River Rafting School Trips

River rafting offers children a wilderness experience without the physical demands of a backpacking trip.

“Go to nature’s school, the one true University.” John Muir

On River Dancers’ River Rafting Nature School Trips, our trail is the beautiful Klamath River, which we share with the plant and animal communities that make this ecologically rich habitat their home. Each day includes structured natural history experiences involving the naming of plants and animals and discussions of their habitat along with unstructured time to discover their own place in nature.

In his new book, Last Child in the Woods, Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv points out, “Our society is teaching young people to avoid direct experience in nature…Yet, at the very moment that the bond is breaking between the young and the natural world, a growing body of research links our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature in positive ways. Several of these studies suggest that thoughtful exposure of youngsters to nature can even be a powerful form of therapy for attention-deficit disorders and other maladies.”

In the Press…Read about a school river rafting trip

Kids learn the basics of river rafting:

How to paddle a one person inflatable kayak.
For students interested in additional kayaking, guided training in whitewater kayaking.
Assist in paddling a multi-person river raft through class two and three rapids.
Water, sand, wilderness safety.

Ecological awareness includes:

Wildlife watching and identification – at least 4 species important to the Klamath River habitat.
Plant identification – at least 5 species with information about their importance to the ecosystem.
Astronomy – depending upon the phase of the moon and presence of clouds, discussions can include constellation identification, searching for the Milky Way, and other simple discovery type astronomy experiences.

Cultural and social awareness included in a multi-day river rafting trip:

Learn the importance of the Klamath River to the Karuk Indian Tribe including information about the World Renewal Ceremony held each year along the river.
On three day trips, hike to Ukonum Falls, a Karuk sacred site.
Participate in storytelling, and group process activities.
Spend unstructured time in nature swimming, hiking, and exploring.

River Dancers' Nature School Rafting Adventures School trips take place on a beautiful section of the Klamath River in far northern California. Great rapids, deep pools perfect for swimming and playing, a relaxing pace, easy camping along the river’s edge, evening stories around the campfire… the perfect escape in all ways.

Your Day Camp and multiple day River Rafting Nature School Trip include meals (lunch for day campers), rafts and all safety equipment, up to 18 one-person inflatable kayaks, and certified river guides at a ratio of 1 guide for 6 students.

Please call for a quote. Prices are negotiable depending upon the size of the group, length of trip, and special needs of the class or school.

Call 800-926-5002 or 530-926-3517.

Klamath River Trip information (directions to our meeting place, trip logistics, what to expect, what to bring…)

Carefree Camping & Gourmet Food

River Rafting Trips & Kids

“More nature can soothe body and soul. Today’s kids are increasingly disconnected from the natural world. Instead of spending their summer months hiking, swimming and telling stories around the campfire, children these days are more likely to attend computer camps or weight-loss camps.” — author Richard Louv in “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder”

Comments on this entry are closed.