Junior Guide School & Camp - June 25th-28th, 2026

Youth Whitewater Rafting Program Builds Skills on Trinity River

A structured youth rafting program on California’s Trinity River is offering teenagers a hands-on introduction to whitewater rafting and river safety. Designed to be both educational and enjoyable, the program combines outdoor classroom learning with practical river sessions. Participants gain exposure to real rafting environments while developing core skills needed to navigate moving water safely and confidently.

Each day begins with guided instruction before students move onto the river for active training. Teens learn essential techniques such as steering a raft, reading river conditions, choosing safe lines through rapids, and working as a coordinated crew. Additional skills include catching eddies, managing obstacles, flipping rafts upright, and using hand signals to communicate effectively in dynamic water conditions.

Safety and rescue training form a key part of the curriculum, with students practicing self-rescue methods, assisting others in the water, and using rescue rope systems. Instruction also covers paddle talks and teamwork strategies that reinforce leadership, communication, and awareness. The program emphasizes confidence-building in a supportive environment where cooperation and responsibility are strongly encouraged.

Most training takes place on the upper Trinity River between Big Flat and Cedar Flat, along with a session on the Pigeon Point stretch. Camping, daily lunches, and full rafting equipment are provided, while families manage breakfast and dinner. Instructors handle transportation between camp and river sites, and parents are welcome to relax nearby or explore the Trinity Alps during the program, making it a shared outdoor experience for families and participants alike.