Friday started out with a great breakfast, and an easy camp pack-up, and we headed out in shifts of Canoers and Rafters to the Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store. The canoe group put-in to a foggy point in the Middle Yough at around 10:30am, and the rafters were dropped off below the Ohiopyle Falls, in the Lower Youghiogheny River around 11:00am. The weather was beautiful. The canoe trip had some spills early on, and we temporarily lost DJ and Mr. Landoll’s canoe, but otherwise things proceeded fairly uneventfully until the rapids at the end. The group will never forget Nate tormenting his mother by threatening to capsize, Nick and Mr. Dzurnak valiantly paddling a submerged canoe, and Kevin and Mr. Krymowski learning what “up the creek without a paddle” meant. Bumps and scrapes occurred, but mostly everyone had fun on the 9 mi trip, and no permanent harm was done. Hauling the canoes up the hill at the take out was perhaps the hardest part. Helpful Hint from our party: don’t wear flip-flops while you go canoeing, or you might be walking back to town barefoot.

Justin, Jared, their mom, sister and friends made up the bulk of the rafting team, and they claimed to have an awesome time on their 7.5 mi adventure. Joey P. and his dad also seemed to have had fun. Some of the canoers thought they might give it a try next time. After a short stop at the Dairy Queen for ice cream and snacks, we headed home for a well-deserved rest. (All, that is, except for Mr. Durda who had to go to work that night.) Scouts at the paddle were Jake, DJ, Kevin, Alan, Alex, Nick, Nate, Justin, Jared, Ryan, David, Kyle, and Joey.

Purpose: A trip designed for family and friends of Troop 810. Fire up your summer by coming together for a good time on the Youghiogheny river. People under the age of 13 can participate in canoeing only. The canoe trip is a self guided adventure on the Middle Yough and is rated Class II. There is no experience necessary although children must be at least 4 years old to go canoeing. This trip is approximately 9 miles in length and takes 3-5 hours to complete depending on water levels.

People 13 years and older can participate in whitewater rafting or canoeing. Experience first hand the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle, PA. This section of the river is class I-IV and the trip lasts 3-5 hours depending on water levels. Wilderness Voyageurs provides all rafting equipment, guides, transportation to and from the river, and deli style lunch. Guides maintain certifications and are trained in First Aid and CPR. A short training and safety session is provided before trip departure. BSA Safety Afloat standards will be maintained throughout the trip.

Waivers: All participants will require waivers which will be collected before leaving. Those less than 18 years of age will need a completed Parent/Guardian Permission Form and Waiver Form. Those 18 and over will need a Waiver Form.

Cost: Rafting - $42.00 per person, Canoeing - $26.00 per person. FEE IS DUE ON JULY 19th at Troop Meeting.

Estimated Time of Return: Friday, July 22nd, 6:00pm - Old Church

Items to Bring:

• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Camping Gear and Extra Clothing (see handbook)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick or Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Strap for Eye or Sunglasses
• Swim Trunks

Other Hints: Prepare for the worst conditions and hope for the best. Bring everything you think you might need. It is better to take off if you don't need it than need it and not have it.

• Prepare for occasional cool or rainy days by bringing a windbreaker and a wool sweater.
• Shorts over a bathing suit
• T-Shirt
• Tie-on sneakers or velcro-on river sandals
• Rain jacket/windbreaker
• Towel
• Dry change of clothes and shoes for after the trip
• Any special medications

Float Plan for Canoeing

Departure Date & Time: July 22nd at 10:00am (meet at Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store)

Put in Point: Middle Yough launch area

Pull out Point: "Loop" take-out point

Course to be Followed: This is a self guided trip down the Middle Youghiogheny River. The trip is approximately 9 miles in length.

Stopover Points: Lunch stop midway through trip. Sack lunch prepared in camp before leaving.

Travel Time: 3-5 hours

Return Date & Time: July 22nd between 1:00pm and 3:00pm

Contigencies: In the event of bad weather Wilderness Voyageurs will make the determination on whether or not the trip should be cancelled. Adult leaders have basic First Aid and CPR training. They will have cellular phones and phone numbers of participants to contact a parent or guardian in the event of an emergency.

Float Plan for Whitewater Rafting

Departure Date & Time: July 22nd at 10:30am

Put in Point: Pool below Ohiopyle falls - Ohiopyle State Park

Pull out Point: Brunner Run - Ohiopyle State Park

Course to be Followed: This is a guided trip down the Lower Youghiogheny River led by Wilderness Voyageurs. The trip is approximately 7.5 miles in length.

Stopover Points: Lunch stop midway through trip.

Travel Time: 3-5 hours

Return Date & Time: July 22nd between 2:00pm and 4:00pm

Contigencies: In the event of bad weather Wilderness Voyageurs will make the determination on whether or not the trip should be cancelled. Trip guides are trained in First Aid and CPR. They have radio contact with base and can dispatch Emergency Medical Personnel to our location. Adult leaders will have cellular phones and phone numbers of participants to contact a parent or guardian in the event of an emergency.