2026 Sessions Open for Registration Now
What We Do
RIVER KIDS is a youth whitewater guide school. Students enjoy full days of guided instruction on the South Fork of the American River in 2 and 3-day sessions, where the river becomes the classroom.
RIVER KIDS spend every day learning and practicing real rafting skills like gear prep, paddling, teamwork, reading current, and rescue basics - through games and exploration.
Students are placed in rafts of 4-6 kids in their same age group, and each boat contains an experienced instructor. This small-group format allows instruction to be tailored to each child, creating a supportive learning experience unique to RIVER KIDS.
Through real challenges, teamwork, and guided exploration, kids gain skills and confidence in ways that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
2026 Session Dates
2-Day Youth Guide School
- June 22-23, 2026 (Monday-Tuesday)
3-Day Youth Guide School
- June 28 - 30, 2026
- July 5 - 7, 2026
- July 12 - 14, 2026
- July 19 - 21, 2026
- July 26 - 28, 2026
Why RIVER KIDS?
River Kids puts the kids at the helm. They’re not passengers; they’re students learning to read water, lead people, and explore the river.
RIVER KIDS is led by instructors with decades of whitewater experience and a deep background in youth education.
They’re experienced professionals who have spent their careers running California rivers and mentoring young paddlers.
River Runners has been leading youth educational programs on the South Fork of the American River since 2018, and families trust us because our program delivers real skill-building and tons of fun. Kids don’t just sit in the raft — they learn to navigate whitewater, make decisions, and guide their own crew under expert supervision.
Because our team has spent their lives exploring California’s watersheds, ecology, and river science are woven naturally into every day on the water. Campers leave with stronger paddling skills, greater confidence, and a genuine connection to the river.
Like What You See?
Book online today, Sessions fill up fast!
RIVER KIDS Skills
- Safety gear setup
- Equipment preparation
- How to check and fit personal gear
- Basic paddle strokes
- How to paddle as a team
- Directing a paddle crew
- Spotting and navigating river features
- Swimming in current
- Scouting rapids
- Basics of self-rescue
- Guiding class I, II, and/or III rapids as appropriate
- Surfing
- And much more!
3 Day Youth Guide School
Learn river safety and guiding skills through hands-on adventure from expert instructors passionate about whitewater education.
- 3 full days of instruction
- Sessions run Sunday-Tuesday
- Lunches and snacks provided
2 Day Youth Guide School
An accelerated course where kids learn river skills in two action-packed and unforgettable days on the river.
- 2 full days of instruction
- Sessions run Monday-Tuesday
- Lunches and snacks provided
Freedom To Go Further
RIVER KIDS instructors are empowered to decide the appropriate level of challenge to present to their groups. Some groups may be ready to take on more advanced skills than others, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Everyone is invited to try new skills, stretch their comfort zone, and earn confidence without pressure.
Students decide when and how far to push themselves, with plenty of encouragement and opportunities to grow along the way.
With this supportive approach, even students who start out feeling hesitant often surprise themselves, gaining confidence and making big strides in their comfort level on the river.
Make it a Deluxe Package
Bring the whole family for a two-day River Runners adventure that includes meals, camping, and rafting for parents and siblings while your students participate in RIVER KIDS day camp activities.