River Runners is a short drive from the following Boy Scout ranch destinations in Colorado & New Mexico

• Philmont Scout Ranch
• Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch
• Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch
• San Isabel Scout Ranch
• Camp Alexander
• Rocky Mountain High Adventure Base Camp

• CPR and First Aid certifications are required to complete the White Water Merit Badge (Not provided by River Runners, but can be arranged for additional fee)
• Review the first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while white water rafting or kayaking. This includes hypothermia, heat reaction, dehydration, insect stings, blisters, bruises, cuts, and shoulder dislocation.
• Review and compare BSA Safety Afloat and the American White water safety guidelines and demonstrate these principles.
• Identify and explain the use and importance of safety equipment on moving water. Discussion about throw ropes, whistles, and how to choose and properly fit personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets.
• Explain the terms downstream V, riffle, strainer, eddy, eddy line, pillow, ledge, bend, shallows, falls, low-head dam, current, rock, drop, horizon line, wave, standing wave, hydraulic, and sleeper.
• Paddle an inflatable kayak from bridge to beach – portaging back and forth.
• Move the inflatable kayak forward in a reasonably straight line for 10 yards.
• Move the inflatable kayak sideways to the right and to the left.
• Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.
• Stop the inflatable kayak.
• Discuss good judgment when evaluating a stretch of river or a particular rapid.
• Explain how to scout and read a river while ashore and while afloat, and discuss the importance of hazard recognition.
• Demonstrate your ability to read the river where you are practicing and demonstrating your white water skills.
• Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty and apply the scale to the stretch of river where you are practicing and demonstrating your white water skills. Identify the specific characteristics of the river that are factors in your classification according to the International Scale.
• Explain the importance of communication during every white water outing. Explain and then demonstrate using the following river signals: “Run right,” “Run left,” “Run down the center,” “Stop,” “Are you OK?” and “Help!”
• Explain the differences between flat water and white water canoes. Identify the different materials used in modern white water canoe construction and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Describe the various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.
• Identify the advantages and special uses for kayaks and decked canoes in moving water.
• Discuss the construction, safety, and functional features of paddles used in white water activities.
• Discuss the personal and group equipment necessary for a safe white water outing and how and why it is used. Explain how to pack and protect these items.
• Wearing the proper personal flotation device (PFD) and being appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions.
• Self-rescue and procedures when capsized in moving water, including a wet exit if necessary.
• Safe rescue of others in various white water situations using a throw rope
• Portaging – when and how to do it.
• Discuss the special safety precautions that should be taken when using an inflatable raft and the risks of “tubing” on moving water.