them and how many dry bags/boxes I have on hand (keep in mind DS will be going as well so I have to split the dry bag/box stash with him). Ziploc bags, while not ideal, can be ok for waterproofing the less essential items as needed. If at all possible I'll have my diabetic supplies on my person, I have a maxpedition pouch just for the job, as long as it doesn't interfere with the PFD. If that happens I'm not sure what I'll do, maybe I can attach it to the PFD or otherwise attach it on my person somewhere.

Tom, I'm hoping this year's trip will be as enjoyable as last year. We had some boys who weren't physically ready for the demands of doing the trip in a kayak, but other than that there were no real issues. We just switched them to a canoe and allowed other boys to have their turn in the kayak. As the big trip this year (the 50 miler on Labor day weekend) is a council event, we expect to draw in several more units which means there will be a LOT more of us on the water, which also means a lot more chances for the unexpected to happen so would like to be better prepared. As you said tho, relatively calm waters, not far from civilization, cell phone service along just about the entire course, makes for a less stressful trip.