Once each session at SMA Teen Summer Camp we launch our whole camp onto the Class III rapids of the Lower Youghiogheny River (often referred to as “The Yock”) for a seven mile white water roller coaster ride. Nothing really compares to the exhilaration of entering the “white water world” and powering through rapids.
As we prepared to go white water rafting during Session 2 of 2015 this year it started to rain during our safety talk guides. As you can see from the photo below this wasn't just rain, we were experiencing an official Pennsylvania Downpour. As you can imagine camp spirits were low for the moment as we all anticipated 5 hours of paddling in the rain and all the shivers and teeth chattering that comes along with it.
Before long we all had paddles, helmets, raft captains and were in our boats receiving final safety instructions. The first rapid of the day is long winding rapid appropriately called "Entrance Rapids". As we all struggled and paddled it continued to rain like a monsoon.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SMA WHITE WATER RAFTING VIDEO
SMA Campers and Staff Standing in the Rain During our White Water Safety Briefing
Luckily this story does have a Happy Ending because by the time we started our 2nd rapid of the day the rain had stopped. By the 3rd rapid of the day there were even a few rays of sunshine pocking through the clouds! It was a fantastic day on you river for all of from SMA Adventure Summer Camp!!
Helmets and life jackets are worn by everyone for safety, and professional guides ensure a safe and exciting voyage. SMA Overnight Summer Camp
White water rafting the Lower Youghiogheny River is one of the activities we do as an entire camp towards the end of each session. SMA White Water Rafting Camp.
“The Yock” is a world class intermediate white water river perfect for young teens.
-1.jpg?width=319&height=213&name=download%20(28)-1.jpg)
.jpg?width=319&height=213&name=download%20(97).jpg)
.jpg?width=319&height=213&name=download%20(27).jpg)
.jpg?width=319&height=213&name=download%20(99).jpg)