Troop 13 Kayaking along Raccoon Creek.

28 local scouts enjoy a day of kayaking on Lake Narraticon and Raccoon Creek

On Saturday, September 7, members of Swedesboro Boy Scout Troop 13 enjoyed local natural resources while earning the Kayak and Canoe Merit Badges as they paddled their kayaks and canoes along the Raccoon Creek under a clear blue sky. The troop is chartered by Bethesda Methodist Church in Swedesboro.

Local leaders combined forces with Clarence Gardiner from Splash and Paddle to provide the program for 28 local boys from Troop 13.  Clarence was assisted by Brad Gardiner, Tom Gensel, and troop leaders to provide skill instruction at Swedesboro Lake Park.  One leader commented that it was a perfect day and the lake provided a great location to conduct the program.  As always, Clarence and his team were prepared and eager to help the youth program.

The troop making their way down Raccoon Creek (under Lock Ave Bridge)

One leader commented, “We had a perfect day and the lake provided a great location to conduct the program! As always, Clarence and his team were prepared and eager to help the youth program. “

Scouts were required to learn proper re-entry techniques in the event that they capsize.

The program at the lake started at 8:45 A.M. and included four stations teaching everything from safety on the water and first aid, to selection of the best type of kayak, to handling and control on the water.  The round robin style instruction included time on the water to practice all the skills learned in the other sessions – including how to recover from being swamped in the kayak. All this would help prepare the scouts for their afternoon trip on the creek.

Jo Ann and Joe Laughlin provided permission to access Raccoon Creek from their Woolwich Township property.  Long-time supporters of the scouting program, they were happy to provide the access for the boys.  This made for a complete experience allowing the scouts to really practice what they had learned.  The day ended with a picnic at the Bridgewater Industrial Park where a troop member provided a nice location for the family-style picnic.

Troop members taking time out to police the Lake Park for any trash.

Troop 13’s scoutmaster gratefully noted the high level of program support for the troop. Residents, businesses, and local government are always willing to help invest in local scouts! The scouts have planned another exciting scouting season with upcoming trips that include C.O.P.E. (a high ropes program), a hike on the Appalachian Trail in North Jersey, snowshoeing, zip lining, and of course service to the community.

For more information about Splash and Paddle: www.splashandpaddle.com