Mariah helps Scouts earn their Whitewater Merit Badges

Boy Scouts Grow and Thrive on the California River

We have had several Boy Scout troops come up to the river. Members of Troop 180 from Walnut Creek are checking out their paddles and how to hold them. Troop 60 from Paso Robles came in May. And Troop 265 from Southern California traveled up to the South Fork of the American River to complete some requirements for their Whitewater Merit Badge. One such excerise was the Boy Scout Gate Test, where the boys learned to slalom-paddle inflatable kayaks through five floatable gates. Call us at 800-462-7424 for more detailed information about this program for your scout troop.

Troop 265 Earns Their Whitewater Merit Badge

On July 19, 2009, fourteen boy scouts from Burbank, California arrived at theMariah American River campground for three days of California whitewater! Their goal was to pass the Boy Scout Gate Test, the final step in earning the Whitewater Merit Badge. We are happy to announce that everyone passed ....and they had a great time also! On the first day they warmed up in a paddle boat on the Gorge section of the South Fork. On the second day they practiced in their inflatable kayaks, and in the afternoon they took the gate-test. They celebrated on their last day at Mariah Wilderness Expeditions by spending it on the Middle Fork of the American River. A good time was had by all! Call us at 800-462-7424 for more details about how you can have your scout troop earn their Whitewater Merit Badge.

Girl Scouts Enjoy, Learn, and Have Fun in the Water

The South Fork and even the Middle Fork for the older girl scouts ages 12-16, offers perfect opportunities for young women to learn more outdoor skills, develop more self-confidence, and just have fun in the company of other young women. Mariah staff and guides offer these groups a safe and supportive environment in which they can grow, learn new social skills, and advance their outdoor skills. Many of these troops return each year and it is wonderful to see the girls growing and having so much fun.

 Boy Scouts from Troop #60 are real Troopers

May 2, 2009's trip on the American River was with the adventuresome Boy Scout troop 60, the third year they've driven up from Paso Robles for a rafting/camping trip.  Twelve of the older boys were scheduled for the Middle Fork and nineteen of the boys were scheduled for the Gorge section of the American River. Because of the huge rains over the last few days the Middle Fork group did the entire South Fork, all 21 miles! They met up with the rest of the Troop at lunch and all six boats did the Gorge together. The water was over 4000 cfs and we are happy to report that every boat had excellent runs, a result of paddlers working as great teams! Everyone stayed warm on the river, tents stayed dry on land, the food was great, and the campfire on Saturday night roared!