Do you love adventure? Youth ages 12-18 are invited to join Ensign Peak Academy’s Youth Wilderness Adventure!
We will ride Snowbird’s Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, and ZipWhipper®, then experience an exciting Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, and a thrilling 2-day river rafting adventure in Moab, Utah.
Evening devotionals, Sunday worship and resiliency workshops strengthen testimonies and empower youth to overcome challenges.
Dates: June 22-25, 2024
Tuition: $585
The Adventure Begins at Snowbird
Saturday, June 22, 2024
The adventure starts high in the Wasatch mountains, at the Snowbird resort.
Meet the Vans in Sandy, Utah
Meet the vans at 10:30 am at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at Granite Ridge Ward, 9575 S 3100 E, Sandy, Utah. Youth adventurers will ride the vans from the chapel, up Little Cottonwood Canyon, to Snowbird Resort. (30-min drive)
Optional shuttle service is provided for Simulations Week attendees, from Mount Pleasant, Utah to the chapel in Sandy. Breakfast is included for students purchasing this service. Shuttle departs at 9:00 am from Wasatch Academy. Shuttle + Breakfast Fee: $20
The Adventure Begins!
11:00 am – The action starts at Snowbird (located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, 9385 S. Snowbird Center Dr., Snowbird, Utah). Passes will be given to the youth, which include the following activities:
ZipWhipper
Climb the wall and race the clock before the ZipWhipper® sends you on a pendulum swinging free fall.
Mountain Coaster
The Mountain Coaster is 3,120 feet of adrenaline-inducing twists and turns. Riders (up to 2 people per cart) board the Mountain Coaster near the base of the Peruvian Express chairlift and are pulled to the top of the track. Then, gravity takes over! The driver controls the cart’s speed throughout the ride and the cart remains firmly secured to the track.
Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide winds down Chickadee Bowl through twists, turns and even a tunnel. Practiced and inexperienced sliders alike will enjoy a thrilling ride down the dual-track slide. The driver controls the speed, no special skills are necessary.
Ropes Course
Walk high above the ground and experience exhilarating obstacles while fastened securely into a harness. Our Ropes Course offers an adventurous twist on climbing.
Bungee Trampoline
Fly high and test your air awareness with the Bungee Trampoline—an awesome activity for people of all ages and abilities. Located on the Peruvian Terrace, defy gravity by bouncing as big or small as you feel comfortable.
Climbing Wall
See Snowbird from a new vista. Snowbird’s 4-station Climbing Wall provides a challenging thrill for all ages. A harness is provided. Climbing shoes and prior climbing experience is not necessary.
Camping at Tanner’s Flat
The youth will camp in tents on Saturday and Sunday nights at Tanner’s Flat Campground, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, a few minutes drive from the Snowbird Resort.
Yummy Meals
Delicious meals will be provided by Molly Anderson, owner and chef of the Abundance restaurant.
Sunday Worship and Resiliency Workshops
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Breakfast at Tanner’s Flat Campground
Church Worship
10:00 am Depart in the vans to attend church
11:00 am Church Services at Granite Ridge Ward, 9575 S 3100 E, Sandy, Utah.
Lunch at Tanner’s Flat Campground
Resiliency Workshops
Location: Tanner’s Flat Campground
Youth will learn and practice resiliency skills founded in positive psychology. These are research-based, effective skills focused on practical application for empowering youth to overcome challenges, specifically challenges associated with anxiety and depression. These workshops will be led by John Pettijohn who was educated through BYU-Idaho’s Therapeutic Recreation program. Each workshop will support youth in learning and implementing life-changing skills that will help them navigate a healthy and happy life.
Dinner and overnight camping at Tanner’s Flat Campground
River Rafting in Moab
Monday – Tuesday, June 24-25, 2024
- Monday 6:00 am Depart Tanner’s Flat Campground, Drive to Moab, Utah
- Sack breakfast provided during the drive
- Monday 11:00 am 2-day River Expedition begins at the Big Bend Campsite
- Tuesday 4:00 pm River Expedition ends at Big Ben Campsite.
- Tuesday transportation provided back to Spanish Fork, Utah, with 5:30 pm dinner stop in Green River, La Veracruzana 125 Main St (bring your own money for dinner)
- Tuesday 8:30 pm Parent pick up at North Park, 1185 N 400 E, Spanish Fork, Utah
Go rafting on the Colorado River as we treat you to Moab’s most popular whitewater, a tasty riverside lunch, and magnificent scenery made famous by scores of movies and commercials. You may recognize the classic “Old West” canyon country from movies like “Wagonmaster” or John Wayne’s “Rio Grande.” This beautiful stretch of river borders Arches National Park on one side and several historic ranch properties on the other, all surrounded by wide-open public land. Seven to eight fun, splashy rapids provide an easy introduction to whitewater rafting, and in between you’ll find plenty of time for swimming, water fighting, soaking in the sun and taking in the views. After your trip, be sure to check out Moab Action Shots for photos of your ride through the biggest rapids of the day!
