What’s more exciting than flying down a river dodging rapids in a raft filled with you and your friends? That’s just what you do when you take the annual two day trip white water rafting.

   Every May, students get an opportunity to have the time of their lives enjoying a white water rafting tour in Pennsylvania through Laurel Highlands, a tour group Lake Shore has used for years. Once again, this year’s trip is approaching extremely fast. It all begins when roughly 70 students arrive to Lake Shore early Sunday morning, then depart on the 7 hour bus ride to Pennsylvania from there.

   Once arriving at the hotel, the fun begins. Opportunities are endless as to what you do from there. Popular favorites range from group dinners, swimming at the hotel pool, and even spending a few hours shopping at the local mall. The agenda for the next day is what everyone looks forward to, the actual rafting experience. Rafters are on the bus by 6:15 AM and are taken to the river where they are outfitted with wet suits and helmets and "thrown in the river" as described by Mantela, one of the chaperones for the trip.

   The ride lasts anywhere from one to three hours, and the depth of the water varies depending on the amount of rainfall. In other words, the trip is unpredictable. "Boats flip all the time" tells Mantela. "The water is so cold it takes your breath away. You don’t get used to it, but its so much fun that you don’t care."

Its no surprise that wearing and bringing comfortable clothes is a must. Mantela also suggests bringing lots of sweat pants, sweat shirts, your swim suit, tank tops, and even wool socks for the rafting. Lots of pillows, blankets, and even some snacks are suggested for the long bus ride to and from as well.

   Very few times do you get the chance to experience something like this. Overall for a little over $170, the trip is very much worth it, and all the students that go on the trip agree.