Complete Scout Program Overview
YOUTH PROGRAMS FEATURE RAFTING & MORE IN WEST VIRGINIA!
Dear Youth Leader,
We would like to invite you to join us this season for an adventure of a lifetime. Rivers has developed a special scout program that can be tailored to fit any troop’s needs. From a one day trip to a two week adventure expedition with overnights on the river while climbing, kayaking or participating in other outdoor adventures, our Scout Group Organizers will help you plan an adventure to fit any budget. We have many years experience providing quality boy, girl and venture crew programs with patches, merit and leadership recognition.
Quality and Safety
New River Adventures
Gauley River Adventures
Scouting Multi-Sport Adventures
Boy Scout Merit Badges
Especially for Girls
Venturing and Leadership
Scout Prices and Specials
QUALITY AND SAFETY
We train our staff to the highest levels of expertise. We also contract some services to industry professionals to give your group the most enjoyable and safe experience possible. From office staff, guides, food service, lodging, to transportation, our staff is specially trained to care for your needs. But, unlike some large outfitters, we will not try to convince you our staff can do it all—we hire professionals to guide your groups on some specialized adventures.
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NEW RIVER ADVENTURES
RAFTING THE LOWER NEW - THE Whitewater Experience!
The Lower New, with rapids ranging from easy (Class I) to thrilling (Class V), provides challenges for beginner and intermediate rafters, as well as those with lots of whitewater experience. The combination of the area’s beauty and the great whitewater make this our most popular trip. Calm pools of water follow rapids, allowing paddlers to swim and enjoy the natural beauty that unfolds within the gorge.
RAFTING THE UPPER NEW - The Perfect River for Beginners
The Upper New’s rapids range from Class I-III, which is the perfect way for scouts to enjoy the river. Your group will learn to negotiate rapids like “Silos” and the “Ledges” in 1 or 2 person inflatable kayaks known as “duckies,” or just kick back in a raft and relax while your guide entertains you with stories of the ghost mining towns that once dotted the area. The best time to raft this section of the New River is Jun–Aug. It is also known for its great smallmouth bass fishing.
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GAULEY RIVER ADVENTURES
GAULEY RIVER WILDERNESS OUTPOST
Your group can enjoy a completely new and unique experience on the Gauley River this summer at Rivers’ Gauley River Wilderness Outpost. Located in a remote mountain canyon, almost exactly in the center of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, the unbelievable beauty of this secluded area will be apparent as your group camps under 300-ft cliffs beside a spectacular 90-ft waterfall!
The cool, clear water of the Gauley river is perfect for a hot summer’s day. The Gauley’s tricky rapids and crazy drops are exciting for all age groups. Rafting is just the beginning at our exclusive Gauley River Wilderness Outpost! Your group will camp under 300-ft cliffs, fish in a wild trout stream, cool off beside a 90-ft waterfall, and have the option to ride horseback or mountain bike along beautiful mountain trails! The rich history of the area will keep your group entertained as they camp beside the same cliffs the Native Americans did so long ago.
Gauley River Wilderness Outpost offers:
• Fishing in Stocked Trout Streams
• Ducky and Raft Trips
• Horseback Riding
• Mountain Biking
• History Hikes
• Spectacular Camping Experience
• All Meals Provided
THE FALL GAULEY
The Gauley River is rated by many as the best whitewater trip in the world! Each fall the Army Corps of Engineers releases water at the Summersville dam in order to bring the lake to its winter pool levels. This water crashes through the narrow canyon creating over 100 rapids, from Class I to V+! Try the Upper Gauley for the most extreme challenge with over 40 rapids, 5 of them classified V+. Or try the less formidable Lower Gauley with its roller-coaster waves and hard hitting holes!
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SCOUTING MULTI-SPORT ADVENTURES
MILD TO WILD KAYAKING
ACA Whitewater Kayak Instruction
ACA Classes are held on the New and Gauley rivers, widely known as some of the best whitewater rivers in North America. The New River is ideal for novice kayakers because of its warm and deep water. The world renowned Gauley River will challenge even the most experienced boaters with its 40 plus rapids ranging from Class II-V. Class includes certified instructors, all equipment, shuttles and lunch.
Sit-on-Top Kayak Experience—No Experience Needed
This one-day course is half instructional and half experiential. Uses the best open-top, self-bailing kayaks. Since they are self-bailing, you will not need spray skirts. Further, rolling skills are not needed for these fast but stable craft, ideal for this type of instruction. The course is especially unique due to the touring component, which might include a sunset paddle or a lake touring adventure.Available throughout the season to Labor Day. Minimum age is 12. Scouts under 12 can paddle a two man “ducky” with an adult.