Registration Form
River Trip FAQs
Q. WHAT WILL ENSIGN PEAK ACADEMY BE PROVIDING
A. Tents, food, food service supplies and equipment, clothesline for drying clothing
Q. WHAT LEVEL OF WHITEWATER ARE WE GOING ON?
A. The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is fun and splashy Class I-II whitewater (on the Class I-VI scale). The first day is a calm water float that brings you into view of the beautiful Fisher Towers before camping. The second day is a
float down the Moab Daily section that has 5-7 sets of fun, splashy, whitewater. The water levels are generally higher early in the summer and provide a more intense whitewater experience, but the water is colder. Later in the summer the water levels
mellow and the water is warmer in the river which might be a better experience for those who like to swim in the river.
Q. HOW MANY MILES WILL WE ACTUALLY BE COVERING ON THE RIVER?
A. Maximum length is 20 miles on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River along Highway 128. Water conditions may alter the points of entry and take out each day.
Q. HOW WARM IS THE WATER AND CAN WE SWIM?
A. The water temperature in June is around 50-60 degrees. In July and August, the water can be 65-80 degrees. Swimming can be done on most of this section of the river. Due to the unpredictable depth of the Colorado River, there are sections
where your guide will tell you that swimming is not allowed. Please ask your guide if it is safe to swim. When exiting the raft into the water always go feet first.
Q. WHAT DO WE DO IF ONE OF OUR GROUP NEEDS FIRST AID?
A. Our guides are all trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and CPR and will have a first aid kit with them. If someone needs more urgent medical attention, we can arrange to have them taken into Moab, less than 30 miles away. We encourage
all groups to have their own basic first aid supplies in camp including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, and after sun care for sun burns and a supply of feminine hygiene products. We don’t require your group to bring a specific medical person.
Q. WHAT IS THE BEST SUNSCREEN TO BRING?
A. The best sun protection is a long sleeve shirt and long pants. From our experience the best sunscreen is the lotion type that is SPF 30-50. Anything more than 50 tends to have too many chemicals. We highly discourage the use of spray sunscreens as they tend to not be applied correctly and give a false sense of security in sun protection. The fumes are also obnoxious when sprayed in the close quarters on the rafts. In the past, some groups have complained about getting a rash thinking that it might be something in the water, but when dermatologists are consulted it is the use of sunscreen that is contaminated, outdated, or too high SPF that is generally the cause. Please avoid bringing spray sunscreen and sunscreen over 50 SPF.
Q. ARE THERE TOILET FACILITIES AVAILABLE?
A. There are vault toilets at the launch site and in the public campgrounds we use. During the day while on the river, there are limited toilet facilities for solid human waste. Each boat will have a solid waste disposal bag for emergencies if the need
arises and the raft is not able to get to the bathroom quick enough. The rule in the desert is to pee in the river during swimming. The longest time without access to a restroom facility is about 3 hours each day. Our guides (both male and female) are sensitive to the unique challenges that may be encountered by women while traveling in a wilderness area. Please don’t hesitate to ask them if there are questions concerning these issues. They are willing to help and are willing to make an emergency stop if needed. It is helpful for women to wear a swim top and short/swim trunks and/or have a skirt or wrap around sarong to wear while on the trip for more privacy. If needed, you do not have to swim on this trip. You still may get splashed from either water fights or the rapids. Ziploc bags are handy for storage and disposal of feminine hygiene products to use while on the river. Guide first aid kits on each raft contain a limited supply for emergencies. Please bring any other items as you deem necessary for the comfort of your group. Hand washing stations are set up in camp near the kitchen areas to wash hands after using the restrooms in camp. Hand sanitizer is available at lunch.
Q. WHAT KIND OF WEATHER CAN WE EXPECT?
A. The Moab area has warm weather from May to September. July and August are warmer than June. The temperatures in the summer generally range from 80-110 degrees during the day with 70-85 degrees at night. Rain is not common during
June and early July, but afternoon storms can be common in late July and August. The weather forecast can give you an idea of what to expect. If the forecast indicates rain come prepared because when it rains, it usually rains hard. Wind can also be a problem so be sure that all tents and items left in camp are secure before leaving camp for the day.
