For campers who love the water
Go With The Flow
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Ages: 14–17
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Two Weeks: $3,880
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Focus: Paddling skills, river travel, teamwork
Experience: Prior paddling experience helpful but not required
Go With The Flow Camp is a two-week, water-based expedition designed for teens who love paddling, travel, and challenge. This specialty program takes campers across rivers, lakes, and whitewater throughout Virginia and West Virginia—moving camp by boat and building skills along the way.
Campers don’t just visit the water—they live on it. Each day brings new rivers, new challenges, and new opportunities to grow as paddlers and teammates.
Paddle Farther. Read the River. Trust the Team.
Skill progression on the water
Campers build strong paddling foundations while progressing toward more technical water. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they learn:
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Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboard techniques
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River reading and current management
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Navigation and trip planning on moving water
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Class I–III whitewater skills
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Swiftwater safety and rescue fundamentals
Instruction is hands-on and progressive, helping campers gain confidence and control in real river environments.
More Than Just Paddling
Adventure beyond the river
While the river is the backbone of the trip, Go With The Flow is a full wilderness expedition. Campers camp along riverbanks, cook meals together, manage gear, and take responsibility for daily travel and group decisions.
Along the way, they build outdoor skills like fire building, knot tying, water purification, and Leave No Trace—learning how to live responsibly and confidently outside.
Midway through the session, the group steps off the water for rock climbing at sandstone cliffs in West Virginia, adding a new dimension of challenge and skill-building. The experience culminates with a professionally guided whitewater rafting trip through the New River Gorge, navigating powerful Class IV–V rapids as a grand finale.
Our staff is WA-some
Safety & Supervision
All water activities are led by experienced instructors hired for their expertise and trained in Wilderness First Aid. Campers receive thorough safety briefings, participate in structured skill progression, and are supported by strong supervision on and off the water.
A Swiftwater Rescue clinic and clear safety protocols help campers build confidence while maintaining a culture of responsibility and care.
The WAEL difference
Camp life
Evenings are spent camping beside the river—sharing stories, laughing around the fire, and reflecting on the day’s challenges. Living and traveling together builds strong friendships and a deep sense of connection that only comes from shared adventure.
For more than 30 years, Wilderness Adventure has been guided by four core values:
Respect · Attitude · Work Ethic · Communication (RAWC)
Go With The Flow brings these values to life on the river—where teamwork, trust, and clear communication matter with every mile traveled.
A Week of Go With The Flow
Sample Itinerary
*This is an example itinerary based on past years' trips. Go With the Flow is a two-week program. This example shows a typical week. For exact information on this year's itinerary, please contact us!
1
Launch the Journey
Campers arrive, get issued gear, and meet their paddling group and instructors. The afternoon focuses on trip orientation, river safety basics, and packing systems before the group backpacks to their first campsite. The evening includes backcountry cooking, camp setup, and discussions about expectations, teamwork, and what it means to live and travel together on the water.
2
Build the Foundation
The day begins with paddling instruction on calm water, focusing on stroke technique, boat control, and communication on the river. In the afternoon, campers apply these skills on a longer paddle, learning how to move efficiently as a group. The evening includes outdoor skills like fire building and knot tying, followed by reflection around the campfire.
3
Read the River
Campers paddle a scenic stretch of river, learning how to read current, identify hazards, and make smart decisions on moving water. Along the way, they practice ferrying, eddy turns, and group spacing. After setting up camp riverside, campers enjoy a swim, dinner, and time to relax together after a big day on the water.
4
Whitewater Skills & Safety
The focus shifts to more dynamic water as campers begin navigating Class I–II rapids. Instructors introduce river rescue concepts, safety positioning, and teamwork strategies. The afternoon balances paddling with a Swiftwater safety clinic, building confidence and awareness. Campers end the day tired, proud, and excited for what’s ahead.
5
Adventure Beyond the River
Midweek brings a change of pace as campers step off the water for a rock climbing day at sandstone cliffs in West Virginia. The challenge builds trust, confidence, and problem-solving skills in a new environment. After climbing, the group returns to camp to share stories and recharge for the next stretch of river travel.
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Paddle Farther, Together
Campers return to the water for a longer travel day, combining flatwater paddling with moving current. The group manages navigation, pacing, and camp setup with increasing independence. Evening discussions focus on communication, leadership, and how individual choices impact the group—key themes for expedition living.
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Big Water, Big Confidence
The final day of Week One is a full adventure day. Campers take on one of the most exciting river sections so far, applying everything they’ve learned about river reading, safety, and teamwork. After a celebratory dinner and campfire, the group reflects on how far they’ve come—ready to take on even bigger challenges in Week Two.
Is my camper ready?
More info on Go With The Flow
Go With The Flow is a great fit for campers who:
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Love being on the water
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Enjoy travel-based adventure
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Are comfortable camping outdoors
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Want to build independence and teamwork skills
Challenge/fitness level
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Campers progress at an appropriate pace
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Instruction scales to experience and comfort level
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Rivers and challenges are carefully selected
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Challenge by choice: campers are never required to participate beyond their comfort zone
Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):
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Lodging and meals throughout the expedition
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All paddling instruction and safety training
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Kayaks, canoes, paddles, PFDs, and technical gear
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Transportation during the program
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Guided whitewater rafting experience
Not included in tuition:
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Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled campers)
Let's find your adventure.
Got questions or ready to dive in? The WAEL team is here to help - you're in good hands.