Paddle Camp 2026: Three-Day Youth Whitewater Camp in Red Lodge, Montana

Paddle Camp 2026 places kids ages eight to thirteen on the river for three full days of guided whitewater instruction and outdoor skill building in and around Red Lodge, Montana. Based at Lion's Park in town, Wild River Expeditions Youth Camp combines progressive paddling sessions with games, natural history lessons, and hands on practice in rafting and kayaking fundamentals. Guides teach stroke mechanics, boat control, eddy turns and ferrying, then lead short guided runs so campers can apply skills in real current while coaches provide continuous supervision. Mornings begin with gear fitting and dry drills on the grass at the meeting spot, followed by warmup paddles and focused instruction tailored to each age group. Afternoons mix guided river time with shore side activities: basic rope rescue, river reading, wildlife identification and team challenges that build leadership and communication. High quality safety equipment and trained staff are central; the program supplies helmets, PFDs and rescue lines while parents receive regular check ins. The landscape here is distinct—rivers threading sage and cottonwood flats beneath the granite ridges of the Beartooth range, with riffles, pocket water and calmer eddy zones ideal for learning. Expect to see bald eagles and osprey fishing overhead, elk or mule deer along quieter banks, and native riparian plants like willow and cottonwood. Guides weave practical geology and hydrology into lessons so campers understand how snowpack, seasonal flows and riverbed cobbles shape the paddling experience. Paddle Camp 2026 prioritizes skill progression and confidence over adrenaline. It is a scaled, educational approach that lets young paddlers graduate toward bigger water with fundamental knowledge of self rescue, group safety and paddle technique. The camp includes a sun hoodie and photos to remember the experience, and staff adapt activities when river conditions require it. Logistics are simple: parents meet guides at Lion's Park in Red Lodge, campers must be between eight and thirteen years old, and the program runs June 22, 23 and 24, 2026. Expect variable temperatures—cool mornings, warmer afternoons—and bring swimwear, layered clothing and a willingness to get wet. For families traveling to southeastern Montana, this three day youth camp is a practical, high quality introduction to whitewater that builds skills, friendships and respect for the river. Families often pair the camp with other outdoor activities in the area: short hikes on the nearby Beartooth foothills, mountain biking around town, or scenic drives up the Beartooth Highway for panoramic views. Local outfitters and guides provide continuity for kids ready to progress to overnight river trips. Meals and transport to launch sites are arranged each day; parents should confirm logistics and any medical notes in advance. The camp’s small group focus maximizes water time and instructor feedback. It ignites lifelong curiosity.