SUMMER RIVER JOURNEY: Program Components
The Summer River Journey is jam-packed with learning adventures. Days of river kayaking, hiking, climbing and environmental river service projects fill out this unique experience. Throughout your adventure, you'll gain the skills to live well, keep yourself and others safe, respect and connect with the natural environment and have a blast!
River Kayaking:
As the second longest free-flowing (undammed) river in the US, the John Day River drains the west slope of the Blue Mountains and zig-zags northwest, converging with the Columbia just upstream of the Columbia River Gorge. Along its journey,
it bears witness to extraordinarily spectacular canyons, paleontological sites including the John Day Fossil beds and colorful scrubgrass hills. We'll learn and quickly hone boating skills as we paddle from river camp to river camp for three starry-skied nights.
Trail Hiking:
As we travel along, we'll surely spot intriguing geological formations and mysterious grottos that beg for exploration. After securing the fleet, we'll venture on foot for answers to questions spurred by curious rock shapes and native plants. Maybe we'll imagine ourselves thousands of years ago as indigenous peoples living on these river banks.
 Low Ropes Challenge Course:
An on-site Low Ropes Challenge Course equipped with a wide variety of elements is our way of building a strong group dynamic to last the entire trip. These sessions place particular importance on group teamwork, communication, problem solving and leadership.
Service:
We'll join forces with the US Fish and Wildlife Department or Forest Service to restore a section of riparian land after erosion damage, plant saplings to hold the soil, or move trash and debris from the river's banks. For two days, our collective energy will be focused on improving the natural area that has been our 'home' for yesterday's adventures. Our service will help reinforce the new skills and knowledge that we have gained over the course of the trip and provide a springboard for future environmental involvement.
Climbing at Smith Rocks:
With the support of expert instructors, we'll face off with formidable walls, venture on scenic treks through magnificent rock structures, hone our technique through bouldering and challenge ourselves both physically and mentally while rapelling down shear cliff faces. This incredible geologic wonderland offers something for everybody, providing a day of both personal and environmental discovery for all.
Caving:
Lava tubes scatter the area from the volcanic explosion of Lemei Rock over eight thousand years ago. We'll head underground to the perfect setting and settle in to reflect upon the trip's adventures. Maybe we'll choose a cave filled with ice formations, a perfectly round mole hole, or one wide enough to accomodate a school bus!
 White Water Rafting:
The journey ends with an exhilarating raft trip. Our teamwork will be put to the test as we navigate down the challenging whitewater of the White Salmon River (with the assistance of expert guides from Zoller's Outdoor Odyssey). On this day parents are welcome to sign up in advance and join in on the fun!
|
