White Water Rafting at the GNI Gathering

Whitewater Rafting Returns!

Last year, GNI introduced a new and exciting off-camp excursion – whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River. We didn’t know what kind of interest our members would have but were pleasantly surprised when about 25 men signed up for each of the two day events. And boy, did they have the time of their lives! Upon returning to camp in the afternoon, as the men came off the bus, sounds of laughter and acclimation filled the air. “That was the best $55 ever spent,” said one rafter. “I was a kid again, splashing in the water and getting wet,” said another. Stories of water wars on the river dominated the conversation of who lost and who won. Everyone I spoke to asked me to please offer this event in 2017. And so we are.

This year, we are expanding the rafting options to our group giving everyone three (3) types of trips to choose from. Last year, we scheduled two Family Style rafting trips. It’s an 8-mile run of class I and II rapids, and has a touch of class III rapids; it’s ideal for everyone – beginners, groups, and older adults. This year, we are going to offer one (1) Family Style rafting trip on Thursday, August 24 for the same cost of $55 each.

In addition to the Family Style rafting trip, we’re introducing two more options, and both of them are very different experiences. On opening Saturday on the evening of August 19, we will be hosting a Moonlight Rafting trip. Moonlight Rafting is a nighttime experience like no other. Travel down 8 miles of the Lehigh River with the help of one of our professional river guides. Glow sticks on your raft provide helpful light for your voyage! Come back after your expedition and enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers. It’s the perfection combination of romance and adventure. Since you’ll be rafting under the moon with an in-raft river guide (you won’t have to do any of the paddling work yourself), when you’re finished, we’ll have an après party waiting for you (including wine, cheese, crackers, marshmallows, etc.) with a roaring bonfire. I’m told that since this is an evening event, nudity is allowed on the river. You can sign up for this option on the GNI registration form and the cost will be $100 each.

The second, new exciting rafting trip we will be offering is the Dam Release Whitewater. You’ll be surrounded by state park protected mountains while enjoying 12 miles and 4-5 hours of Class II, III whitewater rafting and breathtaking scenery. This is a fun, thrilling, and memorable whitewater rafting trip that everyone can do – no experience necessary! You’ll blast through over 17 rapids, laugh, get wet and have an amazing day outdoors. If you were on the river last year, imagine a longer route, more exciting rapids, and fun! Since the state park regulates water releases from which these trips can be scheduled, we’ll be offering this event on Saturday, August 26 for a cost of $75 per person.

These rates include all the necessary rafting equipment, life jackets, change rooms, shuttle service to/from the river and professional river guides, lunches, and moonlight party. There’s something for everyone and if your experience this year is like any of the guys who went last year, you’ll have the time of your life! We’ll have more information on the GNI Gathering registration form which we will be rolling out very soon.

Whitewater Raft during The GNI Gathering!

GNI is thrilled to announce a *new* off-camp excursion full of adrenaline-filled action as never offered at our annual Gathering. There will be two (2) opportunities to sign up for a fun-filled day of whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River in eastern Pennsylvania. You’ll spend 3-4 hours on the river itself and enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch (hotdogs, potato salad, chips, fruit, etc.) midway down the river and a stop at a swimming hole to round out the day. The whole excursion is a total of 5-6 hours. We will even have buses pick up rafters at 9:00 am in the camp parking lot, take you to the launch location, meet you at the pickup location, and then bring you back to camp around 4:00 pm in time for the afternoon themed social hours. This is an experience you won’t want to miss! Whitewater rafting is scheduled to be held on Monday, Aug. 22 and Thursday, Aug. 25. There is no limit to the number of men who want to participate in this activity, but reservations must be made in advance with GNI. Since this is an off-camp excursion, your Gathering fees will not cover the cost for this exciting opportunity. Your all-inclusive rate for whitewater rafting which includes a round trip bus ride, safety equipment rental, and all-you-can eat lunch, is only $55.00 per person.

Your experienced whitewater rafting guide will ensure you have an unforgettable day while keeping you safe on gentle riffles, and mild Class I and Class II rapids. This section of river we’ll be riding is simply perfect for everyone from beginners to more experienced rafters that want to relax and enjoy the great Pocono Mountains. River photos are taken of every raft on every trip and are available for purchase in the rafting company’s souvenir shop. Whether you’re paddling a rapid, enjoying the passing scenery, kicking your feet over the edge of the raft or taking a swim in the river, you’ll have a great time making memories with your GNI friends. Here are some safety things we need to tell you about: bring a swimsuit, shorts, river shoes or old sneakers. Also, bring eyeglass straps if you wear glasses. And don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, and change of dry clothes as you are sure to get wet. No flip flops, slippers, or bare feet are allowed. Also, no alcohol, drugs, or glass bottles are allowed, but you can bring plastic bottled water and snacks. We are working with the rafting company in cooperation with the state parks to allow some naked swimming time at a private swimming hole, but we can’t confirm that at this time. Just know that it is our priority to give men as much naked time as possible on your vacation!

 If you’re interested in signing up for this excursion, please contact Rick in the GNI Business Office and he will make your reservation. We have also revise the electronic registration form if you want to sign up for this excursion at the time you register. Major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover – and PayPal will be taken. You can also send a short note with your name along with a check or money order for $55.00 to the GNI Business Office to reserve your spot as well.

GNI

5175 W Ajo Hwy #A14

Tucson AZ 85735-9723

And for those that are unsure about signing up in advance, we will take reservations at The Gathering and on the day of the excursion prior to the departure of the bus at 9:00 am making this the most convenient way for you to decide if you want to partake of this exciting activity. There’s nothing to lose and you’ll have a whole lot of wet fun!