Expedition Paddling 7th-8th Grade in Colorado

Our weeklong expedition camp is designed for 7th – 8th graders with paddling experience* ready to build their skills in one of the country’s top rafting destinations. Campers will pitch their tents on the banks of the awe-inspiring Arkansas River, navigating its 152 paddlable miles by day and sleeping in the great outdoors by night. 

The group of no more than 13 expedition campers will be led by two experienced Avid4 Adventure instructors, along with skilled guides from Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, who will support our team with professional gear, private river access and expertise that only comes from decades navigating the Arkansas. Campers will spend every day kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and whitewater rafting, honing their paddling skills in placid still water and raging rapids alike.

At the end of a week filled with paddling, camping, teambuilding and exploring some truly stunning natural settings, campers come home fortified with strength, self-confidence and the skills to steer boldly through their next water-bound adventure.

* While beginning paddlers are welcome, participants should have some previous experience paddling in standing or moving water, be comfortable being fully submerged in water for short periods of time and feel excited to spend five full days on watercraft.

We are tracking the state and county public health orders closely. Expeditions are small, self-contained, and self-quarantining groups that are well suited for this next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hopeful to be able to run our Expeditions. Of course, depending on the changing recommendations from the CDC, state and county governments, and medical experts, we may need to cancel or adjust these programs. Click here for cancelation and refund policies.

* Departure and pick up are in Louisville, CO.

PRICING

CAMP PRICING Price Per Session
Camp Price $1,495
View Available Camps

* Get Info on Avid4 Adventure Camps Here

* We are committed to inclusivity for all. Are finances a barrier for you? Apply For Financial Assistance or Check Out Payment Plans.

ADD-ON PRICES Price
Rentals not available.  

CAMP DETAILS

GRADES

Entering 7th-8th

Hours

One-week session, Sunday - Friday. Pick-up/drop-off times are available in the Pre-Camp guide.

Dates

See Camp Dates Below

Location

Drop Off & Pick Up: 1501 Empire Rd, Louisville, CO 80027

Policies

Information on Cancellations, Date Changes, and Annual Registration Fee.

The Week's Adventures

Kayaking

Stand Up Paddleboarding

White Water Rafting

Teambuilding

Camping

Campers will spend a full day mastering flatwater kayaking, practicing paddling, bracing, rolling and self-rescue techniques. On a second day, they’ll take on a whitewater adventure, learning the basics of reading water and scouting rapids as they run down the river. 

On flat water, campers will spend a full day mastering the basics of stand up paddleboarding, perfecting their strokes and balance. Once they hit moving water, they’ll learn to paddle through rapids and even how to catch waves and carve turns on a paddleboard-turned-surfboard.

Campers will spend a full day whitewater rafting on the Arkansas, a river folks come from all over to raft. With help from Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center guides, they’ll work as a team to splash through some classic Colorado rapids.

Campers will spend time throughout the week playing games, exploring their surroundings and sitting around the campfire, practicing important social skills like problem solving and communication and learning the value of teamwork.

When they’re not out on the river, campers will practice their camping skills, learning how to set up camp, store their supplies and keep their site running efficiently. They’ll also take turns manning the camping stove to whip up meals for their fellow paddlers.

Expedition Pre-Camp Guide

Already registered? All the information you need about your Expedition Paddling Adventure – where to go, what to bring, camp photo links – is waiting for you in our Pre-Camp Guide.

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WE TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY

While no outdoor adventure is totally risk-free, we work hard to keep your kids safe. Every activity starts with a discussion about the risks involved -- what they are, how to prevent them, how to respond if something goes wrong -- so kids learn how to approach challenges with intelligence and skill.

OUR APPROACH TO SAFETY