Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC)

River Program - ETC provides accessible and educational whitewater rafting trips for over 1,500 participants with disabilities and under-resourced youth annually with the help of our highly-trained and enthusiastic volunteer guides and paid river staff. ETC partners with over 50 agencies and schools to serve a diverse client base including economically disadvantaged youth and people with mobility and visual impairments, developmental disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. On the river, ETCs participants learn about the human and natural history of the American River, riparian ecology, and ecological conservation. Most river trips are conducted on the South Fork American River and run from ETCs ecologically designed and accessible River Camp in Coloma, CA.

Sea Kayak Program- ETCs accessible and educational sea kayaking adventures serve 1,100 participants with disabilities and under-resourced youth annually. Highly-trained and enthusiastic volunteer guides instruct participants in paddling skills and safety procedures before leading them out on the water to discover diverse bay fauna. Whether kayaking from our base at Schoonmaker Point Marina in Sausalito or our base on Hearts Desire Beach at Tomales State Park, our participants share an unforgettable adventure while learning the natural and human history of the estuaries and how to become stewards of our precious water resources. ETC also conducts inclusive and life-changing Shared Sea Kayak Expeditions for paddlers of all abilities in Baja on the Sea of Cortez, Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay and the Big River on the Mendocino Bay.

Youth LEAD Program- Youth from under resourced backgrounds join ETC on 14 to 21-day outdoor leadership courses. The program serves 50 students on five courses annually. The students camp and learn together as they build leadership and communication skills, learn about the environment, and develop a stewardship ethic. While sea kayaking, rafting a whitewater river, or backpacking in the Sierras, our youth leaders face challenges, gain confidence, and realize their dreams in a supportive community. For eight outstanding alumni, ETC offers an intensive 8-month Fellowship program that provides mentorship and opportunities for students to put their new leadership skills into action. These programs offer young people the opportunity to discover themselves in the natural resources that sustain our lives.