Spring Rafting on the Hudson River

Summer Rafting on the Sacandaga

Spring Whitewater Rafting
The Hudson River Gorge is one of the most action-packed single day rafting adventures in America. Entry to the gorge is via the Indian River, which itself provides almost continuous rapids for 3.5 miles in its 150 descent into the Gorge. Then, in the Hudson there are Class III and IV rapids in a steady procession, past major landmarks such as Blue Ledge and Kettle Mountain. Total drop: about 650 feet! Length of trip: 17 miles. Time: about 5 hours.

Schedule
Saturday - 1:00 p.m.
Depart in 2 Council vans from the Council office (these are 14 passenger vans - space is limited). Lodging at the Read Scout Reservation, Brant Lake, New York, in the New Farmhouse and the Craft Lodge. Cots and mattresses are provided. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towels and toiletry articles. Dinner at the Farmhouse. Rafting video will be shown in the evening.

Sunday
Have an early breakfast in the Farmhouse and then travel by van to the base of the rafting outfitter. Wet suits with booties and helmets are provided by the outfitter, as well as transportation to the raft put-in at Indian River. Licensed Adirondack White Water Guides are provided. Mid-day high energy snack will be provided. Back at the base, the outfitter provides a hearty dinner. Then, return by Council vans to the Council office at about 9:00 p.m.

Fees and Date
Fee in 2004: $120.00, Youth or Adult. Includes transportation (see application, maximum of 32 participants per trip), lodging, meals, wet suits, licensed Guides & Rafting trip.  Transportation in Council vans limited to 26.

Dates: 2005 dates not set

Eligibility
Any BSA registered adult or youth at least thirteen years of age. Space is limited to no more than 32 rafters (including both youth and adult) per trip, so reserve your space now! Reserve your space by sending your non-refundable deposit of $50.00 with the application to the Westchester-Putnam Council.

Whitewater Rafting Registration Form  [PDF, 16K]

Summer Rafting 
Meet the challenges of rapids on the swift flowing Sacandaga River, at Lake Luzerne (Rt. 9N). Outfitter is Adirondack Wildwaters. Cost in 2003: $15.00 per person, payable in advance to Read Reservation.  Additional charge for camp supplied transportation. Maximum number of persons in one van 14. Minimum number in one van 10.  The permission slip (available below) is required for each Scout.  This program is offered during the summer camp season.  Camp supplied transportation is limited.

This is a half day program for ten or more persons plus an adult leader at least 21 years of age. Whether or not your unit uses Read Scout Reservation transportation, reservations must be made with the camp administration.

The rafting outfitter uses ten person rafts; six persons take turns paddling with directions from the raft guide. If there are ten or more persons from your unit, the adult leader goes free. The leader from your unit is responsible to maintain proper discipline throughout this activity.

Permission Slip  [PDF, 7K]