Whitewater Rafting - Lehigh River, White Haven, PA
May 22-23, 2010
Rafting: Whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River in northeastern Pennsylvania is rafting just the way you want it… real fun, real rapids, and real adventure! The Lehigh River is a great close-to-home whitewater adventure that is set in the scenic Pocono Mountains!
Check out the Whitewater Challengers Website for information on rafting.
Preparedness and Pre-requisites: The Whitewater Challengers recommended minimum age for rafting on May 22 is 10 years old. Everyone is required to wear a lifejacket at all times. Lifejackets are supplied by the outfitter.
BSA requires scouts to have passed the BSA Swim Test within 12 months of the trip. The BSA Swimmer Test is as follows:
1. Jump feet first into water over your head in depth.
2. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl;
3. Then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
4. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn.
5. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
For the scouts who have not passed the BSA Swim test within the past 12 months, we will try to make accommodations to run the test at a local pool. You may be responsible for a small fee for use of the swimming pool.
In summary, if you want to figure out if your son is ready for rafting, consider the following:
1. Is he prepared to be in a river with rocks and swiftly moving water? (likely to occur)
2. Is he willing to get splashed and wet? (guaranteed to occur)
3. Has he passed the BSA Swimmer test within 12 months of the trip?
Biking: This alternate activity to rafting is available through Whitewater Challengers for those who would rather not raft. The bike trail is along a retired train line, with no steep hills. The available treks are 15 or 25 miles. The troop recommends the 15 mile trek based on prior trips, and a minimum of two adults is required to accompany those wishing to bicycle. Check out the Whitewater Challengers cycling options at this link for more information.
Wetsuits: Wetsuits are available for renting through the outfitter. At times, wetsuits may be mandatory when the weather is cold, overcast, etc. Your son should come prepared with $17 to cover the cost of renting a wetsuit if this is required by the outfitter. We will watch the weather and be in contact with the outfitter as the weekend gets closer.
Trip Itinerary
Saturday:
6:00 AM - Depart OLPH Lower Parking lot and drive about 2.5 hours to Whitewater Challengers, located at 288 North Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255 (near White Haven PA.)
8:30 AM – Arrive, check in, determine wetsuit needs and start rental process if needed.
9:00 AM – Check in for rafting / bicycling
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Raft down the river or bike down the path and return to the rafting center.
4:00 PM (approx) – Return to camp, set up troop site, utilize campsite facilities (showers, , explore the Scout
4:30 PM – (or one half hour after returning from the river) – Dinner Buffet at the Whitewater Challengers facility, which includes items like BBQ chicken, hamburger BBQ, hot dogs, broccoli rice almandine, baked potatoes, vegetables, chips, dessert and beverage
5:30 PM – Programs for the scouts, including nature shows, living history programs, field sports and a DJ dance party.
9:00 PM – All troop 49 scouts in site for our own campfire
10:00 PM – Retire / lights out
Sunday:
7:30 AM – Wakeup and pack up personal gear
8:00 AM – breakfast and site cleanup.
9:30 AM – Depart for home or do additional options:
Base Cost
This includes rafting or cycling, camping, dinner & breakfast. Note: All payments must be made by Friday, April 30 as we need to provide advance payment to the outfitter.
Rafters
Scouts – $50
Adults – $66
Cyclers
Scouts – $35
Adults – $51
Additional costs (Bring additional money for these costs if you expect to incur them)
Food:
Saturday Lunch - Bring a bag lunch (zip-lock) for Saturday.
Saturday dinner is provided by the outfitter
Sunday Breakfast will be prepared in camp before departing. One or two scouts are needed to assemble a menu for Saturday evening campfire snacks and Sunday breakfast for the troop. We will plan on a “grab and go” breakfast, which will include hot water for cocoa/coffee/oatmeal type foods, and hand foods such as clementines and single serve breakfast items. This will allow for speedy cleanup and departure.
Camping:
We are tent camping on the Outfitter’s property. Bathrooms with flush toilets
and showers are located near the rental center and dining area.
Whitewater Challengers runs a “family campground”, and strictly enforces quiet hours (from 11 PM to 7 AM). Rowdy or excessively noisy behavior is prohibited and not tolerated. Whitewater Challengers also has similar policies as the Boy Scouts of America prohibiting Alcohol, ATV's, firearms and firecrackers. No pets allowed.
What to pack/bring:
The items below are listed in addition to the usual packing list which can be found in the scout handbook:
___ Pack in duffel bags – don’t use frame packs
___ Water Shoes (protection from sharp objects on the river floor such as fish hooks, glass, etc.)
___ Plan on completely changing into dry clothes when you return to camp from the river
___ Eyeglass / sunglass strap to keep them on your face should you fall in the water.
___ Sunscreen
Siblings: No Siblings allowed on this trip.
RSVP: by Friday, April 30, 2010
Every participant, Adults and Scouts, need to fill out the Whitewater Challengers waiver form BEFORE the trip to speed up the registration process. Please deliver the waiver to Mr. Dente before the trip.
Directions to Whitewater Challengers
From Oakland, take I-287 south to I-80 west.
Take Route 80 west into PA to Exit 273 (old exit 40)
Go west on Route 940 for 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Lehigh Gorge Drive.
Go 4.8 miles and turn right onto Buck Mountain Road. Go 1 mile to first intersection.
Turn right onto North Stagecoach Road. Go 300 yards to Whitewater Challengers (on the right).
GPS Information
288 North Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255
Latitude 40.9844
Longitude -75.7864
Phone Number: (800) 443-RAFT
Click here to view/print waiver form
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