Scout Groups
Whitewater Merit Badge Rafting Trips on the American River
Scout troops have been coming to Whitewater Excitement for over 50 years to earn their Whitewater Merit Badge, raft the American River, and experience one of California’s finest outdoor adventure programs.
We work with BSA troops, Girl Scout groups, Venture Crews, and all youth organizations. Our program combines whitewater rafting, riverside camping, outdoor education, and full Whitewater Merit Badge instruction – all in one trip.
Our private basecamp sits directly on the banks of the South Fork of the American River in Lotus, California, giving your troop the perfect home base for a complete outdoor adventure.
Scout Group Discounts
Scout groups receive special discounted pricing – typically 10–15% lower than our standard retail rates. Our program is designed to make the adventure affordable and accessible for youth organizations of all sizes.
Your Scout adventure may include:
- Guided whitewater rafting on the South Fork American River
- Full Whitewater Merit Badge instruction and certification
- Private riverside camping at our basecamp in Lotus, CA
- Hearty meals and group dining
- Professional guides with decades of river experience
- Outdoor education and river ecology
We work directly with troop leaders to design a program that fits your group size, experience level, budget, and schedule.
Teaching Scouts Through Outdoor Adventure
Whitewater rafting gives Scouts something that’s hard to find anywhere else – a real challenge in a real environment. Away from screens and routines, Scouts learn to read rivers, communicate under pressure, support each other, and push past their comfort zones.
Our program encourages Scouts to develop:
- Leadership and teamwork on the water
- Confidence through new challenges
- Respect for the natural environment
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Our entire staff is dedicated to providing a safe, memorable, and educational experience for every Scout on the river.
Earn Your Whitewater Merit Badge
Whitewater Excitement is proud to offer full Whitewater Merit Badge instruction. Scouts can complete their badge requirement on the trip – not just work toward it.
Phillip and Norm Schoenhoff bring over 60 years of combined whitewater rafting and kayaking experience, from beginner Class II rivers to challenging Class V whitewater. They lead Merit Badge seminars before and during your troop’s river trip, covering both classroom instruction and hands-on river skills.
Topics covered include:
- River safety and whitewater awareness
- Reading river features and hazards
- Paddle techniques and boat teamwork
- Basic rescue and safety procedures
- Environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace
Programs are fully customizable for your troop. Call us to discuss your group’s needs and we’ll design the right experience.
Scout Rafting FAQ
Yes. Scouts complete their full Whitewater Merit Badge requirement on the trip. Phillip and Norm provide Merit Badge instruction as part of the program – your Scouts leave with the badge earned, not just partial credit.
We welcome BSA troops, Girl Scout groups, Venture Crews, and all youth organizations. If you have a group of young people who want to experience the river, we’ll build a program for you.
Most Scout trips run on the South Fork of the American River – one of California’s most accessible and beautiful whitewater rivers, right in our backyard in Lotus, CA.
Yes. Scout groups can stay at our private riverside campground in Lotus, California, directly on the banks of the South Fork American River. It’s the perfect basecamp for a full outdoor adventure.
Most trips are appropriate for Scouts 7 years and older, depending on river conditions and the trip you choose. We’ll help you pick the right trip for your group’s ages and experience level.