Adventure Trek

When and Where

When: August 23-28, 2024, 3:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Nights: 5

Location: James River, Virginia

We are thrilled to announce this year's Adventure Trek with Troop 23, featuring an exciting canoe trip reminiscent of our memorable journey in 2021. This time, we're hitting the water with the goal of earning the coveted 50 Miler Award, while also soaking in the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors. This adventure promises not only to challenge us physically but also to provide countless moments of camaraderie and fun.

This canoe trip is designed to be more accessible compared to some of our previous treks. Last year, we ventured into the challenging terrain of Whiteface Mountain, undertaking a rigorous backpacking expedition that tested our endurance and resilience. The year before, we embarked on an ambitious cycling trip along the historic C&O Canal Trail, offering a unique blend of adventure and history. While both trips were incredible experiences, this year's canoe adventure offers a slightly more relaxed pace, making it an excellent opportunity for scouts new to high adventure activities and seasoned paddlers alike.

As we paddle through serene waters, navigate river currents, and camp under the stars, our journey will not only fulfill the requirements for the 50 Miler Award but also create lasting memories. This trip is about embracing the spirit of adventure, learning new skills, and, most importantly, enjoying the journey together as a troop. Whether you're eager to earn a prestigious award or simply looking forward to a fantastic outdoor experience, this canoe trip promises to be an unforgettable part of our scouting year.

Overview

Troop 23 BSA is set to embark on a 5-day canoe trip organized by Twin River Outfitters, taking place from Friday, August 23, 2024, to Wednesday, August 28, 2024. This adventure will take participants through picturesque waterways, providing a balanced mix of challenge and relaxation.

Paddle 63 miles of the historic upper James River in Virginia from the headwaters at Iron Gate to the Snowden Dam. Experience over 100 class I rapids, and 20 challenging class II rapids, and the infamous Balcony Falls (Class III) rapid that can be paddled around. Bring your fishing pole and try your hand at fishing along the way. Camp nightly at wilderness river side campsites locations along the way. 

Trip Details:

• Friday, August 23: The trip begins with an early departure from Brooklyn. Given the long drive ahead, there will be a planned stop roughly halfway to the destination for a break and overnight rest.
• Saturday, August 24 — Tuesday, August 27: The main portion of the trip involves four days of canoeing. This part of the journey will offer scouts the opportunity to improve their paddling skills, enjoy the natural scenery, and work towards earning the 50 Miler Award.
• Wednesday, August 28: The trip concludes with the final canoe stretch, after which the group will return to Brooklyn.

Scouts participating in this trip will need to prepare their own meal plans and bring the necessary camping equipment, such as a tent and sleeping bag. The cost for the trip is manageable. Further details will be provided during pre-trip planning meetings, led by the leaders. These meetings will cover all necessary preparations, ensuring that everyone is ready for the trip.

Camping will primarily take place in tents, with scouts encouraged to bring some pocket money for incidental expenses. This canoe trip aims to provide a memorable experience that blends adventure with the natural beauty of the surroundings. It's an opportunity to explore the outdoors, develop skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow scouts.

The Upper James River Water Trail is organized into 11 segments, all of which offer breathtaking mountain scenery and excellent fishing.

From the Official Organizers

This is our longest trip, offering a true wilderness river adventure over 63 miles. Enjoy great rapids, stunning scenery, cool campsites, impressive mountain views, excellent fishing, and fantastic swim spots. The trip concludes with the exhilarating white water section "James River Gorge - Balcony Falls."

Participants can resupply in the town of Buchanan on day 3 and in Glasgow on day 4. Many Boy Scout groups complete this trip as a 50-miler qualifying adventure, often combined with a river clean-up service project. Due to the remoteness and the difficulty of the rapids, all groups are carefully screened before being allowed to embark on this trip.

Additional Information:

• Prior Canoe/Kayak Class I-II+ experience required.
• Store arrival time: 8:30 AM or 11:00 AM. The trip must not end on a Saturday or Sunday.
• Last day return shuttle pick-up time: 2:00 PM.

