Rafting & Kayaking Adventure Camp
Join us for four action packed days full of challenge, skill building, lots of big splashes and big fun!
Camp Overview
Dates: June 15th - June 18th, 2026
Monday - Thursday
Time: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Difficulty: class III (IV)
Ages: 12-14 years old
Price: $440 per student (includes a $40 gratuity for Methow Rafting instructors)
Meeting Location: Mac Lloyd Park (Winthrop Red Barn)
Looking to start your summer off with a bang? Look no further than
Methow Rafting’s Rafting & Kayaking Adventure Camp!
Over 4 days on the river, campers will explore the beautiful waters of the Methow River, traveling from Winthrop down to its confluence with the Columbia River. Each day we’ll progress farther downstream while building skills and confidence in river safety, teamwork, paddling technique, and boat maneuvering—both in kayaks and rafts.
Designed as an introductory camp, this program is appropriate for both people who are new to rafting or kayaking, or those who have some experience. We start with easier stretches of river and progress to more dynamic whitewater downstream while building confidence and skills. We’ll finish the week on a high note with the Class III Black Canyon section on Day 4 (completed in rafts only). Expect full, active days with lots of learning, challenge, and tons of fun on the water!
What’s included?
Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
Helmet
Neoprene Wetsuit (as needed and if requested)
River Shoes
Dry bags for warm layers, smaller belongings & lunch
Snacks
What do I bring?
Swimsuit (shorts are great!)
Long-sleeve shirt (recommended for sun protection)
Warm non-cotton layer (fleece or wool)
Full water bottle
Sunscreen
Personal lunch (packed in a reusable container)
Safety is our First Priority!
Safety, both physical and emotional is at the core of everything we do. All camps are led by licensed raft guides with extensive river experience.
Campers wear properly fitted life jackets and helmets, and activities are matched to age, skill level, personal comfort, and river conditions.
Adventure Camp Sample Itinerary
Learning the essentials before launch!
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9am -- Meet at Mac Lloyd park
Overview of course and sections
Intro to and getting outfitted in proper gear
Safety talk and expedition mentality
How to load and tie down gear in boats
Split into raft and kayak groups
10:30 -- Launch!
11:30 -- Activity and stop for lunch
Basic boat skills including paddle techniques, entering/exiting eddys, how to get back in the boat/kayak
1:00 -- Launch from lunch stop
2:45 -- Arrive at take out, (Twisp Park)
De rig, load boats, head back to Winthrop
3:30 -- Arrive in Winthrop, change, debrief the day
4:00 -- Parents arrive for pickup
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9am -- Meet at Mac Lloyd park
Load in bus and travel down to Carlton hole
Activity pre launch--hydrology
10:30 -- Launch!
Switch up who is in rafts and kayaks
12:00 --Stop for lunch
First Class II rapids of the day with Gold Creek Rapid followed by DOT.
Activity, DOT rapid scout
3:00 -- Take out McFarland creek, load boats, drive back to Winthrop
Day debrief
4:00 -- Parents arrive for pickup
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9am -- Meet at Mac Lloyd park
Load in bus and travel down to McFarland Creek
Activity: knot tying
11:00 -- Launch!
Switch up who is in rafts and kayaks
12:00 --Stop for lunch
Activity: Rapid Swim and or swift water wading
3:00 -- Take out, load, drive back to Winthrop
Day debrief
4:00 -- Parents arrive for pickup
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9am -- Meet at Mac Lloyd park
Load into bus and travel down to Lower Burma
11:00 -- Launch!
Rafts only. Day 4 is the Black Canyon section! Lot’s of fun, good whitewater, time to apply everything we’ve learned and practiced over the first three days and finish with a bang!
12:30 --Stop for lunch
3:00 -- Take out at Columbia River, load, drive back to Winthrop
Day debrief, course debrief
4:00 -- Parents arrive for pickup
Adventure Camp FAQ’s
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Yes. This is an introductory camp. We start on easier stretches of the Methow River and gradually progress downstream as participants build skills and confidence. Instruction is age appropriate and focused on safety, teamwork, and fun.
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The first day will start off with class I/II water to build skills and confidence, and to practice working as a team. Days 2 and 3 present more rapidous sections of the river (class II+) before we finish with a bang on the class III Black Canyon section! This day is done in rafts only.
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Campers should be comfortable in the water and able to swim short distances while wearing a life jacket. Strong swimming skills are not required. All participants wear properly fitted personal flotation devices at all times on the river.
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Yes. This camp is designed to build confidence gradually. We start on easier sections of river and progress as skills and comfort increase. Our guides are experienced at working with a wide range of comfort levels and meet participants where they are.
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Falling into the water is something we prepare for and practice safely. Campers learn how to float on their backs, self rescue, and assist others. Guides are always nearby and trained to respond quickly and calmly.
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Please let us know in advance about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications so we can plan accordingly and ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
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The goal is for participants to leave with improved paddling skills, basic river safety knowledge, experience working as a team and supporting each other, increased confidence on the water, and a deeper connection to the Methow River. And of course, lots of fun and lasting memories.
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We encourage everyone to give it a try at least once, and this can be done on the calmer waters of the first or second day. But if kayaking is too far out of your child’s comfort zone, they can remain in a raft.
Youth Program Testimonials
“Methow Rafting cultivated the best outdoor experience for the students AND the teachers. I've been on 20+ trips with students and this has easily been the best for so many reasons. They brought everyone in by connecting with our kids. Each instructor knew our kids well, connecting with them from day one, and catered to their strengths. The instructors were so fun. Whether it was time to learn, plotting pranks, sharing fun river jokes, or educating us often through gamifying the learning process, there was no shortage of being playful and making sure everyone enjoyed themselves. The educational components were often done actively, engaging our students and teaching them fun ways to learn. Perhaps the most talked about part were the safety lessons! Methow Rafting turned something that could be so painfully boring into an adventure itself and made it easy for kids to remember how to be safe on the water without needing to repeat themselves over and over. The instructors knew so much about rafting and the river itself and taught us a ton. Finally, they gave our students flexibility, leadership, and confidence that it will surely be a trip they never forget, because I won't. There's a reason everyone at our school tries to sign up for this trip, and it's the dynamic group at Methow Rafting that make it so special.”
--Rob Sjoberg, Bush School