2019 Introduction to High Adventure

Ohiopyle, PA; Seneca Rocks, WV
Aug 4 – 9, 2019

Early this August, Troop 1128 traveled to Pennsylvania and West Virginia to participate in local high adventure activities. Before setting up camp in Ohiopyle, PA, the crew paid a visit to Fort Necessity, PA. The Scouts enjoyed learning about an early battle of the French and Indian War, which resulted in the surrender of British colonial forces under then Colonel George Washington. Scouts spent the next morning working on their Geology Merit Badge at Laurel Caverns, which included a hike and a fossil dig. That afternoon Scouts traveled deep into Lower Cave at Laurel Caverns, the deepest cave in the Northeastern United States. Scouts crawled, climbed, and squeezed through three miles of muddy sandstone labyrinths, which took them 46 stories deep into the mountain interior where they were rewarded with spectacular views of caverns with 50-foot ceilings and a demonstration at “Gravity Hill”.

The following day, Scouts paddled 7 miles, traversing rocks and Class 3 and 4 rapids on the Lower Youghiogheny River.  Scouts enjoyed swimming breaks in the cool river and cliff jumping during their lunch break. The following morning, Scouts broke camp in the rain and headed for Seneca Rocks, West Virginia where the 10^thMountain Division of the U.S. Army trained in assault climbing in preparation for action in World War II.   That evening, Scouts were rewarded with clear skies and great views of the Perseid meteor shower.

The next morning, Scouts hiked to Seneca Rocks where they climbed, belayed and rappelled on sheer rock faces of Tuscarora quartzite.  Each Scout completed at least three technical climbs and most of the requirements for the Climbing Merit Badge. During their climbs, Scouts saw some of the 75 thousand soft iron pitons left behind by the 10^thMountain Division.  The following morning Scouts fit in a few games of wiffle ball before breaking camp and beginning their return home.  The crew stopped at Spelunkers for lunch and sampled their renowned homemade custard before returning to Andrew Chapel that afternoon.  The Scouts had a great week of Local High Adventure and are looking forward to more challenges and adventures down the road!