Troop 30 Scouts learned to paddle rapids by taking on the Kennebec River in Maine over Labor Day weekend.
Each Labor Day, the troop has an adventure trip for its more experienced scouts who are seeking a challenge. These scouts camped out in a Maine field, learned how to paddle on smaller rapids in self-guided boats, and camped overnight at a rustic site on Indian Pond. From there they boated to the Harris Station Dam and carried bigger boats to the head of the Kennebec River. From there they were guided through Class II and Class III and one Class IV rapids, and they swam through Class I rapids toward the end of the trip. Some even took kayaks out to paddle the rapids themselves.
On this trip, two scouts earned Second Class rank and all earned the ability to say they can mange themselves on a river.
Scouting America Troop 30 