Three days of river fun for kids aged 6-16.
River Runners’ RIVER KIDS Youth Guide School is a day camp built specifically for kids. River Kids combines river time, games, and hands-on instruction with expert guides for an unforgettable education-forward experience.
Kids are grouped in rafts by age and comfort level, so they’re with peers who feel similar on the water. Guides are trained to meet each child where they are, helping beginners build confidence while giving more experienced kids new skills and challenges—always in a fun, supportive environment backed by 50+ years of River Runners’ family and kids’ trip experience.
Quick Facts
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- 3-day sessions offer the most river time.
- Location: Camp Lotus, CA South Fork American River
- Schedule:
- June 28 - 30, 2026
- July 5 - July 7, 2026
- July 12 - 14, 2026
- July 19 - 21, 2026
- July 26 - 28, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Minimum age: 6
- Max age: 16
- Cost: $400 per person
Includes
- On and off-river activities
- All safety gear
- Lunch and snacks each day of instruction
- Government taxes and fees
- Day use fees at Camp Lotus
- Children may attend without adult supervision
- Camping and extra meals available for purchase separately
2026 Sessions Open for Registration Now
Skills RIVER KIDS will have the opportunity to practice:
- 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
- Courage
- Resilience & Perserverance
- Decision-making
- Independence
- Leadership & Teamwork
- Emotional regulation
- Humility & coachability
- Situational awareness
- Respect for nature
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Accountability
Like What You See?
Book online today, Sessions fill up fast!