Meeting each day for camp
Camp kids will be dropped off by a parent or guardian at a prearranged meet location. The location will not be public knowledge to help keep kids and guide crew safe. It will be supplied to parents and guardians via phone call, text and email.
Contacting the guides during the day
In most cases we will not have cell service, but when we are back in range we will check messages, both text as well as voicemail. We will have a set itinerary for each day so parents and guardians know where the kids are.
Emergencies
Safety is our number one priority. In the event of an accident or illness we will administer field first-aide. If we feel the situation requires professional treatment we will head to the ER or nearest Urgent Care. Parents will be contacted immediately. In a more urgent emergency we will notify help through a satellite communicator.
Avoiding injury and safety
We will be fairly strict on a couple safety points during the day. When we are casting flies and fishing we will ask kids to wear sunglasses at all times. It is super important for the parents to reiterate this at home when talking about the camp. That is prior to day one as well during the week. Life jackets will be worn at all times when on any lake we explore. No exception, when swimming, on a boat or paddle board they must have one on.
Horse play that has the potential to endanger or harm another child will not be tolerated.
Covid protocols
Keeping staff and camp kids healthy is our number one focus. As for covid we will use common sense. Face masks will not be required but recommend when in vehicles. If you have covid concerns please let us know. If you child is not feeling well we do ask they stay home for a day or two till they feel better (or to the conditions set by the Colorado Health Department).
Rio Epic will supply:
- Kids sized wading boots and neoprene wading socks. If you child is not comfortable being wet we can have waders on hand. Just let us know prior to the first day of camp.
- Rod and reel - if they have their please have them bring it!
- Flies, tackle and other fishing supplies
- Insect collecting kits and nets
- Observation tanks
- Fish identification sheet
What the kids need to bring each day
- Day pack for their stuff and a hydration pack
- Sunglasses (important to have for safety) with neck strap
- Hat (wide brim or ball cap)
- Sun mask or Buff (for sun protection)
- Light weight shirt, sun top or hoody as well as shorts or light weight pants
- Rain jacket, even if it is sunny in the morning
- Fleece top or hoody for any morning or afternoon chill
- Sunscreen (please apply before the day too!)
- Medications (prescribed inhalers or epi pen) Please let us know of any health or dietary concerns at the start of each day
- Shoes that can get dirty, wet or muddy (river shoes like Keens or slip-ons are best)
- Beach towel (Wednesday Lake Day)
- Change of socks (yeah, your kid will get wet!)
- Youth sized lifejacket (Bring day one) If you don’t have one let us know. We have extras.
- A willingness to learn, have fun and a big sense of adventure!
Food and Drink
- Hearty lunch and lots of snacks (they will be hungry!)
- Personal water bottle. With the warm days the kids will go through a couple of them. We'll have extra.
- Feel free to bring personal fly rods if you have them. Just let us know if you plan to send your child with one.
Lake day/Animas or San Juan Float:
- Youth sized lifejacket, Stand-up paddle board or ducky
- Any other small boat (non motorized) We will have a trailer to transport all boats and boards.
FAQ
Will my child need a fishing license?
Yes and No, in New Mexico for our San Juan float trip and one day New Mexico fishing license is required for kids 12 and older. In Colorado kids 16 and up need one.
Can we contact our child during the day?
In some cases we will have cell service during the day, however, much of the time we will not. We will have a detailed itinerary available for each parent.
Can we tip the guides?
There is no better way to put a big smile on your guides face at the end of camp is too hook then up with a gratuity. Gratuities are not included in the cost of the camp. Tips help the guides with the numerous expenses that are involved in each day of camp. Fuel, flies and gear are all the responsibility of your guide. Tipping a guide is very similar to an experience in a restaurant. If you feel the guide went above and beyond many parents will go above and beyond.
Do you have a policy for bully and disruptive behavior?
We will not tolerate bully behavior or any behavior or actions that will cause injury to another child. Mental and physical abuse will not be tolerated. The guides will handle every situation calmly and will not shame any child. If need be the child will sit out and reflect on the situation for a short time. If the situation requires a chat with a parent we will do so. If the situation continues the child will be asked to skip the next camp day.
Will the kids have screen time?
There will be no screen time during the day while we are in our actives. Simply no time! It will be left to the parent if the child will be allowed to use a screen during the time we drive to our destinations.
Extreme weather? Does Rio Epic have a weather plan?
As you all know, the weather in our region can be very unpredictable. Even though we have numerous beautiful sunny days, there are times that heavy rain can come in quickly. If it looks like a monsoon is going to force us off the water for an extended period of time we might have to call the day short. That will be at the discretion of the guides. A call and text will be sent out to a parent or guardian.
Keeping it safe during a thunderstorm is paramount. Fly rods will be put down and we will move to safe location or a vehicle.
