Guiding Our Future - CFI Youth River Skills Camp

Youth Guide School on the Colorado River With Canyonlands Field Institute

The team packed up and headed out to Moab to join Canyonlands Field Institute's Youth River Skills Camp. The Daily Section of the Colorado provided a perfect backdrop for this awesome training program. We sat down with some of CFI's Youth Leaders to learn why this type of youth education and empowerment program is so important in the river world.

The Youth River Skills Camp is designed for young adults entering 7th – 9th grades  who are interested in learning rafting and paddling techniques, guiding skills, and area natural history. This two-night program utilizes paddle and oar-rig rafts, and inflatable kayaks or duckies from Dewey Bridge through the Fisher Towers (or Daily) section of the Colorado River.

This trip is an introduction to river ecology, river dynamics, paddling and rowing techniques, equipment rigging, how to maneuver different types of boats, and important river safety and rescue methods. The valuable skills learned during this course will offer the experience needed for future river trips, outdoor leadership, or guide employment. This stretch of river has mild class I rapids up to class II-III for an exciting challenge. Learn more about their programs.