FIELD TRIPS
Bring your students or group (4th Grade through College - minimum age 8-10, depending on water levels) on a thrilling, educational, and unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River with OARS, a leader in guided outdoor experiences. Located in the heart of California's Gold Country, this trip combines outdoor recreation with rich lessons in environmental science, physics, California history, teamwork, and river ecology. Enjoy a variety of options from quick half day floats to multi-day catered camping trips that are perfect for almost any class size. All rafting equipment and professional guides are provided. Camping equipment is available to rent.
Costs: From $110/per person with discounts for groups.
supports classroom learning in:
Environmental Studies, Physics, Hydrology, Ecology, STEM, History
topics covered:
Aquatic Life, Physics, Hydrology, California Gold Rush History, Physical Education
contact info
Name: Annie Dahlberg (Group Coordinator)
Phone: 855-541-4792
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
OARS American River Rafting
OARS is a family-owned and operated whitewater rafting outfitter with a campground on the South Fork of the American River in California, offering professionally guided ½-, 1-, and 2-day rafting trips on the forks of the American River since 1969. Additional available amenities include bathrooms, showers, pre-set tents, catered meals and custom rafting adventures.
contact info
Hrs: Season: April through September
HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)
Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com
Kayaking and Rafting Lesson Plan
FUN FACTSÂ
Ever wonder how a small life jacket can keep your larger body afloat? An object displaces water, which pushes back and causes buoyancy (the more water you displace, the greater the force that pushes back). A life jacket is filled with a very light material, so it can displace a lot of water compared to its weight, meaning it will float high on top of the water and keep your head above the surface. Next time you take a rafting trip, think about the physics involved: learn about how things float, the force and torque from the water and paddle, and the logistics of crossing running water. Most guides can also give you interesting facts about the river in which you are rafting, its history, and its surrounding wilderness. Don’t stop asking questions!
View Lesson Plan>>
FIELD TRIPS
Looking for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire, challenge, and unite your Scout troop? OARS offers professionally-guided rafting and wilderness trips that do more than just get kids outside—they build confidence, leadership, and a deep respect for the natural world. On the river, Scouts unplug from distractions and fully engage with the present moment. They learn to navigate rapids as a team, make decisions in real time, and discover both the beauty of the wilderness and the strength within themselves. Most importantly, these adventures spark a lifelong love of the outdoors—a gift every Scout should carry.
Costs: From $110/per person with discounts for groups.
supports scout badges in:
Water Sports, Whitewater, Camping, Teamwork, Exploration
topics covered:
Whitewater Safety, Aquatic Life, Physics, Hydrology, California Gold Rush History, Physical Education
contact info
Name: Annie Dahlberg (Group Coordinator)
Phone: 855-541-4792
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
OARS American River Rafting
OARS is a family-owned and operated whitewater rafting outfitter with a campground on the South Fork of the American River in California, offering professionally guided ½-, 1-, and 2-day rafting trips on the forks of the American River since 1969. Additional available amenities include bathrooms, showers, pre-set tents, catered meals and custom rafting adventures.
contact info
Hrs: Season: April through September
FIELD TRIPS
Searching for a hands-on, nature-based field trip that brings science, history, and teamwork to life? OARS offers homeschool groups an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience on the scenic South Fork of the American River—perfect for turning your curriculum into an outdoor classroom. Grade Level: 4th Grade through College (minimum age 8-10, depending on water levels). Nestled in California’s historic Gold Country, this immersive trip blends thrilling outdoor fun with powerful lessons in environmental science, physics, California history, and river ecology. Whether you're studying erosion, energy transfer, or the Gold Rush, the river offers rich, real-world connections to your studies.
Costs: From $110/per person with discounts for groups.
supports classroom learning in:
Environmental Studies, Physics, Hydrology, Ecology, STEM, History
topics covered:
Whitewater Safety, Aquatic Life, Physics, Hydrology, California Gold Rush History, Physical Education
contact info
Name: Annie Dahlberg
Phone: 855-541-4792
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
OARS American River Rafting
OARS is a family-owned and operated whitewater rafting outfitter with a campground on the South Fork of the American River in California, offering professionally guided ½-, 1-, and 2-day rafting trips on the forks of the American River since 1969. Additional available amenities include bathrooms, showers, pre-set tents, catered meals and custom rafting adventures.
contact info
Hrs: Season: April through September
HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)
Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com
Kayaking and Rafting Lesson Plan
FUN FACTSÂ
Ever wonder how a small life jacket can keep your larger body afloat? An object displaces water, which pushes back and causes buoyancy (the more water you displace, the greater the force that pushes back). A life jacket is filled with a very light material, so it can displace a lot of water compared to its weight, meaning it will float high on top of the water and keep your head above the surface. Next time you take a rafting trip, think about the physics involved: learn about how things float, the force and torque from the water and paddle, and the logistics of crossing running water. Most guides can also give you interesting facts about the river in which you are rafting, its history, and its surrounding wilderness. Don’t stop asking questions!
View Lesson Plan>>
FAMILY OUTINGS
OARS offers unforgettable whitewater rafting trips on the South Fork of the American River—a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and togetherness for 4th Grade and up (minimum age 9). Set in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country, this experience lets families explore nature hands-on while creating lifelong memories. Splash through exciting rapids, float past scenic canyons, and discover the wonders of the river together. Along the way, kids and adults alike will learn about wildlife, river ecology, geology, and Gold Rush history—all while working as a team to navigate the water. Whether you're watching for birds, learning how rapids form, or just sharing laughs between waves, the river is a place where curiosity and connection thrive.
Cost: From $110/per person
topics covered:
Whitewater Rafting, Nature Exploration
contact info
Phone: 855-541-4792
Email: [email protected]
INFO
BIRTHDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Celebrate your birthday with OARS and turn your special day into an unforgettable adventure on the South Fork of the American River for 4th Grade and up (minimum age 9). Whether you're paddling through Class III rapids with friends and family or relaxing under the stars at the OARS American River Outpost, this is a celebration that blends thrill, nature, and togetherness. With options for half-day rafting trips, full-day adventures, and multi-day rafting and camping vacations, you can craft the perfect experience—complete with catered meals and memories that will last a lifetime. I
Cost: From $110/per person with discounts for groups
topics covered:
Whitewater Rafting, Nature Exploration
contact info
Name: Annie Dahlberg (Group Coordinator)
Phone: 855-541-4792
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
OARS American River Rafting
OARS is a family-owned and operated whitewater rafting outfitter with a campground on the South Fork of the American River in California, offering professionally guided ½-, 1-, and 2-day rafting trips on the forks of the American River since 1969. Additional available amenities include bathrooms, showers, pre-set tents, catered meals and custom rafting adventures.
contact info
Hrs: April through September