Boy Scouts

Whitewater Merit Badge

Once you have mastered canoeing on still water you are ready to challenge yourself with the thrills of whitewater.  In this two-day program, the scouts will learn to use and care for the equipment,  learn the International Scale of River Difficulty, master various kayak and canoe maneuvers for whitewater rafting. They will also learn safety measures such as self rescue and buddy rescue as well many more exciting subjects. We strongly emphasize safety along with the fun.

The scouts are required to pass a Scout Gate Test in under 120 seconds. If they do it in under 60 seconds they achieve an ‘exceptional time’. Testing with the Scout Gates is done at the end of the first day and morning of the second day.  Once all the scouts have completed the course on the second day the rest of the trip is spent on the river for the one day adventure.  

*Prerequisites: First Aid Merit Badge, Swimming Merit Badge, Canoeing Merit Badge.

Trailblazer Program

This program is an outstanding day on the river in rafts and Inflatable Kayaks (I.K.’s).  Lunch is included in the all day program.  Scouts go to the Inflatable Kayaks where the scouts learn how to maneuver their I.K.’s around the river and rocks.  The objective is to introduce the skills and equipment with emphasis on safety and self-protection.  A Scout earning this award will have taken the first step toward whitewater proficiency, but will achieve true proficiency only through further training and practice under proper supervision and conditions.