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RAFTING:
SM and Scout in action on Zoom Flume, Arkansas River
T-136’S WHITEWATER NAVY
"Whitewater rafting is one thing our troop is notorious
for."
We (through the great generosity of our leaders) have access to our own
assortment of boats, life jackets, and other gear necessary to allow us
the freedom to go out where and when we want, without being restricted
by commercial guides (though many of our leaders are actually, or have
been, professional guides).
The experience within our leaders allows us not only to do things on our
own enjoyably, but lends itself to the teaching of our scouts, giving them
the opportunity to perhaps become river guides themselves one day.
Each scout has the opportunity to learn the skills of a whitewater boatman
on our several river trips. Several of us have even worked with our
pet outfitter High Plains Outdoor Institute*
as junior guides on some of their commercial trips.
The town of Laramie gives us quite a central location, with many raftable
rivers in the near vicinity, including the North Platte, Poudre, Arkansas,
Snake, Green and Upper Colorado, all of which we raft regularly over the
course of the summer.
Our whitewater training consists of at least five sessions, and includes
mandatory attendance in order to go on the trips. The training includes
in part the proper use of the equipment, reading white water, maintenance
of inflatable boats, oarsmanship, paddleboating skills, swiftwater rescue
techniques including shore and boat based rescue using equipment, rigging
and finally planning and going on several whitewater trips. The training
involved for our whitewater program exceeds that in the Venture program.
*This outfitter has several Scouting oriented
classes and trips. These include Standard First Aid/Adult CPR for
the Scouter, various merit badge clinics including whitewater and climbing.
They will also take Scout groups on guided whitewater rafting and climbing
trips. To find out more about this company, email john@hpoiadventure.com.