To ensure the safest experience, River Runners begin their week with two land-based periods where they get to know one another and establish rules and behavior expectations. Soon enough, they are on the river learning or polishing the basic canoeing strokes, and getting to know their initial paddling partners. The day wraps up with both on-land and on-the-river games and challenges.
Tuesday includes personal goal setting, practicing basic strokes, working on more advanced strokes, and working with new paddling partners. In the afternoon campers typically tackle an on-river obstacle course or treasure hunt.
On Wednesday, campers prepare for their day-long river adventure by pairing up to practice their strokes, learning to portage, planning the field games to play at their lunchtime picnic spot, and strategizing how to divide the food and equipment needed on the trip. Of course, there are plenty of on-land and on-the-river games and challenges sprinkled through the day!
Thursday is the big trip day! (unless thunderstorms are predicted, in which case the trip will move to other day)
On Friday, campers work on any remaining elements to achieve their personal goals and earn their certificate. Favorite on-land and on-the-river games are played and campers face a final river challenge. The week wraps-up with time on the NEOC giant slip-n-slide and s'mores.

River Runners set personal goals to achieve canoeing certifications:

• Intro to Canoeing
• Stroke Mastery
• Essentials of River Canoeing
• River Canoeing
• Advanced River Canoeing