2026 Junior Guides Ospreys Application Form

Junior Guides Ospreys Application

Required for all prospective 2026 participants. Letter of recommendation or verbal reference from a teacher is REQUIRED this year
Junior Guides Ospreys is an exclusive, intensive 6-day adventure experience for teens ages 15-18 who genuinely wish to learn to guide whitewater in a raft.

We will run advanced, class 3/4 whitewater. In years past, we have run the Tuolumne, North Fork Stanislaus, Merced, and Kern.
(See our 2023 video here.)

Planned date June 21pm–June 27 pm, 2025
Dates can change slightly depending on river availability

Cost: Expected to be $1,500
Final cost depends on which rivers we run, which depends on snowpack and seasonal flows. If you are in apply for a scholarship

Applications are due by midnight on Friday, February 27, 2025. Space is limited and may not be available after this date.

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: Either a written letter of recommendation from a teacher (not a coach), or you may submit a teacher’s name and phone number, and we will follow up to gather a verbal reference. Email us if this poses a challenge, and we can work with you.

Demand for our camp outstrips availability. In 2025, space is open to just 16 participants. Our minimum age is 15.

We seek to include a diverse group of kids to participate. But there are certain skills and attitudes that necessary to create a safe, positive experience for all. Applicants should be physically fit and mentally sound.

Our group's safety and enjoyment depends on our ability to collaborate effectively, play by the rules, and understand and follow instructions. We expect participants to be mature, kind, collaborative, and accountable.

Parents and prospective participants should fill this form out together.
Participant Name*

First NameLast Name
Participant Email*
example@example.com
Participant Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Age as of June 20, 2025*
(Minimum age 15. Younger kids should participate in Junior Guides Otters
Parent Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent Email*
example@example.com
Parent Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Osprey Applicant Details

This section should be filled out by the applicant only. Take your time. Respond fully! Once submitted, you can not change your answers. Early applications are due by midnight on February 25. You can start this application and come back to it later.
We prioritize and select applicants using the following criteria:

1. Returning Ospreys and our experience with you if you attended Otters.

2. Age and demonstrated maturity. (Bias to older participants given the pace and intensity of the program. Younger participants can still attend Otters.)

3. Application responses: Successful applicants submit a thorough case for joining the camp. There's plenty of room in the form.

4. Preferences to great attitude, team orientation and outdoor experience.

5. Volunteer- whether you have volunteered with Junior Guides as a Camp Counselor or in other settings

Please take your time and be thorough in your answers.
Are you returning to Junior Guides OSPREYS? Did you attend in 2025 or before?*
YesNo
About how many Junior Guides sessions have you attended? (It's not disqualifying to have not attended.)*
How did you hear about Junior Guides Ospreys? (friend, online search, etc.)
yesnoI hope to this year
Briefly describe your whitewater experience.*
Use 1-4 sentences and/or list the rivers you've run.
In a complete sentence or two, why are you interested in attending Junior Guides? What do you think you’ll get from the Ospreys experience?*
Are you involved in other outdoor or traditional sports? Share details (sport, how long you've participated, position, etc.)*
Have you received any academic, citizenship, athletic, or volunteer awards or acknowledgements? List and/or describe those:*
Are you a confident swimmer?*
Have you had swimming experience in moving water? (river, ocean, etc.)*
Is there other relevant experience you’d like to share that would make you a great participant in Junior Guides Ospreys? (Scout badges, Swiftwater Rescue, First Aid/CPR certificate, other volunteer work, etc.)*
Are you looking to attend with another camper? If so, list no more than two names:*
Anything else you'd like to tell us? Any concerns we should know about? If you were a 2025 participant, is there anything you'd like to share to improve the camp?
Upload teacher letter of recommendation here. Alternatively, use the text box above to submit the name and contact information of a teacher that can speak about your suitability for our program. If you have trouble uploading, text a pic of the letter to Sarah's cell 530-320-1530

Browse Files

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If you have questions about the application process, the camp, concerns about your participation, or any other detail, email juniorguidesraftcamp@gmail.com
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Junior Guides Ospreys Application

Osprey Applicant Details