Summer Camps
Nature Kids for ages 7-12 and now Nature Bound Teen Challenge for ages 13-15!
Nature Camp Teaches about Leadership, Confidence, Art & Ecology.
River & Trail Outfitters has been facilitating outdoor adventures for countless scouts, campers, school groups, churches, and families for since 1972. The need for kids to have healthy, engaged, active outdoor experiences has never been greater. We are excited to use our decades of experience to now offer summer camps!
Nature Camps with 5-day sessions
River & Trail is launching our own nature-based summer camps to share our knowledge and love of the outdoors with local kids and families. Campers will experience in hands-on fashion the natural gems in the tri-state area of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. We are fortunate to have three national parks and two rivers in our own community backyard.
Age-Appropriate Outdoor Activities
Rest assured that all activities will be age appropriate and with safety as the top priority. River & Trail has been fortunate to have teachers, educators, and camp enthusiasts as part of our camp development team. Your kids will benefit from their expertise and experience.
Developing Kids’ Confidence, resourcefulness, resilience & more
Our goal with Nature Camps is to provide opportunities for positive experiences with nature, and as an extension of this, have them gain confidence, a sense of connectedness to their natural environment, and develop leadership qualities such as responsibility, confidence, perseverance, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude.
Outdoor Summer Camp Activities & Challenges!
Parents: Note that all adventures will be done at the age-appropriate level for each age group!
- Whitewater Rafting
- Climbing Wall with auto belay
- River Tubing
- Lessons on Water Safety & Preparedness
- Historical Scavenger Hunt in Harpers Ferry
- River Quest Field School Canoeing & Kayaking
- Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking (Teen Challenge Camp)
- Teambuilding activities
- Survival Hikes
- Biking the C&O Canal
- Nature-based art & ecology
- Activities and discussion that foster leadership qualities
So with all the known benefits of getting your kids outside, come join us this summer for a week or more of fun in the sun!
Nature Education and Leadership Skills Building
Day campers will enjoy leadership, art and nature education as well – all disguised in fun and adventure, of course!
- Activities and discussion that foster leadership qualities
- Nature-based art & ecology
So with all the known benefits of getting your kids outside, come join us this summer for a week or more of fun in the sun!
New this Year! Nature Bound Teen Challenge
Teens of all outdoor experience levels will enjoy this 5-day program gaining new skills on local rivers and trails! Trained and experienced staff will provide a week of more in depth instruction and learning that builds on our Nature Kids Camp.
Learn how to navigate entry level whitewater rivers in rafts and single person crafts, as well as gain knowledge in river safety, ecology, and area history. Time on the trail will be spent biking, hiking or team building– incorporating lessons in trip preparation, survival skills, and group dynamics. Rest assured time will be provided for breaks, art, and reflection, providing balance to an action-packed program.
Nature Kids Summer Camp
- 2024 Dates: June 17-21, June 24-28, July 29- August 2, August 5-9
- Age range: 7-12 yrs old
- Pricing: $375/person. Celebrating 50 years! Save $50/person by signing up by May 13!
- Schedule: Drop Off: 8:15- 8:45am Pick up between: 3:30 – 4:00pm
Nature Bound Teen Challenge
- Dates: July 22-26
- Age range: 13-15 yrs old
- Pricing: $375/person. Celebrating 50 years! Save $50/person by signing up by May 13!
- Schedule: Drop Off: 8:15- 8:45am Pick up between: 3:30 – 4:00pm.
Nature Kids Summer Camps FAQs
Nature Kids Summer Camps were inspired by River & Trail Outfitter’s founder and former CEO, Lee Baihly. Lee was a lifelong adventurer of rivers and trails and was passionate about sharing this love with others! Starting as an Eagle Scout in Minnesota, Lee had a particular desire to attract campers, scouts, and youth groups to learn about and explore the rich natural beauty and history of our unique area. River & Trail is excited to invite your children to be a part of this legacy, which has been evolving for 50 years strong.
River & Trail prioritizes safety above all else. All river guides receive training following the WV DNR standards.
In addition, all staff are First Aid and CPR certified and hired for their ability to teach and work with children in an outdoor setting.
All activities will be appropriate to the age and ability level of each participant. Children should be in reasonably good health and be comfortable participating in river or climbing activities. Our minimum age is 7 years old for this camp.
Camper registration & payment is required in advance on-line or over the phone. Call us with questions or for help at 301.834.9950. Please note that there is a 10 camper minimum per session.
River & Trail will notify camp families if we decide to cancel any camp sessions. If we cancel a camp session, 100% of your payment will be refunded. In the rare and unfortunate case where a child cannot continue camp due to behavior, there will be no refund with or without insurance.
Without Trip Insurance: No money refunds are given. However, with at least 7 days notice, you may reschedule your camper to a different week of camp or receive a credit for the amount that you paid with no penalty. Your credit can be used towards any activity or retail with River & Trail.
With Trip Insurance: Cancel up to 7 days in advance of camp for any reason and receive a full refund for your camper. Cancellations within 7 days and with at least 3 hours notice of the first day of camp can receive a credit to use at a later date. The cost of the insurance is non refundable.
All campers and a parent/guardian of campers will be asked to sign a waiver of liability prior to the start of camp. This waiver will cover all activities that take place during this camp. Please review the waiver so that you understand its contents. The waiver is available to be signed electronically for each camper. Please refer to your confirmation email for the link to sign.
Please consult with your physician with any questions or concerns about participating in this camp.
River & Trail will adapt to weather or water level conditions accordingly. We have years of experience in doing this and reserve the right to change any activity or trip due to weather or high or low river conditions. Please have your campers ready to go on trips rain or shine! Everyone is guaranteed to get wet on the river anyway.
Please leave all electronics, jewelry, and anything valuable at home since they could get wet, damaged, or lost.