Sea Kayaking “Lake Style”
Learn the basics of sea kayaking while enjoying a beautiful tour around a wildlife management lake. This guided, half day will help your group develop kayak skills paddling a long stable decked kayak while experiencing the beauty of a mountain lake and its wildlife habitat up close and pesonal.
Available through the season to Labor Day. Minimum age is 8.
ROCK CLIMBING
Rivers Resort is situated closer to the Lower Gorge climbing areas than any other outfitter. We offer multiple climbing and rappelling trips in places considered to be some of the best climbing spots in the US!
Our professional guides can give your group quality instruction, as they are highly skilled and experienced climbers. For your more advanced climbers, ask us about our special classes. We offer half-day trips, full-day trips and multi-day climbing experiences.Instructors, equipment, shuttles, and lunch on full day trips included. Minimum age is 8.
HORSEBACK RIDING
All of our trail ride experiences are guided on a beautiful network of park and mountain scenic trails. These rides offer the opportunity to experience rushing waterfalls, spectacular overlooks and acres of wild scenic woods. Our beautiful sunset rides have become a highlight of the program and are in great demand as the rides overlook the New River. Be sure to have your group bring along cameras for their trips!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The New River Gorge is home to miles of National Park Service trails and roads, giving you unlimited hours of mountain biking experiences. This area abounds with every type of trail for the beginner wanting level, wide trails, to riders desiring extremely technical, downhill single-track trails.
Your group can bring their own mountain bikes or we can arrange to have top-of-the-line mountain bikes waiting for your half, full or multi-day adventures. These bikes can be front-suspension, or full-suspension and perfectly tuned up for your ride. River Resort offers a variety of guided trips that can be tailored to your group’s needs. Our staff also offers instructional clinics.
Instructors, equipment, lunch and shuttles are included.
Minimum age is 8.
WILD CAVING EXPEDITIONS
Rivers' caving guides delight in taking your group underground to explore caves not always open to the general public. West Virginia is blessed with an abundance of limestone cave systems and our guides know the best locations nearby. Your group will learn about the delicate environment of the cave systems and how to leave little trace of their exploration behind. They will experience the cave structures while learning about geology, ecology, hydrology and cave process.
This trip is only available to groups of 6 or more.
Instructors, equipment, lunch and shuttles are included.
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BOY SCOUT MERIT BADGES
Let our own professional guides help your troop to acquire the Canoe Merit Badge, Whitewater Merit Badge, Climbing Merit Badge, and NRS Safety & Teamwork Patch.
BOY SCOUT CANOE MERIT BADGE
The Canoe Merit Badge is a prerequisite to the Whitewater Merit Badge. Your troop will learn to control and steer a canoe using basic paddling techniques, and basic water safety. After a full day, it’s time to play—fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and more!
BOY SCOUT WHITEWATER MERIT BADGE
Your troop will spend 2 days learning advanced paddling techniques, swiftwater rescue, reading whitewater, kayak instruction, and meal preparation. The evening is time to play—ghost coal mining town hike, fishing and swimming, bird watching and more!
BOY SCOUT CLIMBING MERIT BADGE
Learn to climb at our own rock climbing school. Our professional guides emphasize the techniques required to be a safe, trustworthy top rope climber and belayer. This class covers: equipment, knots, anchor systems, belay techniques, climbing movement, and most importantly, safety. This intensive curriculum requires attention and an eagerness to learn. Upon completion, you should understand and have demonstrated the requirements for the Climbing Merit Badge. Working knowledge of knots & ropes required.
NRS SAFETY AND TEAMWORK PATCH
The river and creek environment of the New River Gorge is used to develop this program that explores issues of problem solving and exploration. Scouts will explore the creeks and river while learning teamwork, communication, and collaborative thought in this water and land based 1/2 day program. This course will help create a new outlook and spirit of acceptance among your group that they will be able to apply to their daily lives.
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ESPECIALLY FOR GIRLS
A MEMORABLE SCOUTING TRIP FOR YOUR GIRLS
Want to see your girls strengthen their abilities in leadership, decision-making, confidence, and skill? The challenges that River Resort can provide help to push the boundaries of your group’s comfort levels. A trip to Rivers gives the opportunity to try challenging new sports in a safe environment, with the guidance of a trained professional. We always keep the highest level of safety and fun. You have a choice of high adventure activities like rock climbing, rafting, and mountain biking. We also offer horseback riding, hiking, and many other activities. Give your girls an experience they won’t forget! Let us know your requirements to have us integrate your badge and patch programs with us.
