Whitewater Rafting Trip

When and Where

When: June 26-28, 2026 , 7:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Nights: 2

Troop 23 is heading back to the Lehigh River for another round of Class III whitewater rafting in the Pennsylvania Poconos. This is one of our most popular trips — real rapids, professional guides, and a format that brings the whole family together.

We've been running this trip for years with Whitewater Rafting Adventures, and it's become a staple of our summer schedule. The trip is timed to a dam release date on the Lehigh, which guarantees strong, consistent water conditions — no guessing about whether the river will deliver.

Last year's trip was cancelled due to dangerously high water from heavy spring rains. That makes this year's return all the more welcome. We're ready to get back on the river.

Why Not Raft-O-Ree?

Greater New York Councils runs an annual Raft-O-Ree — a council-wide event where patrols build their own rafts and race them. It's a creative, well-organized program, and any scout interested should check it out. We considered going this year — it'd be easier than planning our own trip. But after looking at how it works, we decided to stick with what we know:

Both are worth doing. But our scouts and families know what they like — and what they like is getting Mr. Wong wet in actual rapids.

What to Expect

This year we're bringing back the overnight format — the same setup we used for our 2023 trip, which was one of the best weekends of that year:

Friday evening — Depart OLA, drive to the Poconos (~2.5 hours), set up camp at a nearby campground. Scouts share tents, facilities with hot showers on site.

Saturday — Morning check-in at the outfitter, safety briefing, gear up. Then ~10 miles of Class III whitewater with professional guides. Lunch on the river (bring your own — no amenities on the water). Afternoon in Jim Thorpe for ice cream and exploring the historic downtown. Drive home Saturday evening.

Families who can't make Friday are welcome to drive up Saturday morning and meet us at the outfitter. You'll still get the full rafting experience — the overnight is a bonus, not a requirement.

This trip also fulfills advancement requirements:

• First Class 1b — Tread Lightly participation
• First Class 6b & 6c — Paddlecraft requirements

### Block 4: Our Rafting History (type: text) ```yaml type: text title: "Troop 23 on the Water" ``` **Content:**

This trip has deep roots. Over the past several years, our troop has built a real tradition around whitewater rafting and paddling:

• 2025 — Lehigh River trip planned but cancelled due to high water from heavy spring rains
• 2024 — 63-mile canoe trek down the James River in Virginia (Adventure Trek, 50 Miler Award)
• 2023 — Lehigh River whitewater with Whitewater Rafting Adventures, plus a 50-mile cycling day
• 2021 — Lehigh River whitewater, our return to the Poconos after the pandemic pause

If you enjoyed any of these — or wished you hadn't missed them — this is your chance.

Who Can Join

This is one of our most open trips. Scouts, parents, siblings, and friends are all welcome — on the water and at camp. In past years, we've had full families rafting together, and that's exactly the kind of trip this is meant to be.

You can join for the full Friday-Saturday experience or just drive up Saturday morning for the rafting. Either way, you're in. Parent drivers are essential for carpooling — if you can drive, please let leadership know when you RSVP.

What to Bring

Dress for a wet day. The outfitter provides rafts, paddles, life jackets, and free wetsuit rentals for youth. You bring the rest:

• ⧠ Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers — no flip-flops, no Crocs!
• ⧠ Bathing suit or synthetic clothing (absolutely no cotton)
• ⧠ Sunscreen and towel
• ⧠ Dry change of clothes for the ride home
• ⧠ Packed lunch, snacks, and water bottle (no amenities on the river)
• ⧠ Rain gear if the forecast calls for it — the trip runs rain or shine
• ⧠ Troop permission form from ScoutBook
• ⧠ Online waiver from outfitter (link will be posted when available)

Details Coming

Exact date, cost, and deadlines will be posted once we lock in the dam release schedule with the outfitter. In the meantime:

• Block a Friday–Saturday in late June
• Expect ~$65–70 per person for rafting, based on past years (campground fees TBD)
• Start recruiting your carpool — more drivers = easier logistics, especially for families joining Saturday morning

Check back here for updates, or watch for announcements at troop meetings.