Programs
Level one.
Our most commonly offered program is our “level one” rafting trip. This is a one-day outing on the class III “Gorge” section of the South Fork of the American River. While it is adventurous, and even a little scary for those who are new to the sport, it is suitable for novices and even for non-swimmers under the direction of a skilled and experienced guide. Participants are encouraged to camp before and/or after their trip, but it is certainly possible to do the entire outing in one long day.
The day starts with a series of games and activities designed to demonstrate the basic team and intra-personal skills needed to get the most out a day of rafting. These activities also help out guides and facilitators asses the abilities and comfort level of the group, so that the rest of the day can be tailored to the group’s specific needs.
After a snack, the group participates in a mandatory safety talk. After a check for understanding, the group is divided into teams of four to six, each of which are assigned to a boat guided by a Project GO guide/facilitator. The first three hours or so are spent in Class I and Class II water, learning and practicing the basic skills required to navigate a class III river. After lunch, the boats enter “the Gorge,” where the river goes through a deep and narrow canyon. Here participants work as a team to navigate famous rapids like “Satan’s Cesspool,” and “Hospital Bar”
At the end of the day, participants help carry, pack and load the equipment, and participate in a brief closing activity chosen by the Project GO Lead Facilitator to bring closure to the day, and help achieve the group’s goals.
Level two.
Our level two trip is also a one-day trip, and is available only to groups whose participants( at least 75% of) have completed a level one trip. On this trip, participants take on more responsibility for the trip, working in teams to inflate and rig and pack their rafts. We run the more technical and challenging (though still class III) Chili Bar section of the South Fork of the American. In the afternoon, participants are encouraged, in class I and II water, to actually guide the boat, under the instruction of a Project GO guide/facilitator. Participants work side-by side with Project GO volunteers to clean and dry the equipment, and put it away properly in our storage warehouse.
Level three
Our level three trip is a self-supported overnight “expedition” style trip on the South Fork of the American River. The trip is only available to groups whose participants have completed the level two trip, and who are able and willing to administer surveys to participants at least two months after completion of the trip. On this trip, participants work side-by-side with Project GO guides on every aspect of the trip. Pre-trip menu planning and shopping, cooking and cleaning, and camp set-up and break-down. We will sleep in tents, or if the weather permits, on the beach, with the stars as our roof. This trip includes facilitated group time, where participants can work together to meet some need that they have, either here, or back home. There is also some solo time where journaling is practiced. The trip ends with a group activity where everyone participates in the writing of a letter to another, unknown group who will soon share the same experience.
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