“Life Altering” and “The River Changed Me” are two typical quotes from those who have become ICO rafting guides. It’ll change your life forever!
For over 44 years, ICO has provided whitewater guide training for adults and youth. The tradition continues in 2026 with a nine day river camp on June 27 - July 5! Trainees will stay at Camp Lotus on the South Fork of the American River with daily rafting instruction on the river. The summer camp is free, including food and instruction. Up to twelve guide trainees will be selected for this opportunity. If you are committed to learning how to read the river, guide a raft, and lead people safely through class III whitewater, consider becoming an ICO river guide.
The training is intensive: A 4-hour class in the Bay Area, a 2 hour Zoom Class and then a nine-day river camp will take place on June 27 – July 5. Every day you will run the river with instruction from expert guides, and then enjoy camp life. This is a collaborative camp, so all trainees will be expected to be working with everyone else on cooking, doing dishes, other camp chores and all rafting-related tasks.
Reno ICO volunteers and group leaders are encouraged to make this opportunity available to youth that have been on an ICO trip of any kind (snowshoeing, rafting, hiking, etc.) No rafting experience is necessary, but youth participants who are 14 and above should be able to swim, demonstrate responsible behavior, and show some promise as a leader.
As a trained ICO River Guide, you will learn how to safely take youth and adult participants down the river, all the while enjoying the nature, challenge, the beauty, and of course learning more about yourself!
To learn more about the training and the role of an ICO River Guide, click here.
The ICO Whitewater Guide Training Application contains details about the training and is due April 15, 2026. If you have questions or want to strategize about opening up the training to your youth participants, contact Rob Schamberg, Reno ICO Chair and ICO River Guide. You can also contact Shane Doong, ICO Rafting Training Coordinator with any questions.
A note from Rob: Back in the 1980's as a high school teacher, several of my students were trained as river guides. 46 years later, most are still active in whitewater rafting and kayaking. Some of them have been trainers over the years. Simply, this is a great way to help young people create a rich, healthy, outdoor lifestyle! And one more thing... Suzy and I met during an ICO whitewater rafting training, were engaged a year later, and are in our 42nd year as soulmates. I am very excited that three Reno ICO volunteers and participants have been trained and take people down the river each summer.
