Environmental Traveling Companions

River Program - ETC provides accessible and educational whitewater rafting trips for over 1,675 participants with disabilities and under-resourced youth annually with the help of our highly-trained and enthusiastic volunteer guides and paid river staff. ETC partners with over 50 agencies and schools to serve a diverse client base including economically disadvantaged youth and people with mobility and visual impairments, developmental disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. On the river, ETCs participants learn about the human and natural history of the American River, riparian ecology, and ecological conservation. Most river trips are conducted on the South Fork American River and run from ETCs ecologically designed and accessible River Camp in Coloma, CA.

Youth LEAD Program- Youth from under resourced backgrounds join ETC on 14 to 21-day outdoor leadership courses. The program serves 48 students on four courses annually. The students camp and learn together as they build leadership and communication skills, learn about the environment, and develop a stewardship ethic. While sea kayaking, rafting a whitewater river, or backpacking in the Sierras, our youth leaders face challenges, gain confidence, and realize their dreams in a supportive community. For eight outstanding alumni, ETC offers an intensive 8-month Fellowship program that provides mentorship and opportunities for students to put their new leadership skills into action. These programs offer young people the opportunity to discover themselves in the natural resources that sustain our lives.