Spring Break River Trip 2026 Application

Description

🌊 Spring Break Canoe Adventure: Black Canyon of the Colorado River 🏕️

For ages 12–18 | No experience needed

Looking for an unforgettable Spring Break adventure? Join us for a 5-day canoeing and camping trip through the stunning Black Canyon of the Colorado River. This trip is all about adventure, nature, and trying something new. No experience required.

From March 16–20, 2026, we’ll:

• 🚣‍♀️ Canoe 8 miles upriver through the Black Canyon
• ♨️ Soak in the Arizona Hot Springs
• 🏗️ Experience the Hoover Dam from the river
• 🌌 Camp under the stars and live river life. Cooking, exploring, connecting, and unplugging
• 🌱 Learn about the canyon and river ecosystem with environmental educators & rangers

You’ll be supported by 4 experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder and trained environmental educators, who will guide the group every step of the way.

🛶 Practice Boat Test

All participants will attend a required practice boat test on March 7th during Adventure Club. This is a low-pressure way to learn paddling basics, practice safety skills, and make sure everyone feels confident before the trip.

🎒 Packing List Teaser

We’ve got the big stuff covered! We provide all tents, boats, paddles, PFDs (life jackets), group gear, and food.

Participants will need to bring:

• 👟 Water shoes (that can get wet)
• 🥾 Land shoes (sneakers or hiking shoes)
• 🧥 Warm layers, including base thermals for sleeping and a jacket
• 🚫 No jeans or cotton clothing. Cotton doesn’t keep you warm when wet

A full packing list will be shared closer to the trip.

🛟 Safety First

Safety is our top priority. This trip is led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder, and follows clear safety protocols for canoeing, camping, and outdoor travel. We have a satellite phone for emergencies. There is no cell service in the canyon. Staff provide instruction, supervision, and support at all times, making this a beginner-friendly and well-supported adventure.

💵 Cost & Accessibility

The cost of this trip is $350 per participant. The true cost to run this trip is approximately $700 per teen, and we intentionally subsidize the cost to make this experience more accessible.

💛 Scholarships are available on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale, and we also offer sponsorships for teens who would not otherwise be able to attend. We never want cost to be the reason someone misses out on this experience.

If you or your family have questions about cost, scholarships, or sponsorship options, please reach out. We’re happy to talk.

📅 Trip Dates: March 16–20, 2026

📍 Location: Black Canyon of the Colorado River

📧 Questions? Email wryn@thelaunchpadteencenter.org

In-Person Instruction

Cost

The fee is $350.00 per registration