Packing and anticipation is all part of an adventure! The best guides (and Junior Guides!) use checklists to ensure they've got every they'll need. ​River guides pack well-organized, appropriate "PG" (personal gear). (All group rafting and safety gear is included.) 
Download a printable packing list here.
The weather in Coloma and on the river can vary. But it's generally mid-summer-hot! Daytime temperatures are generally in the 80's or 90's. On the river, though, it's about ten degrees cooler. And because kids love to be in the water, and because they tend to sunburn, here is the bottom line:
Kids have more fun when they wear wetsuits. We recommend them for every camper! 
Evenings in camp sometimes cool down to the 50's. 

On the River Gear List

1. River clothes: Bathing suit and river shorts. But see point #2 below.
   ​Girls often wear shorts or running capris with a jog bra and rash guard. Boys wear trunks and sun-resistant rash guards.
2. Wetsuit: Wetsuits are very strongly encouraged to maximize river fun. These will minimize sunburn, scrapes, and discomfort when swimming for a long time. Long, farmer john, or shorty. It’ll be hot, but the river is cool, and junior guides love to swim! Some paddlers also wear spray jackets. 
   
3. Good river shoes. Protect your paddler’s feet! Keen, Chacos, or Teva sandals work well – especially those that cover toes. Or old sneakers like Converse that dry reasonably well. Real guides never wear slip-on “water shoes” or flip flops on the river.
4. Helmets: Otters may wear their own helmet for rafting; even if not specific to rafting, a good bike or board helmet works. Otherwise, helmets will be provided as needed.
   
5. A leakproof water bottle. A strap or ring is ideal to clip on the boat.
6. Waterproof sunscreen. (Don’t apply to the forehead, where it’ll wash into eyes.)
7. Sunglasses with a strap like Chums
8. A hat for shore exploration and searching for skippin’ rocks. Some guides wear baseball caps under helmets.

Camp Gear Packing List

1. Camp clothing/sweater for cool nights and cool mornings-
2. Camp shoes. Sandals or flip flops, though youthful campers may prefer shoes for runnin’ around.
3. Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, perhaps a pillow, ground cloth.
4. Tents are optional. It’s generally hot and dry in July. Many guides enjoy sleeping under the stars.
5. A camp chair
6. Headlamp or flashlight
7. Mosquito repellent
8. Toiletries
9. Medicine if needed. (Please remind your senior guides about any requirements for on-river medicines.)
10. A lifejacket/PFD for playing in the river after rafting (While rafting, paddlers must wear an official company life preserver.)
11. Water toys/inner tubes/SUPs
12. Serious skit gear! Costumes and silly hats are ideal.
    ​And finally, we recommend against...
13. Electronics: Why bring 'em?