Running the Raging Rapids

One of the most anticipated and talked about experiences at AYC occurred on the final Thursday of camp: the whitewater rafting trip down the Youghiogheny River at Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park.

Whitewater rafting is more than an enjoyable day trip—it is an unforgettable experience rooted in challenge and overcoming fears. Amid the picturesque Allegheny mountains, the turbulent river forced campers and staff to operate at heightened levels of mental and physical strength—with each focusing on doing his part to make it safely through the challenging rapids.

Before the trip, campers expressed their excitement and fears.

When asked what he thought the trip would be like, one camper stated, “Fun—exciting—a little scary, probably. It’s going to be wet, and I kind of hope I’m going to fall out!”

Another camper said falling out is not uncommon.

“We probably won’t lose half our crew this year—I hope!” he exclaimed.

Many campers recounted their experiences of being dunked into the surging water last year.

One camper, who felt as though he “was going to die…on the Class IV rapids” in 2008, was not deterred by his previous experience. Rather, he looked forward to his second time rafting.

When asked if he was excited about the upcoming trip, another camper answered with an emphatic, “Always.”

Upon arrival at Whitewater Adventures home base, AYC participants moved to a weathered, wooden hut where raft guides emphasized two central themes: safety and fun!

Suited in life jackets and helmets, and with oars in hand, campers and staff sat in their selected rafts on dry land, and received more detailed instructions on techniques and safety. The guides stressed the need to obey instructions, explaining that failure to follow directions could end in disaster, while following them would result in a safe and thrilling ride.

With high expectations, AYC adventurers set out on the river for what would become the next four hours.

One by one, the rafts launched from the riverbank and glided calmly down the Youghiogheny. Before entering the initial rapid, a guide atop an enormous boulder gave campers further instructions about how to effectively navigate the harsh currents. The water slammed into large rocks protruding from the riverbed, sending sprays of icy water into the rafters’ faces.

Every mile, the lower Youghiogheny drops 25 feet in elevation.

As campers battled the chilly, rushing river, boat captains shouted out commands to their crew. Everyone’s faces had a look of intense concentration as they tackled each rapid. Campers shouted in excitement and surprise as they careened through the rapid. Some rafts lost control and spun like a merry-go-round. Others got stuck on the rocks, their occupants vigorously bouncing up and down in a see-saw fashion to free themselves.

In between braving the churning rapids, campers and staff had ample time to appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania’s deciduous forests. The river wound through the forest, making many bends and turns. (This was fitting, as we learned that “Youghiogheny” means “river that goes round about” in the language of the Native Americans who named it).

Throughout the day, campers faced Cucumber Rapid, Dartmouth Rapid, Railroad Rapid, River’s End Rapid, Killer Falls, and many others. While navigating the extremely buoyant rubber boats, rafters were pelted by heavy white spray from Class III and IV rapids.

As the water surged toward them, campers screamed! Some were screams of joy—others mixed with healthy fear!

During the lunch break on the riverside, and after the trip, campers and staff expressed their excitement.

“Great fun!” one first-time rafter said, “Great experience!” The same camper openly admitted to his fears on the water, stating, “I was scared!”

Those who previously participated were excited to relive perhaps the most commonly enjoyed physical activity at AYC.

“It was awesome,” said one camper who went last year. “A unique experience every time.”

Other comments included “Intense”—“One of the most exciting things I’ve ever done!”—exhilarating”—“awesome.”

But whitewater rafting was not only an activity designed solely for the purpose of pleasure—campers also learned lessons, especially about working together to complete a goal.

One camper commented on the impossibility of safely completing the course without teamwork, stating that one “couldn’t get through without teamwork.”

Added another camper, “It was a great experience. We all worked together and cooperated.”

Proper leadership also had to be in place on the raft.

“Cooperating with your captain makes a smoother trip along the way,” commented one AYC rafter.

In essence, whitewater rafting taught campers that an effective leader, willing to follow instructions, will lead a team to success—in this case, a safe and exciting trip down the Youghiogheny!

The day on the river was intense and unforgettable, full of smiles, laughter, and excitement.

Campers and staff alike took away memorable experiences.

One camper called the whitewater rafting trip down Ohiopyle State Park’s Youghiogheny River, “the highlight of AYC in way of physical activities.”

Some are already looking forward to next year.

“It was fun,” one camper stated, “but I’m definitely ready to tackle Class V rapids.”