Junior Guides Raft Camp is excited to offer scholarships for our 2023 season! Campers run rivers, build lasting friendships, and become leaders at our three-day camp for kids ages 6-16, on the South Fork, American River in Coloma, California.
(Unfortunately, scholarships are unavailable for Ducks - kids aged 6-9.)
Otters: Kids ages 10-16
Our 3-day, class III river rafting programs for beginners or experienced river runners include highly qualified guides, kid-sized boats and gear, shuttles to and from put-in and take-out, two substantial daily snacks, a lunch buffet, evening activities, a private link to photos of camp, and a camp gift. On-water daytime rafting program runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 or 6:00PM, depending on the camper's age and group. Scholarships awarded include a partial tuition credit of $400 for Otters, and the expected cost is $499.
Camping is optional, and camping and camp meals are not included in the scholarship. The family camping add-on is a popular tradition, and many families say this is their favorite part. While kids spend days on the river learning and playing, mentored by professional river guides, the rest of the family can pursue adult activities and friendships while still connecting with their child every morning and evening. After rafting, fun collaborative evening family activities like skit night, and a dance party begin at our idyllic base camp.
Ospreys: Kids with outdoor experience aged 15-18 One scholarship will also be available at the advanced Junior Guides session called "Ospreys" for kids 16-18 years old with solid outdoor experience. This intensive camp will run 5+ days from Sunday evening, July 10-Friday night, July 15. We will run the South Fork and Middle Fork American, and Tuolumne rivers. This scholarship will include partial costs of all camping, transportation, food, logistics and rafting equipment up to $600. The scholarship recipient will cover the remaining tuition, expected to be about $450.
Sample characteristics of a good scholarship applicant include, but are not limited to: An interest in rivers as well as a desire to learn more about rafting. Willingness to explore rapidly moving cold water and dynamic swimming situations. Ability to get along well with others. A willingness to try new things, like swimming a rapid. An athletic foundation in sports like skiing, surfing, roller skating, or organized sports. While strong swimming is not a required skill, campers will be spending time floating and swimming in the river and should be comfortable with that.
Due to the high volume of applicants, we expect to award the equivalent of 4 full scholarships (or a mix of partial scholarships.) In the past we have had about 20 applicants. Scholarship applications are open now, and will close on April 30, or until scholarship dollars run out.
Thank you again for applying.