Q. WHAT KIND OF PERSONAL GEAR SHOULD WE BRING?
A. Each participant needs to bring their own sleeping bag, personal clothing, and toiletry items. There are bathrooms at the campsite available to change clothes before and after your trip, but it is also a good idea to set up a few tents as soon as you arrive to speed things up. Don’t bring anything that can’t get dirty. Quick drying shorts are the best to have as jeans don’t dry very quickly. Cotton t-shirts in the summer months are fine. We require that shorts or swim trunks be worn over swimsuits to avoid chafing and other discomfort from the rough surface of the boats or to keep from sliding off boats with smooth surfaces. Sometimes participants can be sore after their first day sitting on the boats. Closed toe shoes or sandals with an ankle strap work better while on the boats during the day as they stay on your feet and offer more protection for your toes, but there is no need to buy expensive water shoes and any sandals, flips, or slippers will do.
Q. CAN WE TAKE ANYTHING WITH US ON THE RAFTS?
A. It is not advisable to take anything on the raft with you except a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Your personal and camping gear is not taken on the river with you. Anything taken with you will get wet. Towels, extra clothes, and food are
not necessary to bring. Sometimes there is a rowboat along, which carries the lunch, first aid kits, etc. If there are medications you will need, please bring a small dry bag or we have some available to use while on the river. Some groups
find it helpful to have one dry bag on each boat to collect the items needed for the day (t-shirts, sunscreen, cameras). There will be a bag on each boat to keep the water bottles secured. Please do not give the guides personal items to hold for you in their dry bags.
Q. WHAT KIND OF RAFTS WILL WE BE ON?
A. You will be paddling 16-18′ paddle rafts. They hold 10-14 people plus the guide. If there is a rowing frame on the raft, this raft will hold 6-8 people along with the guide. Smaller two-person inflatable kayaks are also available. We typically send
1 or 2 kayaks for every 10-16 people in your group (depending on availability and water level). Each group is assigned their own set of rafts and inflatable kayaks prior to the departure. The paddle rafts require participants in the boat to paddle. For
liability and logistical reasons, we do not allow guests to bring their own boats or watercraft.
Q. DO WE HAVE TO WEAR LIFEJACKETS ALL THE TIME, AND CAN WE BRING OUR OWN?
A. Lifejackets are an absolute necessity any time you are near the water, including time in camp when you want to play in the river. We are required to use Coast Guard approved, Type V jackets that lists the intended use is “commercial white
water”, so please don’t bring your own unless it says that. The lifejackets we provide fit up to a 55 inch chest size. Type II, Type III or Type V rescue jackets are not acceptable by state law.
Q. IS DRINKING WATER PROVIDED?
A. We bring ample amounts of water for your group to drink. If the group starts running low, we bring out more. Drinking water is provided on the boats during the day and in camp at night in water coolers. Every participant should bring a 16-32 oz water bottle to keep with them for drinking on the boats and in camp. There is water on the main support raft that can be accessed at any time to refill water bottles. During warmer months, we try to get water coolers on each raft. We ask that the water out of the water jugs only be used for drinking and not for bathing, hand washing, or squirting each other out of the water bottles. Lemonade is also available in camp. Water enhancers are a nice way to give your water bottles a little extra flavor when you are on the river during the day. The best way to prevent dehydration is to start your group drinking at least a half a gallon of water per person per day a week before you come on the river. Most dehydration occurs because someone in the group shows up already dehydrated and can’t catch up drinking on the river. While we try to provide ice to keep the water cold, during the warm summer months, and due to the limited supply of ice in our small town, we sometimes can only have tepid water available, and not that it will be ice cold all the time.
Q. WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIEDED AND WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL WE HAVE?
A. Meals start with lunch the first day and end with lunch the last day on the river. Lunch each day is a make it yourself sandwich buffet, with lunch meats, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, breads, etc or Chicken Caesar Wraps. We also
serve fruits and cookies. Breakfast might be pancakes, sausage, melon, or French toast. Dinner may include spaghetti, green salad, or hamburgers, vegetables, and dessert. A more detailed menu is available in the trip documents. Eating utensils and plates are provided for breakfast and dinner. Since sandwiches and fruit are served for lunch no cutlery, plates, or napkins are provided. Hand sanitizer is available at all meals. Souvenir drinking cups are provided for each person in camp.
Napkins are not provided as they tend to become a major litter problem. If you feel like you need a napkin for your meal, we recommend bringing a reusable bandana that can be washed out between meals. Here is the Trip Menu.
Q. CAN WE BRING OUR OWN SNACKS?
A. Snacks are not an absolute necessity on this trip as we supply ample amounts of food. If you would like to bring a few , put snacks in a good quality watertight bag and include a bag for wrappers. Make sure to not bring anything that can melt. Please ask guides before giving snacks out on the river.
