Whitewater rafting trip
When and Where
When:
June 23-25, 2023, 6:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Nights:
2
Location: Poconos/Jim Thorpe, PA
On the 23rd we will be revisiting Poconos Whitewater Rafting for our rafting trip, the previous trip being held in 2021. This will also be our last trip for this scout year before we go into the summer break, because of this it has been planned for the end of June (23-25) to purposefully avoid interference with your exams and thus maximize participation by all. As the name suggests, the main focus of this trip will be doing a rafting course! On top of that, the trip will feature a biking segment, in preparation for our Adventure Trek later this summer.
We need your immediate attention in RSVPing for this event ASAP, latest Monday (6/15). We need to provide a precise count and reserve spots on rafts. In addition to each scout, parents, and Scouters who intend to come must also provide firm commitment. We have the added complexity of transporting our bikes.
6:30 PM sharp at OLA, as scouts have not been able to pack troop gear. We will depart no later than 7:00 PM, with a 2.5-hour drive (without stops).
What to pack
This trip is a typical trip with water-based activities, so keep that in mind when packing
- ⧠ Class A for travel
- ⧠ Executed Troop permission from ScoutBook (if not submitted already)
- ⧠ Ten essentials
- ⧠ Swimming trunks and towel
- ⧠ Waterproof phone case
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Site: Group-C1. This is our location for 2 nights.
Please make sure you grab a troop tent. Scouts are to share a tent with another scout, not parent(s).
The Mauch Chunk Lake Park camping area has modern restroom and shower facilities with hot water. The camping area is comprised of 135 sites including lakefront tents, camping cottages, and organized group camping for scout troops and other non-profit organizations.
Each tent site comes with a picnic table and fire ring with adjustable cooking grill and space to park one vehicle.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and are strictly enforced. Campers that cannot arrive by 10:00 p.m. should plan to arrive early the next morning.
Campers should use the night entrance between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
At the end of the rental period campers must clean their tent site, properly dispose of all their garbage, and remove their personal property. Trash receptacles are located near the night entrance.
Official website: https://www.carboncountypa.gov/services/mauch_chunk_lake_park/
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Address:625 Lentz Trail
Jim Thorpe, PA, 18229
Coordinates(i): 40.84222309418°, -75.806415081024°
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Whitewater Rafting Adventures
Whitewater Adventure outfitter, which is different from the one we used in the past. Note that this is a DAM RELEASE date. Yeah. Thus, we're assured of good conditions (for getting Mr. Kramer wet).
TIMELINE FOR RAFTING: We cannot be late.
9:15 AM CHECK-IN; pick up lunches and equipment, safety briefing, board bus to launch point
10:45 AM water launch
12:45 PM lunch per guides; 30 minutes for lunch
2:45 PM arrival at the final destination, board bus for return
3:00 PM arrive back at checkout area
Rafting, per the outfitter, is rain or shine, but they reserve the right to alter our reservation in the case of extreme weather conditions. As usual, Be Prepared in your packing of clothing and gear considering the weather conditions and activities. Given the activity on the water and rain in the forecast, be particularly prepared with rain gear, synthetic clothing, and water shoes/old sneakers. No flip-flops or one-toe shoes. Once on the water, there is no access to amenities; bring hydration and snacks.
Official site: https://www.adventurerafting.com/whitewater/
101 Adventure Trail Rd, Nesquehoning, PA 18240, USA
Address:101 Adventure Trail
Nesquehoning, PA, 18240
Coordinates(i): 40.8695539°, -75.7968529°
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Jim Thorpe
After Whitewater Rafting Adventures, we are going to stroll through the historic town of Jim Thorpe, searching for the best local ice cream and other treats.
My favorite is: https://www.woodsicecream.com/
Tour the Old Jail Museum (I don't believe there are ghosts in the jail, but we’ll have to see for ourselves.)
https:// http://www.theoldjailmuseum.com/home.html
Lehigh Gorge Trail
This is an optional, but highly recommended activity for Sunday. We are going to ride the Lehigh Gorge Trail. Many years ago, the troop completed 50 miles (25 out and 25 back) of this fantastic trail. Trust me, it's flat and scenic.
Parking at the train station (see the map). The parking fee is $5.
https://www.njhiking.com/lehigh-gorge-state-park/
https://www.adventurerafting.com/lehigh-gorge-trail/
Train station parking, Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Address:209/Lehigh Ave
Jim Thorpe, PA , 18229
Coordinates(i): 40.86625°, -75.735867°
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The Lehigh Gorge Trail is a 26-mile (42 km) multi-use rail trail that winds along the valley of the Lehigh River Gorge from Jim Thorpe to White Haven, Pennsylvania.
Much of the trail runs through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and was originally developed into a railroad corridor after an extension of the Lehigh Canal was first built under the great push of Main Line of Public Works to connect the Delaware Valley to Pittsburgh.
Climb: 629 ft
Avg time: 01:45:08
The GPX track is the property of Trailforks.
Historian's notes
The day before yesterday, which is 6/24 to 6/25 our troop went on a Rafting trip and 50 miles cycling. on first day morning we had Oatmeal and bagels
Then we drove to Whitewater Rafting Adventures to start our day rafting, first our troop was divided into six people per raft, then we ran through a lot of rapids together, very exciting and interesting, But I think the most fun of rafting is the water fight between troop, everyone on the raft is splashing each other with buckets and OARS, and everyone is having a good time.
After that, we enjoyed Ice Cream at Woods Ice Cream and then went back to camp.
The next day, which is 6/25, we were ready early in the morning for a 50 mile cycle in one day. It was a tough challenge, some of us got dizzy (yes, that was me), but we did it through strong will.
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Last updated on November 02, 2023