How to Use Rafts in Elementary

River rafting gets you onto the scenic rivers and streams of our natural world. For many, rafting trips seem out of reach, but our natural world is not as "far away" or inaccessible as many think. Learning about the accessibility of the waterways can begin at an early age. Field trips for elementary school children get them out in various settings to gain hands-on experience, including how to use rafts. A river rafting trip is a solid method for introducing kids to the natural world in an exciting way.

Instructions

    • 1

      Organize a day outing with a mild river rafting trip for the elementary school kids. Talk with potential guide outfits and ask them if they offer trips on Class I and II water. This is mild water with a current. Avoid any water over Class II when rafting with elementary school children as the danger increases with each classification level of water.

    • 2

      Book a rafting field day for the children in paddle rafts, if at all possible. A paddle raft has each passenger assisting with the paddling, making it a hands-on experience. Teach the children, with the guide, the importance of teamwork, wearing safety equipment and sharing.

    • 3

      Coordinate, with the guide, the manifest of each raft. The rafts need to be weight balanced. Assign children to the rafts so the weight is equally distributed. A good guide knows how to setup the manifests. Teach the youngsters how to put on helmets and life vests, called PFDs.

    • 4

      Hold a special class before the trip to teach the elementary school children about the raft parts, such as the thwarts -- the tubes running in the center of the boat -- and the chambers of the main raft. Teach them about the animals they may see, the geography of the river and basic map reading skills.