(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 15, 2011 ) WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CALIF. - Fifty enthusiastic seventh and eighth grade students from South Fork Middle School will participate in an innovative, educationally focused community service program celebrating its 19th year. Scheduled for the week of May 2rd through 6th, the “South Fork Camp Trip” is sponsored by Kern River Outfitters, Sequoia National Forest, California Land Management and Mountain & River Adventures. The program focuses on developing teamwork and leadership skills and introduces teens to the value and rewards of serving their community.

2011 marks the 19th year of this nationally recognized program. The curriculum includes student service projects including erosion control, stream restoration and trail building, hands-on science and social studies curriculum, and adventure challenge/leadership activities such as river rafting and climbing. Over 1,350 students have participated in the program since its inception. The program was honored with a ‘Spirit of the Land’ award from the U.S. Olympic Organizing Committee and a Service Award from America Outdoors Association. Sequoia National Forest estimates that the value of the work that the students have completed is in excess of $85,000.

"The students really get a lot out of the program," comments Cheryl Bauer, Recreation Manager for the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest and co-director of the program. "We provide hands on work experiences and outdoor challenges for these students. Throughout the week you can see the kids’ work hard and their knowledge increase."

As a follow up to the Camp Trip, the South Fork School students will participate in a Job Shadow opportunity on June 3rd. The Job Shadow will give the students a chance to to learn about different professional and vocational jobs by working with adult workers throughout the Kern River Valley.

Kern River Outfitters has been rafting on the Kern River since 1980. With a staff of over 50 professional river guides and support personnel, the company and its affiliate, Idaho & Oregon River Journeys, run one- to six-day river trips in California, Oregon and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

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Contact Information:
Kern River Outfitters
Jim Ritter
Tel: 1-866-213-7754
Email us


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