Everything Parents Need to Know About River & Trail Outfitters Kids Adventure Summer Camp
If you are considering sending your child to River & Trail Outfitters’ Kids’ Nature Camp, you probably have questions about what to expect. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable adventure for kids while giving parents peace of mind.
What is the age range for campers, and is kids’ nature camp suitable for beginners?
Our kids’ nature camp welcomes kids ages 7-12 and welcomes adventurers of all experience levels. Our teen challenge camp welcomes teens ages 13-15 and welcomes adventurers of all experience levels. Whether your child or teen is new to outdoor activities or has been hiking for years, our program offers a safe and supportive environment to learn new skills and grow. Activities like whitewater rafting, tubing, and rock climbing on our auto-belay artificial rock wall are tailored to be age-appropriate and fun.
Who are the camp counselors and what qualifications do they have?
Our counselors are outdoor enthusiasts who have previous experience working with children, are background-checked, first aid and CPR certified, and exceed the qualifications for raft guides set by the WV Department of Natural Resources. What sets our counselors apart is their passion for sharing outdoor adventure experiences.
What kinds of activities will my child do at kids’ nature camp, and how is their safety a priority?
Our campers participate in a variety of activities, including:
- Whitewater rafting and tubing
- Kayaking on calm waters to build paddling skills and confidence
- Hiking and scavenger hunts to explore the beauty of nature
- Leave No Trace and survival lessons to teach respect for the environment
- Rock climbing on a secure auto-belay wall for added adventure
Safety is our top priority. Each activity is supervised and facilitated by trained staff, and all necessary safety equipment–like PFDs (personal flotation devices) and helmets are provided and required.
What does a typical day at kids’ nature camp look like?
Campers arrive in the morning and often will play tag, cards, and color during the 30-minute drop-off period. They’ll start their day with a quick morning meeting, talk about the schedule and expectations for the day, and then head off towards an outdoor adventure like kayaking, hiking, or whitewater rafting. After taking time to eat lunch, they will dive into afternoon activities which might include scavenger hunts, survival skills, or river tubing. They will head back to the camp base, and have the option to change into dry clothes and shoes. During the 30-minute pick-up period at the end of the day, campers will often play tag, other outdoor games, cards, and color.
What should my child bring to kids’ nature camp?
We will provide a detailed packing list upon registration, but here are the basics:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate active clothing
- Comfortable shoes for hiking and water shoes for river activities
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- A packed lunch and snacks
All other safety gear, including PFDs, helmets, and climbing harnesses are provided.
How do you handle food allergies or disabilities?
We strive to make camp inclusive for all kids. If your child has food or other allergies, please let us know during registration. If your child has a disability or specific needs, please give us a phone call at 301-834-9950 or email us at mariah@rivertrail.com. We want to make sure that we are well-equipped to make sure your child has a great time at camp.
How quickly do sessions fill up, and how can I secure a spot?
Our Kids Nature Camp is incredibly popular–nearly every session sold out last summer. We recommend registering as early as possible to secure your child’s spot. You can easily sign up online or by giving us a call at 301-834-9950. Campers who register before May 16th will automatically receive $25 off registration.
What happens in case of bad weather?
We always prioritize safety. In cases of inclement weather, we have indoor and alternative plans ready. In previous years, we have visited the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum which is a hands-on, play-based educational museum.
Still have questions?
Call us at 301-834-9950 or email us at mariah@rivertrail.com for more information.
