RIVER KIDS Youth Whitewater Rafting Guide School
Camp Lotus, 5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus, CA 95651
About
RIVER KIDS is a full-day summer day camp for kids ages 6-16. Students enjoy full days of guided instruction on the South Fork of the American River, Lotus, CA, where the river becomes the classroom.
RIVER KIDS spend every day learning and practicing real rafting skills through games and exploration:
- gear prep
- paddling
- teamwork
- reading current
- rescue basics
- swimming in current
- and much more!
Students are placed in rafts of 4-6 kids in their same age group, and each boat contains an experienced instructor. This small-group format allows instruction to be tailored to each child, creating a supportive learning experience unique to RIVER KIDS.
No experience is required, we welcome kids from the most timid to the biggest daredevils. There's something for every level of experience with RIVER KIDS.
Through real challenges, teamwork, and guided exploration, kids gain skills and confidence in ways that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
2026 sessions are open for registration!
3-day sessions:
- June 28 - 30, 2026
- July 5 - July 7, 2026
- July 12 - 14, 2026
- July 19 - 21, 2026
- July 26 - 28, 2026
2-day sessions:
- June 22-23, 2026
Registration includes lunch & snacks each day, all safety gear, and river transportation.
ABOUT RIVER RUNNERS
River Runners is a small, family-owned whitewater rafting outfitter that has been delighting families and groups with unique, inspired whitewater rafting trips on the American Rivers for over 5 decades. You can find out more info about us at riverrunnersusa.com.