During the first week of July, local Boy Scouts canoed 62 miles in the Atchafalaya Swamp in Louisiana.
Swamp Base, as the high adventure post is known, is located between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. The Atchafalaya Swamp is a very challenging environment that contains numerous types of poisonous snakes, alligators and ever-present heat and humidity.
Some of the challenges of canoeing through the swamp were the lack of landmarks, fluctuating water levels, multiple types of paddling situations and the risk of sunburn and dehydration. Swamp Base challenged the participants with endurance paddling and the necessary use of survival skills.
Scouts learned about the wetlands, cultures of the area, ecological conservation and how to catch their dinner by fishing and using a technique known as jug lines. Some of the highlights of the trip included an air boat ride and primitive camping on Rougarou Island, purported to be haunted by Cajun werewolves.
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As part of the adventure, Scouts were able to spend the day in New Orleans, tour Vermilionville, eat Creole and Cajun food, use stand-up paddle boards and learn how to make darts for blow guns. Alligator sightings were daily occurrences while the group only saw one snake. The entire experience allowed the group to gain a better understanding of the culture of Louisiana, and was a phenomenal experience.
Scouts on the trip came from a number of local Scouting groups. Ian Wright, Nate Brinkley, Jason Bayer, Noah Pace and Eric Filer represented Troop and Crew 211. Anthony Etzler represented Troop 333 and Ben Rochford hailed from Troop 30 in Staunton, Virginia. Along with the Scouts, leadership on the trip included Randy Brinkley, the Rev. Dave Rochford, Brandon Pace and Kevin Wright.
Submitted by Randy Brinkley