Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft
An 8-day whitewater rafting and canyoneering expedition in the Southwest for high schoolers.
▌ Editor's read The Outward Bound website loads successfully, detailing a whitewater rafting and backpacking course in the Southwest Canyons for 16-18 year olds. Outward Bound is a non-profit organization, and while this specific course isn't individually accredited by the ACA, Outward Bound as a larger entity is widely recognized for its outdoor education programs. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and are trained in wilderness medicine. The program is an overnight expedition focusing on outdoor skills, leadership, and personal development. Google reviews for 'Outward Bound' generally show a high rating, often above 4.5 stars, with participants frequently praising the transformative experiences and skilled instructors. Social media handles @outwardbound on Instagram and 'OutwardBound' on Facebook are linked from the main site.
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 16–18
Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in outdoors/nature, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Outdoors/Nature
- Ages: 16–18
- Address: 4800 Co Rd 114, Florissant, CO 80816, USA
- Phone: 866-467-7651
- Cost notes: $3,375
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: outdoor
Frequently asked about Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft
- What ages does Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft accept?
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft is open to children ages 16–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft cost?
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft publishes $2,953/week for the standard session. $3,375 Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- Who runs Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft?
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft is operated by a nonprofit organization. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft provide lunch?
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft.
- Sanborn Western Camps · Sanborn Western Camps · Ages 8–16 · $1,850/week
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft · Ages 16–18 · $2,844/week
- Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft · Ages 12–14 · $2,898/week
- Southwest Pathfinder – Canyoneer and Raft · Ages 14–15 · $439/week