2023 MTC Whitewater Youth and Adult Clinic

July 29-30, 2023 

Please note that this location is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Hiwassee River/Ocoee State Park , Gee Creek Camp ground, Delano, TN

Come paddle with us to safely splash into a great high adventure activity while learning new skills and cooling off in Tennessee’s Best whitewater. MTC BSA’s Whitewater Program is unique in Scouting.

The Hiwassee River is a beautiful, dam-controlled class II river that is excellent for teaching. Students learn how to read whitewater, control a kayak or canoe in whitewater and rescue not only themselves but others. We work in small classes so that the techniques can be tailored to the skill level of the students. Come learn in our Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced classes. Youth and adult courses will be separate and concurrent.

Individual Scouts as well as Troops, Crews or Ships are welcome to participate.

Who: BSA registered youth at least 12 years old with at least First Class rank and registered adults who want to learn to paddle in swift water.

What: You will experience two days of fun on the cool river learning or improving basic whitewater canoeing/ kayaking skills and making lifetime friends. 

We’ll camp in the Gee Creek Campground on the State Park, each scout in their personal gear.

Parents/Leaders are expected to supervise your scouts when they are not in class.

Boats: Students will choose between canoe or kayak.  First year students are required to paddle canoes. MTC will supply instructors, boats, PFDs, paddles, spray skirts and helmets.

Cost: Registration for the school is $100.  The cost includes camping Friday and Saturday night, and all meals beginning with breakfast Saturday and ending with lunch Sunday.  Adult Scout leaders, parents and siblings of scouts attending this school are welcome to camp and participate in meals.  If you plan to camp with the school and participate in the meals the cost is $40 per person for the weekend.

What to Bring:

• Personal camping gear tent, sleeping bag. (campsite has bathhouse and showers),
• Appropriate footwear for river, close-toe river shoes, neoprene booties, etc.
• Clothing appropriate for the weather and for water wear (you will be wet and swimming), polypro or manmade fiber shirts and shorts are recommended. Avoid cotton. No jeans on river.
• The Hiwassee River is 60 degrees at best. A dry bag with extra top, lightweight rain top, old, wool sweater works well.
• Water bottle (32 oz.) (able to attach to boat)
• Strap for glasses (extra contact lenses)
• Sunblock
• Personal First Aid kit (in dry bag, zip lock bag etc.)
• Positive Mental Attitude