About:
River Camp is a unique program that will offer your child the opportunity to learn fly fishing, and outdoor skills while floating the beautiful John Day River in Central Oregon.
River Camp will foster an appreciation and understanding of rivers and the environment by encouraging an ethic of stewardship with hands-on activities. Most important, River Camp is fun and there is no cell or internet service. This is the perfect opportunity for your child to unplug and submerge themselves in the wonders of the outdoors.
Activities will include fly-fishing, outdoor camping skills, such as setting up tents and practicing Leave No Trace, how to row a boat or paddle a stand-up paddleboard, river safety, geology, and interpretive history with art projects, swimming, and making new friends! At night kids can play board games, read a book, stargaze, or catch bullfrogs. Students will increase their knowledge of ecosystems and gain skills to become an angler, camper, and steward.
Safety and well-being are our priorities. Our staff are role models who will share their passion for the outdoors and positive attitudes with the campers. We encourage personal growth in each child, by providing an excellent program facilitated by our cultivating and qualified staff. Anchored in this safe and supportive philosophy, each camper will have fun acquiring new skills such as setting up their tent, water safety, fly-fishing, and more that will leave them feeling valued for who they are and develop a sense of belonging. Rivercamp will leave a positive impression on your child, and a parent’s dream to share the healthy lifestyle of the outdoors.
Parent Quote:
“My son is more of a “inside” kid (and not even particularly interested in fly fishing) and I couldn’t believe out of all the camps I’ve had him attend, Marty and Mia’s camp was the only one that he was excited to return to the following year! They are FUN, knowledgeable and built a great sense of responsibility and community among the kids on the trip. I would highly recommend.” -Jennifer
Running more than 500 miles, the John Day is the third longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. It is protected as a “Wild and Scenic” river under Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. The river’s serpentine course meanders along steep basalt canyon walls, juniper- and sagebrush-dotted hills, abandoned homesteads, and petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in Oregon. For thousands of years, the Northern Paiute lived on this river they called the Mah-Hah. In 1805 these canyon dwellers met their first Europeans, the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1812, the river was renamed the John Day after one of the members of the Astor-Hunt overland party. The John Day River is truly the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
Limited to 12 campers – Grade 7-9, 10-12
When: TBD
Days: 5
Rate is $1600 per participant
Trip Overview:
This trip will cover up to 32 miles of river. The John Day has mild, Class 1 and 2 rapids. In July the river runs at about 500 cfs, making the rapids gentle and very safe. A designated gear boat, with a two-person crew, will lead the packing and move camp each day. There will be two lead guides and one teacher that provide on-the-water pace setting, fishing, rowing advice, and daily activities. Campers are required to wear their life jacket at all times if under the age of 14 when in the boat and on the water swimming. These overnight journeys provide a magical wilderness adventure and camp comforts. Boats are equipped with first-aid kits and throw ropes.
At Camp:
All of the camping gear is supplied by Little Creek Outfitters with the exception of sleeping bags and pillows. Tents for the night will be set up and a sleeping pad will be provided. Boys’ and girls’ tents will be separated. There will be two kids to a tent. We set up a camp toilet with a privacy tent and hand-washing station. We carry all drinking water. We are working to eliminate the use of plastic. Please bring a water bottle.
We practice ‘leave no trace’ camping ethics and pack out everything we take on the trip.
Meals: Three meals plus snacks are provided. A typical breakfast is bacon, pancakes, and fruit. For lunch, we have deli sandwiches, fresh salad, chips, and cookies. Dinners are prepared with fresh meats, vegetables, a starch, and dessert. Please let us know if there are dietary restrictions.
The Fish:
The John Day is also arguably the finest smallmouth bass fishery west of the Mississippi. can enjoy insanely high rates of feisty smallmouth bass while experiencing one of the West’s most interesting and least traveled wilderness float trips.
Bass season is at its peak from mid-June to the end of August. It is not uncommon to hook in excess of 40 fish per rod per day. This is the perfect river to introduce new flycasters to the sport, as the fish are typically aggressive and plentiful. The majority of the fishing is done from the boat and from the banks targeting feeding fish.
Where to meet:
We will meet in Condon, on Main Street the morning of the trip at 8 AM. Then you will follow us to the river to drop off your child. The address is 209 S Main St, Condon, OR 97823. Driving time from the PDX airport is about 2 ½ hours. If you would like to stay in Condon the night before, we recommend staying at the Hotel Condon or the Condon Motel.
Transportation at the end of the trip will be arranged by Little Creek Outfitters.
Pack list:
We provide you with two dry bags. One is a duffel size bag that goes down to camp ahead of you and the other is a smaller dry bag to carry things (like a change of clothes in case you get wet) on your guide boat.
Clothes:
- Clothing for hot days and swim suite
- Jacket and long pants for cool nights
- Sandals
- Camp shoes
- Baseball cap
- SunglassesSleeping bag (40+) and a packable pillow
- Towel
Toiletries:
• Sunscreen
• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Medications
If you have fishing equipment bring it and this is what we recommend. (If not, we can provide)
• 4,5, 6 weight fly rod with floating line
• Nippers
• Forceps
• 3X leader and 3X tippet
• Camera
• Tackle bag
• Flies – woolly buggers, poppers, damselflies
Fishing License:
You can purchase a fishing license online at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp
Purchase the 4 or 5 day – License with Columbia River Basin Endorsement