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VENTURING AND LEADERSHIP
VENTURING PROGRAM
Rivers' Venturing Program is designed to instruct young adults of both sexes the elements of leadership and adventure skills by providing your crew with the highest quality experience in the outdoors. High adventure programs like venturing create team-building opportunities, practical leadership experiences, and memories that will guide your group to provide excellent judgment in their future outdoor adventures. Rivers offers the ideal venturing program featuring professional guides and instruction in mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting and caving. Multi-day activities are available and encouraged for participants of this program.
LEADERSHIP AT RIVERS
Rivers is proud of our professional staff, and we employ only well trained experts to fulfill your group’s needs.
Climbing Leadership: No one is closer to the spectacular climbing areas in the Lower New Gorge than Rivers Resort. The staff of AMGA-certified climbers will offer the finest equipment and instruction. Your group will be expertly guided to the climbing areas that fit their abilities with easy to extreme routes, usually within walking distance of each other, allowing groups with varying skills to experience the gorge together.
Kayaking Leadership: Rivers has many ACA certified instructors on staff or on-hire that are well known for their abilities and professionalism in their field. Our world-class instructors spend their lives playing in the best whitewater in the world, right in their own backyard in the West Virginia gorges. The New and Gauley river systems offer your group the most diverse experience possible from mild to extreme wildwater in a warm learning environment.
Mountain Biking Leadership: Rivers is fortunate to be located in the Gorge and next to thousands of acres of National Forest trails. Our professional mountain bike staff will show your group the right riding experience to fit their needs and abilities. Rivers' mountain bikes are expertly tuned and ready to ride anything from park roads to technical single track with miles of trails beginning at our doorstep.
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SCOUT PRICES AND SPECIALS
SPECIALS
Best Value! - Spend 4 days and 3 nights earning your canoe and whitewater merit badges. Includes 3 continental breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
ONLY $300/PERSON
Get More! - Along with earning their canoe and whitewater merit badges, your troop can earn the rock climbing merit badge. Includes 2 hearty breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, including the special Awards Banquet. Your troop will also earn the NRS Whitewater Certificate and learn to rappel. All for one low price!
ONLY $350/PERSON
| ACTIVITY |
MIN AGE
|
DAYS
|
MEALS
|
PRICE
|
MIN PPL
|
| WHITEWATER RAFTING |
LOWER NEW RAFTING
+ 2 NIGHTS CAMPING |
11* |
1 |
L |
79 |
6 |
| LOWER NEW HALF DAY RAFT TRIP |
11* |
1/2 |
– |
60 |
6 |
| GORGE OVERNIGHT W/2 DAYS CAMPING |
11* |
2 |
L,D,B,L |
140 |
6 |
| UPPER NEW RAFT / DUCKIES + 2 DAYS CAMPING |
6 |
1 |
L |
70 |
6 |
| FALL UPPER GAULEY (MON OR FRI, RAFTING ONLY) |
16 |
1 |
L |
90 |
6 |
| FALL LOWER GAULEY (MON OR FRI, RAFTING ONLY) |
12 |
1 |
L |
75 |
6 |
| GAULEY RIVER WILDERNESS OUTPOST |
12 |
3 |
D,B,L,D,B |
300 |
6 |
| KAYAKING |
| SIT-ON-TOP KAYAK EXPERIENCE |
10 |
1 |
L |
90 |
6 |
| WHITEWATER KAYAK INSTRUCTION |
14 |
1 |
L |
105 |
4 |
| LAKE KAYAK TOURING |
10 |
1/2 |
- |
65 |
4 |
| WHITEWATER MERIT BADGE |
11 |
3 |
L,L,L |
199 |
6 |
| CLIMBING |
| FULL DAY CLIMBING |
8 |
1 |
L |
100 |
6 |
| HALF DAY CLIMBING |
8 |
1/2 |
- |
75 |
6 |
| FULL DAY RAPPELLING |
8 |
1 |
L |
100 |
6 |
| HALF DAY RAPPELLING |
8 |
1/2 |
- |
75 |
6 |
| HORSEBACK RIDING |
| HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR - 1 HR |
8 |
1 HR |
- |
25 |
2 |
| HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR - 1 1/2 HR |
8 |
1.5 HR |
- |
28 |
2 |
| HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR - 2 HR |
8 |
2 HR |
- |
35 |
2 |
| HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR - 1/2 DAY |
8 |
1/2 |
L |
70 |
2 |
| CAVING EXPEDITIONS |
| INTRODUCTORY CAVING (Troop must provide own transportation to Organ Caves.) |
11 |
1 |
- |
80 |
6 |
| INTERMEDIATE CAVING (Troop must provide own transportation to Organ Caves.) |
11 |
1 |
- |
100 |
6 |
|