Q. WHAT IF WE HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES?
A. Please let us know about any food allergies in advance by email and be sure to remind the guides at the start of each meal prep. If we know about food allergies in advance, we can make minor accommodations in food preparation for the safety of
those with allergies. If your food allergy is severe, we suggest you bring a few of your favorite food items and we can help you transport them on the river for you to use when necessary. The only peanut products we use are peanut butter for
sandwiches at lunch. Those with a peanut allergy go through the lunch line first. For those with severe gluten allergies we suggest bringing your own favorite brand of gluten free bread, noodles for pasta night, and supplemental breakfast items.
You are welcome to bring your own food cooler with items in it or we can transfer them to our coolers. Review this Trip Menu to help you plan.
Q. ARE THERE CREEPY CRAWLYS AND CRITTERS ON THE RIVER?
A. At some campsites and water levels the mosquitos and gnats can be kind of pesky but are generally not a problem. Bringing a bottle of bug spray is a good idea. There are ravens, ants, mice, squirrels, and other rodents that will get into tents or bags if left open with food in them. Be sure that all trash and food items are put away before leaving camp and there is no food in your tent day or night. If the bugs aren’t bad, it is fine to sleep outside of the tents at night. Occasionally groups have seen beaver, otters, porcupine, deer, or big horn sheep on the river along with a variety of birds and waterfowl. It is uncommon, but not out of the question to encounter lizards and snakes in camp.
Q. CAN WE TAKE A SHOWER?
A. The only clean water we bring is for drinking and cooking. Bathing in the river is acceptable, but it is best to use biodegradable soap. When the water is cold, baby wipes work well for getting the major dust and river water off.
Q. WHERE WILL OUR GROUP BE CAMPING AND DO WE MOVE CAMPS EACH NIGHT?
A. This trip camps in a BLM administered campsite along Highway 128. Some we reserve in advance, others are first come first serve for the general public and we do our best to get our groups the best campsites we can. These are public campgrounds, and we are asked to abide by the campground rules of 10 pm quiet hours and respect the privacy of the other campers in the area. Leaders are responsible for keeping their groups quiet after 10 pm. The campgrounds have picnic tables, pit toilets, and some have shade shelters. There is no electricity or running water at the campsites. Please do not bring decorations for the campsite. The beauty of the surrounding red rock cliffs is all that your eyes need to see.
Q. CAN WE BRING HAMMOCKS TO SLEEP IN?
A. Hammocks are not allowed. Some of the campsites lack adequate trees to support hammocks and the pavilions are reserved for activities and meals. It would be disappointing to count on using a hammock and not be able to. Please leave
them at home.
Q. IS THERE CELL PHONE SERVICE ON THE RIVER TRIP?
A. The simple answer is no there is not. Cell phone service is spotty at best. There are some places along the river that texts can be sent out using Verizon, but service for phone calls cannot be counted on. Phones might be great for pictures, but this is a great opportunity to unplug from the technology that often distracts from enjoying each other and the beautiful scenery around. If you are asking your kids to take a break from their electronic devices, you should lead by example. It is quite the sight for our guides to get in to camp and find the leaders walking around looking for a signal.
Q. WILL WE NEED MONEY ONCE WE GET TO MOAB?
A. In our company store we have sunglasses, sunscreen, T-shirts, bracelets, stickers, squirt guns, and J-Slip sandals. At the end of the trip, you will be transported from the river back to your cars at the warehouse where lunch will be served. At this
time there will be an opportunity to buy souvenir t-shirts to remember your trip. T-shirts start at $15. Youth will also need money to pay for their own dinner on Tuesday evening, at a restaurant in Green River, during the drive from Moab to Spanish Fork.
Q. WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
A. You should never feel that a gratuity is automatically expected from you, but it is a great way to acknowledge excellent service. Our guides work hard to make each expedition a memorable and rewarding experience. May we suggest $5-$20 per person in your group.
Q. ARE THE GUIDES CERTIFIED?
A. All guides have the experience and other qualifications as required by the state of Utah for Commercial Boating. World Wide River Expeditions guides participate in an extensive pre-season training that includes Advanced first aid and CPR,
whitewater rescue techniques, general boat maneuvering, and Youth Protection training. The highest level of standards is expected of all guides in language, attitude, dress and appearance.
River Trip Participant Info
Please print, sign, scan and email this waiver form to admin@ensignpeakacademy.com. This form is required for all trip participants.
(be sure to make it fit to page when you are printing it and that all the
signature lines are on the second page). Please be sure to check that all signature lines on the second page are visible.