In June 2021 Six Scouts and two leaders from Troop 1 were the troop’s first members to visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia. This is the BSA’s fourth and newest High Adventure Camp. Upon arrival there, we were stunned by both the beauty of the location but also the size of the reserve! Its nearly five square miles in size.

After a gear shakedown meeting where we met our guides, our trip began with hatchet-throwing as well as 3D archery. Our trek began the next day and we began our 50-mile paddle trek on the New River. We navigated the upper portion of the river in inflatable kayaks called “duckies”. This portion of the river includes Class I to III rapids. The final whitewater day in the Lower Canyon is a rafting experience and includes Class III to IV+ rapids. We camped along the river through the New River Gorge. Each site was unique and beautiful as well.

One night we visited an actual ghost town. Our crew was on trek with two other crews from Texas. All our Scouts and the Texas Scouts bonded within minutes of meeting each other and we discovered that New Jersey attitudes and Texas attitudes are very similar. Everyone had a fantastic time and it was bittersweet to say goodbye at the end of the week. If the Trek itself wasn’t adventure enough, on our last full day in camp we all rode (some reluctantly) on the Big Zip. The Big Zip is a 3200-foot zip line that begins at Yamagata Lodge above Adventure Valley and speeds riders at speeds nearing 60 mph over the valley and Tridave Lake.

During the week, our Scouts earned the Kayaking Merit Badge, Whitewater Merit Badge, Whitewater Rafting Award, the Summit Sustainability Award, Summit Duty to God Award and the BSA 50-miler award. Suffice to say, it was quite a busy and rewarding week. Thanks to leaders Mike Clear and Rob Murray for attending and organizing the trip. Scouts that attended were Chris Jammaers, Cody Darling, Peter Clear, Jack Liska, Shawn Murray and Jacob Jennings.

June 26th-July 1st, 2021

Personal Packing List:

Required
Water Shoes (must securely stay on feet) See River Footwear
Sunglasses with strap
Water Bottle -Nalgene type preferred
Short/Long Sleeve Shirts
Shorts/Long Pants
Underwear
Bra (F)
Socks
Camp Shoes (tennis shoes preferred)
Sleep Clothes (pajamas)
Short/Long Sleeve Shirts
Swim Trunks/Shorts
Plate
Coffee Mug (optional)
Fork
Extra Water Bottle(optional)
Spoon
Chap stick
Locking Carabiner
Sunscreen
Ball cap without button on top
Pillow

Scouts & Leaders:
Medical Forms signed by Doctor
BSA Swim Test
13 and above

Leaders:
CPR/AED (1 per crew)
Youth Protection Training (all)
BSA Safe Swim Defence (all)
BSA Hazardous Weather Training (all)
Wilderness First Aid Training (1 per Crew)

Participant Guides

The New River Experience
https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/national-high-adventure-base/trek/new-river-trek/