What to Pack

Packing properly for the canoe trip is essential to ensure safety and comfort. Unlike our previous 5-day hiking trips, this adventure will provide all necessary group equipment except for personal items. Here is a list of essentials and recommended items to bring:

Essentials:
⧠ Ten essentials (compass, map, sun protection, first aid kit, etc.)
⧠ Class B uniform (and Class A for travel)
⧠ Lightweight tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag
⧠ Rain gear: poncho, rain jacket, pants, and waterproof footwear

Clothing and Personal Items:
⧠ Extra set of dry clothes
⧠ 2 pairs of extra socks (preferably wool or synthetic)
⧠ Hat (preferably windproof and wide-brimmed for sun protection)
⧠ Sunglasses with UV protection
⧠ Insect repellent (highly recommended: Sawyer Picaridin Lotion or Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment)

Other Items:
⧠ Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
⧠ Personal medications (if required)
⧠ Snacks and lightweight, non-perishable food items for personal use
⧠ Waterproof footwear or sandals for canoeing
⧠ Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Documents and Permissions:
⧠ Completed Troop permission slip from the Scout Book (if not submitted already)
⧠ BSA Medical A, B and C (if not submitted already)
⧠ Twin River Outfitter Waiver.

The Outfitter Provides:
⧠ Detailed safety and river trip orientation
⧠ Canoes, life jackets, and paddles (Personal PFDs allowed)
⧠ 5-gallon water containers
⧠ Commercial grade NRS dry bags (3 per canoe - 1 large & 2 medium)
⧠ 1 dry box per troop
⧠ 1 complete set of detailed river maps per troop
⧠ Bailers

Remember, it's important to pack light while ensuring you have all necessary items for comfort and safety. This trip will involve water activities, so keeping your gear dry and secure is crucial. We recommend using dry bags and waterproof containers for personal electronics and other sensitive items.

Road to Virginia, Friday

Start: Meet at OLA and leave around 3 PM
Destination: Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday

We plan to depart from Brooklyn as early as possible to maximize our travel time. This trip involves a long drive, and to manage the journey efficiently, we'll need to make several short stops along the way. These stops will provide opportunities to rest, regroup, stretch, and eat.

Unlike our previous trip in 2021, where we stopped at KOA, Natural Bridge, VA, close to our destination, this time, we'll make an overnight stop roughly halfway to Virginia. This approach will allow us to split the distance more evenly and make the journey more comfortable for everyone.

Nothing specific. Just stop along the route when needed for bathroom breaks, gas refills. 

(!) Fill up gas beforehand to have a full tank it should last a one way trip so you might need to fill up on gas during the road too. 

Day 1, Saturday

Pack and Breakfast
Begin the day early with packing and breakfast. Ensure all belongings are packed securely, as everything will need to fit into the canoes.

Arrival at TRO
Arrive at Twin River Outfitters (TRO) by 11 AM. Upon arrival, TRO will conduct a safety briefing and collect the necessary release forms. TRO will then transport the troop to the Iron Gate boat landing, a three-day journey upriver from our starting point.

Preparation and Launch
Our vehicles will remain at TRO, and all gear and supplies will be loaded onto the canoes. It's crucial to pack efficiently and thoughtfully to ensure all belongings fit securely. Scouts should pack for two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners, as well as enough clothing for two days. We will have a resupply opportunity on the third day.

Paddling and Camping
We will paddle approximately 10.5 miles, which should take around 4.5 hours. Our destination for the day is Gala Campground. This campsite is conveniently situated 0.5 miles from Kelly’s Market, which closes at 10 PM, providing an opportunity to purchase any last-minute items.

Be prepared for a full day of paddling and adventure as we begin our canoe journey. Ensure all gear is secure, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and camaraderie along the way.

Day 2, Sunday

Paddle from Gala Campground to Narrow Passage Campground at Horseshoe Bend
Sunday marks the longest paddle day of our trip, covering a distance of 17 miles. It's recommended to start early to ensure we have ample time to complete the journey.

Paddle Length and Highlights
The paddle is approximately 17 miles, estimated to take around 6 hours. This stretch of the river includes a scenic 10-mile section with minimal human habitation—just one house in sight—and numerous cliff views, offering a unique and serene experience.

Camp Location
Our destination for the night is Narrow Passage Campground at Horseshoe Bend. This area provides a tranquil setting to relax and prepare for the next day's adventures.

As this is the longest day on the water, ensure that all gear is packed securely and that everyone is ready for a full day of paddling. The beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings will make this a memorable part of our canoe trip.

