A River Family has something for everyone:
​Programs for differing ages and experience levels

The Ducks
Entering grades 1-4

 This program, taught by specially selected and certified guides, is for our youngest campers. Campers learn about the dynamics of moving water, they play games, and sing songs while practicing teamwork to get their raft downstream. Campers in this group ply the class 2, mellow stretches of the South Fork American, commonly known as the Tom Sawyer float.

The Otters
​Entering Grades 5-11

 For older campers, this program offers the next level of challenge. Campers encounter class 3 rapids as they learn to direct their peers and navigate the upper and lower South Fork American River. Campers take turns guiding the boat, learning a variety of strokes and paddle commands.
We practice 'challenge by choice' when encountering river features; campers may choose to swim rapids or surf holes

Senior Junior Guides
Graduates aged 17+

Some of our campers (the biggest kids in the pic above!) have been with us for 8 years, and are now ready to be our version of 'camp counselors.' They assist with ducks, otters, photography, meals, evening programming, and sometimes they just raft or kayak on their own!! 
Email for more details

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• We expect about 45 or so participants in Raft Camp, capping duck enrollment at 12 participants and otters at 35. We typically have 5 or 6 campers in each raft, and there is always one mature adult and sometimes a counselor assistant. For children kind of in the middle of ducks and otters (typically 3-4th graders) we consider maturity, athletic ability, rafting experience, and friendships when recommending which group your child would be most successful in.  
  
• The happiest campers are active athletic kids.
  
• On the river, campers are sorted by ability level, and adults work to build camper confidence as well as safe river running skills. Adults Guides rotate through groups, and campers can rotate through rafts as well. We will try to keep 'friends' in the same boat, as long as safety is considered foremost.
  
• If you're not sure if your child is ready for this adventure, let's talk; call or email to find out if JG Raft Camp is for your child.