2024 Spring Raft-O-Ree
You are invited to join us on the Delaware River for the 2024 GNYC Spring Raft-O-Ree! Program includes a day of rafting on the Delaware as well as field sports upon return to camp included basketball, kickball, and capture the flag and an evening movie! Units will camp in TMR Camp Keowa and will be transported to the Delaware River via Landers River Trips. Participants will be provided Saturday lunch on the river as well as dinner in the camp dining hall.
Unit awards for Best Themed Raft, Best Troop Mascot, Most Patriotic Raft, Funniest Hats Best Rafting Outfits and Scout Spirit will be issued.
Event Rules
All participants will need to bring with them the BSA Medical Form Parts A and B. Unit leaders should complete a BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.
In order to Participate in Rafting on the Delaware River participants will need to be clasified as “BSA Swimmers”.
Dock Tests will be administered Friday Evening and Saturday Morning At the Camps Waterfront. Swimmers will complete this test:
- Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth.
- Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.
- The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
Only BSA Swimmers may participate in the rafting portion of the Raft-O-Ree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Medical Forms are needed for participation?
A: All Participants must arrive with completed Parts A and B of the BSA Medical Form as well as a BSA pre-event medical screening form.
Q: Is there additional Paperwork?
A: Each participant is required to computer a Liability Waiver for Lander’s River Trips
Q: What is the BSA Swim Test?
A: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
Q: Where will Troops Stay?
A: Units will be assigned to campsites within Camp Keowa. While some Summer Camp canvas tents may already be set up on platforms, units should bring tents and plan to use their own tents and sleeping bags. Be Prepared.
Q: Who Needs to Take a Swim Test?
A: Per BSA safe swim defense, individuals participating in boating activities must be BSA Swimmers. The Keowa waterfront will be set up and opened and tests will be offered Friday evening and Saturday morning. If your unit is planning to conduct tests prior to arrival please reach out to the event organizers- as unit swim records must be completed by “Council Approved” individuals, and their certifications must be included with the swim record. Raft-O-Ree will provide unit swim records for units that complete swim tests at the event.
Q: What Meals are Provided?
A: Units will be provided lunch Saturday at the Narrowsburg boat launch, at the half-way point of the rafting trip. Saturday dinner will be provided in the Camp Keowa Dining Hall. Each participant will get a bag of snacks for their river trip. Units should have a plan for Friday Dinner, Saturday Breakfast, and Sunday Breakfast.
Q: Is the Raft-O-Ree a Race?
A: This is a recreational rafting trip and groups are encouraged to raft together and have a great time. There are fun awards that rafts can win for: Best Themed Raft, Best Troop Mascot, Most Patriotic Raft, Funniest Hats, Best Rafting Outfits, and Scout Spirit.
Q: Can a family participate without a Troop?
A: Yes, Scouting families can register to participate without their full Troop. Rafts should seat 4-6 individuals . Groups smaller than 4 will be combined or placed with other groups to have a functioning raft. Youth must be members of Scouts BSA. BSA policy prohibits Cub Scouts from boating on moving water.
Q: What is the Route?
A: We depart by bus on Saturday morning to raft from Lander’s River Trips Skinners Falls location, the group stops in Narrowsburg for lunch, and concludes at TMR landing.
Q: Can we bring water-guns?
A: The BSA Guide to Safe Scouting does not allow for water guns or activities where Scouts shoot at each other. Scouts should not bring water-guns while rafting.