Day 3, Monday

Paddle from Horseshoe Bend Campground to Arcadia Campground with a Stop in Buchanan

Morning Paddle to Buchanan
On Monday, we will paddle from Horseshoe Bend Campground to Buchanan, covering a distance of 9 miles, which should take approximately 3 to 4 hours. This segment of the journey will bring us back to TRO HQ, where we will have the opportunity to resupply and take a break.

Resupply and Break in Buchanan
Upon arriving in Buchanan, we will stop at TRO HQ for a much-needed resupply. This stop provides various amenities, including access to water, ice, trash disposal, laundry services, and phone charging stations. Scouts will also have access to their vehicles, allowing them to swap for fresh clothing and gear. Depending on the group's preference, there may be an opportunity to have lunch in town.

Afternoon Paddle to Arcadia Campground
After our break and resupply in Buchanan, we will continue our journey to Arcadia Campground, covering an additional 6 miles. This leg of the trip is expected to take around 2 ½ hours, bringing us to our next campsite for the night at Breeden Bottom Arcadia.

Day 3 offers a balanced mix of paddling and resupply, allowing everyone to refresh and prepare for the final days of the trip. The stop in Buchanan provides a convenient break and an opportunity to restock on essentials before heading back onto the river.

Day 4, Tuesday

Paddle from Arcadia Campground to Wilderness Canoe Campground

Morning Paddle
On Tuesday, we will paddle from Arcadia Campground to Wilderness Canoe, a journey of approximately 12 miles that should take around 5 hours. This scenic stretch of the river will be our second to last paddling day, offering another day of beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings.

Camp at Wilderness Canoe Campground
Our destination for the evening is Wilderness Canoe Campground. Upon arrival, we will set up camp and prepare for the final day of the trip.

Logistics and Gear Management
In the evening, selected scouts and leaders will drive back to TRO HQ to retrieve the vehicles. This allows us to swap out kayaks or canoes as needed and prepare for the following day's activities. TRO staff will assist in staging the vehicles for gear pickup, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready for transport. On Day 5, we plan to have no camping gear in the boats, simplifying the final paddle and transition.

Important Note:
Only selected scouts will be involved in the logistics of retrieving vehicles and swapping out equipment. This task will be determined based on the needs and capabilities of the group. The goal is to streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition for the final day's journey.

Day 4 provides a balance of paddling and logistical preparation, setting the stage for the conclusion of our Adventure Trek. This day will be crucial for organizing gear and ensuring that all equipment is properly managed for the return trip.

Day 5, Wednesday

Final Day: Paddle to Snowden Take Out

Morning Preparation
On the final day of our canoe trip, we will begin early by packing all camping gear into the TRO vehicle at 8:30 AM. This will ensure that we have minimal equipment in the boats, making the paddle easier and more efficient. Scouts should also prepare a packed lunch and snacks for the day.

Launch and Paddle
We aim to launch by 9 AM, embarking on the final 7-mile paddle to Snowden Take Out. This section of the river is expected to take approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours due to its difficulty, with potential challenges along the way.

Pickup and Return
We plan to arrive at Snowden Take Out around 1 PM, where TRO staff will be ready to assist with loading the canoes and gear. Following the take-out process, we will drive back to Wilderness Canoe Campground, typically arriving by 2:15 PM.

This final leg of the journey marks the end of our Adventure Trek, concluding a memorable and rewarding canoe trip. The day will be filled with mixed emotions as we wrap up our adventure and reflect on the experiences and camaraderie shared over the past week.

Road to Brooklyn, Wednesday

This is a pretty long drive: 6 - 7 hours. So we need to make short stops to rest, regroup, stretch, and eat. To split the distance evenly, we need to make two stops. 

First stop: * (exact location TBD) 

Second stop: * (exact location TBD) 

Destination: OLA

Useful links for those canoeing for the first time

Great Mandatory Videos to Check Out: 

• James River Canoeing Trip (2019)
• BSA Canoe training
• How to Canoe | 3 Key Strokes All Paddlers Should Know
• How to Paddle a Tandem Canoe | Tandem Canoeing Essentials
• Three Techniques For Paddling a Canoe in Current

Additional information:

• https://upperjamesriverwatertrail.com/maps/
• https://canoevirginia.net/

Goals

50-Miler Award