JG Special Events

Spring Session | Summer Session 1 | Summer Session 2 | Fall Session

16 years or older? Become a State Lifeguard

Bike Day

Bike Day is a regularly scheduled day from 9 AM - 3 PM

Date: TBA

Starting location 9 AM - NEGRO BAR STATE PARK

We will be riding from Negro Bar to Nimbus Flats / the Fish Hatchery then back to Negro Bar.

Parents are asked to pick their child up at 3 PM from Negro Bar State Park.

*Please note start/ending locations are subject to change based on trail conditions and you will be notified in advance if that is the case.

Please be sure to bring your child and his or her bike. If your child does not have a bike we suggest reaching out on our parents facebook page to see if there is anyone willing to loan one. All bikes must be in working order with inflated tires, a chain, working breaks, etc. Every child MUST HAVE A HELMET and a WORKING BIKE in order to participate. Additionally, your child MUST be in closed toed tennis shoes for Bike Day. No flip flops will be allowed.

Children are responsible for carrying their own lunches. We suggest putting them in a paper bag and in a backpack for the day. Be sure to pack PLENTY of water and sunscreen as well!

Camping Trip

Camping typically takes place at New Brighton State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA during week 3 of the program from Tuesday through Friday.

Tuesday and Friday will not have regularly scheduled JGs as these days are for travel to the campground and campground set up/clean up. Please do not plan to arrive to the campground any sooner than 2 PM. All families attending the trip will be required to fill out a camping contract prior to the trip.

There will be a camping meeting on Tuesday evening (approximately 8 PM) in the campground to welcome campers and discuss rules as well as any pertainant information. Exact location/time TBD - this will be announced the day of on social media as well as while we check in with campers.

Wednesday from 9 AM - 3 PM we will be having regularly scheduled JGs. Exact beach location TBD - this will be announced Tuesday evening at the camper meeting when we are down there and able to assess the beaches at that particular time.

Thursday from 9 AM - 3 PM we will have JGs at Manresa State Beach *Location subject to change*

Please keep in mind that the camping trip is not supervised by program staff outside of the regular program hours. You will need to be in attendance with your child or make accommodations for your child to attend with another family if you wish for them to participate.

Shared group camping sites will be provided. We will not be providing accommodations for RVs/Trailers. There will be tent camping in shared group sites only. If you wish to bring an RV or trailer, please make your own arrangements using ReserveCalifornia.

More information will become available via email as the trip gets closer.

Rafting Day

Rafting Day is a regularly scheduled day from 9 AM to 3 PM

Date: TBA

Drop Off / Pick Up for Rafting Day will be at American River Raft Rentals

11257 S Bridge St, Gold River, CA 95670

All of your child's belongings should fit in a single gallon sized ziplock bag with their name on it. No exceptions. All JGs must have sunscreen, food, and water. We suggest not bringing a towel as it will just get wet anyways.

All JGs must be in their shorts, rashguard (NO T-SHIRT), and closed toed shoes.

Your child must be in closed toed shoes with a strap on them in order to participate in rafting day. We recommend tennis shoes, water shoes, or Crocs.

We will be on 12 man rafts traveling down the American River. Each raft will be accompanied by a State Parks Lifeguard as well as youth assistants and parents. Each child will be professionally fitted for a life vest by the American River Raft Rentals. When we get to the San Juan Rapids, we will be escorting the children down the rapids without a raft. This is completely safe as we will have many lifeguards stationed in the segment of rapids ensuring the safety of everyone. Learning how to appropriately navigate rapids without a raft is an important part of our program to equip your child with the necessary knowledge of what they should do should they ever be faced with this situation. We will model the correct positioning and ensure that each participant successfully makes it through the rapids. This task is often one of the most nerve-racking parts of the program but after they are finished they are usually begging to do it again. We never force any child to do this portion of the rafting trip but we do encourage them to watch their friends do it and to consider doing it as it is a very valuable lesson.

All JGs will be bussed back to the starting point after we get off the river so please be aware we could be back anytime between 3-3:30 PM. Pick up location will be the same as the drop off location. Pick up will be at approximately 3 PM.