Summer Camps
The Mud will wash off but the Memories will last a lifetime ~Author Unknown
Summer Camps
It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms a child. ~Author Unknown
Summer Camps
Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play. ~Penny Whitehouse
Summer Camps
Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play. ~Penny Whitehouse
Summer Camps
Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play. ~Penny Whitehouse

Summer Camps

Nature Kids for ages 7-12!

Nature Camp Teaches about Leadership, Confidence, Art & Ecology.

River & Trail Outfitters has been facilitating outdoor adventures for countless scouts, campers, school groups, churches, and families for since 1972. The need for kids to have healthy, engaged, active outdoor experiences has never been greater. We are excited to use our decades of experience to now offer summer camps!  Starting 2026 River & Trail will be accepting Hope Scholarship funds for camp!

Nature Camps with 5-day sessions

River & Trail is launching our own nature-based summer camps to share our knowledge and love of the outdoors with local kids and families. Campers will experience in hands-on fashion the natural gems in the tri-state area of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. We are fortunate to have three national parks and two rivers in our own community backyard. 

Age-Appropriate Outdoor Activities

Rest assured that all activities will be age appropriate and with safety as the top priority. River & Trail has been fortunate to have teachers, educators, and camp enthusiasts as part of our camp development team. Your kids will benefit from their expertise and experience.

Developing Kids’ Confidence, resourcefulness, resilience & more

Our goal with Nature Camps is to provide opportunities for positive experiences with nature, and as an extension of this, have them gain confidence, a sense of connectedness to their natural environment, and develop leadership qualities such as responsibility, confidence, perseverance, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude.

Outdoor Summer Camp Activities & Challenges!

Parents:  Note that all adventures will be done at the  age-appropriate level for each age group!

So with all the known benefits of getting your kids outside, come join us this summer for a week or more of fun in the sun!

Nature Education and Leadership Skills Building

Day campers will enjoy leadership, art and nature education as well – all disguised in fun and adventure, of course! 

  • Activities and discussion that foster leadership qualities
  • Nature-based art & ecology

So with all the known benefits of getting your kids outside, come join us this summer for a week or more of fun in the sun!

hope scholarship information

Do you already have Hope Scholarship funds for your child(ren)? If you do, you can find us in the Hope Scholarship portal after you log in.  
 
Click on Marketplace, then select “Jefferson County” in the dropdown box.  You would also select “Vendor,” then select “Summer Education Program,” and click “Apply.”
 
Scroll down and click on the “River & Trail Outfitters” logo to see our camp offerings.  You save an additional $50 by signing up by May 15th.  
 
If you do not have the Hope Scholarship for your kid(s), visit the FAQ section of their website for more information.
 
To qualify for the Hope Scholarship, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • The student must be a resident of the State of West Virginia and remain a resident while participating in the program.
  • The student must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a West Virginia public school in grades K-12 at the time of application for a specific school year.
  • For incoming kindergarten students, the student must be at least five years old prior to July 1.
  • The student cannot have already successfully completed a secondary education program.
  • The student must be under 21 years of age.
Summer Camp Kayaking

Nature Kids Summer Camp

  • 2026 Dates:  June 15 – 19, June 22 – 26, July 27 – July 31 , August 3 – 7

    *10 camper minimum to run a camp session*

  • Age range: 7-12 yrs old
  • Pricing: $375/person, plus taxes and fees
  • Save $50/person by signing up by May 15!
  • Schedule: Drop Off: 8:15- 8:45am Pick up between: 3:30 – 4:00pm
Reserve your spot!
Kayaking in the river

Nature Bound Teen Challenge

  • Dates: Coming in 2027
Reserve your spot!

Nature Kids Summer Camps FAQs

Nature Kids Summer Camps were inspired by River & Trail Outfitter’s founder and former CEO, Lee Baihly.  Lee was a lifelong adventurer of rivers and trails and was passionate about sharing this love with others!  Starting as an Eagle Scout in Minnesota,  Lee had a particular desire to attract campers, scouts, and youth groups to learn about and explore the rich natural beauty and history of our unique area. River & Trail is excited to invite your children to be a part of this legacy, which has been evolving for 50+ years strong.

River & Trail prioritizes safety above all else.  All river guides receive training following the WV DNR standards.

In addition, all staff are First Aid and CPR certified and hired for their ability to teach and work with children in an outdoor setting.

All activities will be appropriate to the age and ability level of each participant.  Children should be in reasonably good health and be comfortable participating in river or climbing activities.   Our minimum age is 7 years old for this camp.

Camper registration & payment is required in advance on-line or over the phone.  Call us with questions or for help at 301.834.9950. Please note that there is a 10 camper minimum per session. 

River & Trail will notify camp families if we decide to cancel any camp sessions. If we cancel a camp session, 100% of your payment will be refunded. In the rare and unfortunate case where a child cannot continue camp due to behavior, there will be no refund with or without insurance. 

Without Trip Insurance: No money refunds are given. However, with at least 7 days notice, you may reschedule your camper to a different week of camp or receive a credit for the amount that you paid with no penalty. Your credit can be used towards any activity or retail with River & Trail. 

With Trip Insurance: Cancel up to 7 days in advance of camp for any reason and receive a full refund for your camper. Cancellations within 7 days and with at least 3 hours notice of the first day of camp can receive a credit to use at a later date. The cost of the insurance is non refundable. 

All campers and a parent/guardian of campers will be asked to sign a waiver of liability prior to the start of camp.  This waiver will cover all activities that take place during this camp.  Please review the waiver so that you understand its contents.  The waiver is available to be signed electronically for each camper.  Please refer to your confirmation email for the link to sign.  

Please consult with your physician with any questions or concerns about participating in this camp.

 River & Trail will adapt to weather or water level conditions accordingly.  We have years of experience in doing this and reserve the right to change any activity or trip due to weather or high or low river conditions.  Please have your campers ready to go on trips rain or shine!  Everyone is guaranteed to get wet on the river anyway.

Please leave all electronics, jewelry, and anything valuable at home since they could get wet, damaged, or lost.

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