Download a printable packing list here. 

​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.) 
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The weather in Coloma and on the river can vary. But it's generally mid-summer-hot! Daytime temperatures are generally in the 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, so a puffy or sweatshirt is handy.

On the River Gear List

1. River attire: Serious sun protection needed here, if not wearing a wetsuit. Girls and women guides often wear exercise leggings or shorts + a jog bra and l/s rash guard. Boys often wear trunks + rash guards. For safety reasons, girls and teens can not wear thong or micro-style swimsuit bottoms.
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 if the weather is cool. JuniorGuides has about 60 wetsuits available for $10 loan fee. These suits are each unique donated items, and I cant hold one for your child. Wetsuit loans are first come first served starting Saturday at 4pm. If your child resists the wetsuit, have them grab one and throw it in their raft, in case they change their mind later in the day. Wetsuits can be purchased cheaply online, purchased used at the swamp-meet style store the 'Sierra Outdoor Center' in Auburn or rented from the River Store. 
3. Good river shoes. Protect your paddler’s feet! Closed toed shoes like Astrals are becoming the norm, but Keen, Chacos, or Teva sandals work well too. Or old sneakers like Converse that dry reasonably well.  Real guides never wear slip-on “neoprene water shoes” or flip flops on the river.
4. Helmets. Otters may wear their own helmet for rafting, if it is rated for whitewater. For Ducks, comfort and fit is key, and helmets that are personal, and fit well, even if not specific to rafting, guarantee they will stay on while swimming.  Ducks' helmets can be from other sports, like biking. However, our outfitter WET has plenty of helmets for all size heads
5. A leakproof water bottle. A strap or ring on the bottle is  helpful as it gives kids a way to attach a carabiner and connect it to the boat 
6. Waterproof sunscreen, non aerosol is best. (Don’t apply to the forehead, where it’ll wash into eyes.) Our JuniorGuides River Guide' Staff will carry zinc and apply it to campers as needed. 
7. Sunglasses are optional, and can be secured with a strap like Chums
8. A hat is optional- Since some guides wear baseball caps under helmets.

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Camp Gear Packing List, if overnighting at Earthtrek

Earthtrek is a spacious, multi-level riverfront campus. The trek from the hot gravel parking lot down to the river & tent areas is a bit of an adventure, involving paths, ramps, and staircases. Several wheelbarrows are also available to help transport your gear. No dogs, pets, and bicycles. Soccer balls, footballs, and other outdoor games are welcome. 

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, if you expect to sit by the river and read a book. Seating is privded at picninc tables for meals.
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. Water toys/inner tubes/SUPs
11. TROPICAL THEME NIGHT WARDROBE!! and maybe skit gear! Hawaiian costumes, grass skirts and silly hats for both kids and adults are ideal.
12. Snacks and Drinks would be nice, and stored in a cooler is fine. There is no food storage or kitchen facilities available, but a cooler in your tent is safe as there aren't bears or squirrels. A gas station mini-mart which also sells ice is 1/4 mile away. Earthtrek has plentiful drinking water at all times.
13. Re-useable Dishes and cups for meals, labeled with your family name, to be washed in the Dish wash station. We have a hundred extra plates bowls and silverware, in case you forget. Lets practice that 4 bucket system we use on Multi Day trips! 
    ​And finally, we recommend against...
14. Electronics: Why bring 'em? Streams are better than > screens, right? We practice a 'no devices visible' at camp policy