River safety for youth of all ages
Is your child eager to answer the call of the river and whitewater rafting? Give your kids more than just a full day river rafting trip, give them an understanding how the river moves. Our youth river camps in Glacier National Park will teach youth adventurers the dynamics of moving water and safe river practices that ensure an exciting and safe experience. Rest assured the kids will have fun, lots of laughs, and enjoy swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Flathead River.
Whitewater Skills Camp I
This is a one-day camp designed to introduce kids to a moving water environment and identify dangers while stressing safety. Under supervision, kids will have the opportunity to understand swiftwater hazards and practice self-rescue techniques in a fun, controlled environment.
The goal is to develop an awareness in each participant that might save themselves or a friend should an emergency arise.
Ages
7-12 years old
Course Dates
Sold out for 2024 Season.
Course Price
$110
Private classes available for groups of 6 or more.
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and river hazards
- Offensive and Defensive self-rescue swimming techniques
- Throw bagging
- Log strainer Identification
- Shallow water crossings
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Drysuit or wetsuit
- River helmet
- Sturdy footwear
- Neoprene gloves
- Throwbag
Great Northern has rental equipment available but if you have your own, you’re welcome to bring it. Call ahead to reserve.
Whitewater Skills Camp II
This is a one-day camp designed for high school age teens, with emphasis on self-rescue and planning for safety. In addition to the skills learned in the level 1 camp, students will also work on simple rope rescue systems and scenarios.
Students will also have the ability to practice swimming and catching eddies on the whitewater stretch of the Middle Fork of the Flathead between Moccasin Cr. and West Glacier.
Ages
13-17 years old
Course Dates
Sold out for 2024 Season.
Course Price
$110
Private classes available for groups of 6 or more.
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and river hazards
- Offensive and Defensive self-rescue swimming techniques
- Throw bagging
- Log strainer Identification
- Shallow water crossings
- Rescue scenarios
- Advanced river swimming
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Drysuit or wetsuit
- River helmet
- Sturdy footwear
- Neoprene gloves
- Throwbag
Great Northern has rental equipment available but if you have your own, you’re welcome to bring it. Call ahead to reserve.
Overnight Intro to River Skills
This overnight introduction to Whitewater River Skills Camp gives students an opportunity to build the fundamentals of boat handling with a night on the river. Starting with dynamics of moving water, students learn how to read the river, pick their line, and maneuver both oar frames and paddle rafts.
This is an excellent course for a beginner boater who wants to learn the basics of running whitewater. We cover fundamental river safety and boating skills, including maneuvering both paddle rafts and oar-rigged boats. After two days you will gain experience reading and running class II-III whitewater.
Ages
10-17 years old
Course Dates
Sold out for 2023 Season.
Course Price
$340/person for the group class.
Private instruction is available. Call for details.
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and reading water
- Safety talks
- Throwbag training
- Raft flip drills
- Equipment
- Rowing techniques for oar-rigged boats
- Commanding a paddle crew for paddle rafts
- On-water practice on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- River rescue techniques
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Personal flotation device
- Drysuit or wetsuit
- River helmet
- Sturdy footwear
- Neoprene glove
Great Northern has rental equipment available but if you have your own, you’re welcome to bring it. Call ahead to reserve.
Youth River Program Gallery
