Whitewater Rafting at Ohiopyle

The drive to Ohiopyle from Broadview Heights went well. We had a little trouble locating the State Park campground in the dark, but once found camp was set up quickly for the night. Breakfast was cooked over an open fire with scrambled eggs, sausage, muffins, and fruit. A great way to start the day. The raft trip made for a full day. It had many sets of rapids to make it challenging and physically demanding. Several of our crew ended up in the water more than once. Another group on the river lost all except one paddler during the heaviest rapids. We had lunch about midway through on a large outcropping of rocks. The weather couldn't have been been better and the only casualties were two cameras. Everyone had a great time and were ready to plan another trip for next year. Rafting enthusiasts from the troop included Eric, Jared, Rob, Mrs. Cree, Mr. Makowski along with two guests Tony and Mrs. DeBlasi. Sorry, pictures have some water damage.

Early morning at the campsite.	Nothing like breakfast made over an open fire.
The troop at the Wilderness Voyagers check in area.	The entire crew geared up prior to boarding the bus.
Ready, set, let's get wet.	Some of the other rafting crews at the lunch stop.

Date and Time of Departure: Thursday, August 15th, 5:30pm - Old Church

Purpose: A high adventure trip for scouts 13 years and older. 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.

Location:

Camping - Ohiopyle State Park - Site #228
Rafting - Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitters - Lower Youghiogheny River

Cost: $38.00 per scout.

Estimated Time of Return: Friday, August 16th, 9:00pm - 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 Whitewater Rafting Trip

Departure Date & Time: August 16th at 12:00pm

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: August 16th between 3:00pm and 5:00pm

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.