Our 2011 Programs

The OARS Foundation offers week long trips built around the floating classroom concept in which we raft, hike and explore the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park, the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the Main Salmon River in Idaho. Here, these rivers remain relatively unobstructed by upstream dams and still run free through some of the most exceptional scenes in the Western U.S., offering a unique perspective of how this region may have appeared to early explorers and Native Americans. Our lessons are location-specific and focus on the ecosystems, geology, history and hydrology of the environment. Each program will include daily opportunities for side canyon exploration, discussion of expeditionary skills and equipment orientation, night time activities, campfire gatherings and plenty of time for introspection. Post-trip, students will be asked to complete a follow-up assignment which involves applying what they have learned during the week to an issue confronting their communtity. Read more about the Community Response Requirement.

 
  • July 16 – July 23, 2011
  • July 23 – Jul 31, 2011

$1,399/per student + $80/per student for R/T transportation from Salt Lake City ($1479)
Ages: 16 - 18 yrs
River rating: Class III

 


COLORADO RIVER 8-DAYS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

Join a group of knowledgeable educators and experienced river guides for a week of collaborative teaching and learning on the Colorado River. Your day will be spent whitewater rafting and hiking in Canyonlands National Park and are combined with in-depth discussion of the region’s fascinating geological, archeological, sustainability, paleontological, hydrological, Native American cultural while students and teachers alike team up to explore the challenges that face our ailing planet.

Additional Topics – The effects and relevance of invasive species and riparian destruction.

View program details here

 
  • June 4 – June 11, 2011
  • June 18 – June 25, 2011

COST: $1,699/adult + $80/person for R/T transportation from Salt Lake City to Moab ($1779)
$1,399/student (18-23 with valid College ID) + $80/person for R/T transportation from Salt Lake City to Moab ($1479)

Ages: All ages with college emphasis
River rating: Class III


COLORADO RIVER 7-DAYS COLLEGE PROGRAM

Our program for university level students offers two challenging and thought provoking trips.

June 4 Trip: Personal Ecology and Principles of Permaculture
with personal ecology pioneer and permaculture authority Trathen Heckman

Join Trathen Heckman, executive director of both Daily Acts and Green Sangha, and California singer/songwriter Megan Slankard for an educational and inspiring week on the Colorado River in Utah’s spectacular Canyonlands National Park. more...

June 18 Trip: Community, Gestalt, Architecture and Design in Nature
with author, green architect, and activist Nathaniel Corum from Architecture for Humanity

Join author, activist, and green architect Nathaniel Corum and Austin singer/songwriter Patrice Pike for a glorious week on the Colorado River in Utah’s spectacular Canyonlands National Park. more...

 
  • May 22 – May 29, 2011
$950/person + $80/person R/T transportation from Salt Lake City to Vernal
Ages: 18 - 22 years
River rating: Class III


GREEN RIVER THROUGH THE GATES OF LODORE 8-DAYS COLLEGE PROGRAM

This trip will focus on the rich geological and prehistoric history of the Green & Colorado River watershed. The trip will also include a one day restoration project in Dinosaur National Monument.

 

View program details here

 
  • June 20 – June 27, 2011

$1,435/person + $80/person for R/T transportation from Boise ($1515)
Ages: 16 - 18 yrs
River rating: Class III - IV


MAIN SALMON RIVER 8-DAYS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

This trip will focus on the importance of watersheds and the impact of humans and the ways in which we manage our natural resources. 

Explore the longest undammed river in the mainland U.S., the Main Salmon offers a rich river experience; free-flowing Class III whitewater with big sandy beaches perfect for camping and playing.

View program details here

 
  • July 7 – July 14, 2011
$950/person + $80/person R/T transportation from Salt Lake City to Vernal ($1030)
Ages: All ages with college emphasis
River rating: Class III-IV


YAMPA RIVER 8-DAYS COLLEGE PROGRAM

This trip will focus on the importance of the Yampa & Colorado River watershed and how an invasive species has altered not only the landscape, but the overall management of various watersheds in the Western U.S. The trip will also include a one day restoration project in Dinosaur National Monument.

 

View program details here