Mother Lode River Center Mission Statement

The goal of the Mother Lode River Center is: "Healthy humans, living in equitable and sustainable societies, in balance with the natural world." We have four basic programs: Whitewater boating, Challenge Ropes, Outdoor Education and Conservation. Each activity is hands-on, conducted in river-based natural settings, and incorporates "challenge by choice". This means that participants understand the nature of any risks they undertake, and choose to participate willingly in an atmosphere of support and safety. Our goal is life-enriching accomplishment either through immediate success, or "failing forward," which is success at harder things. Whatever the outcome, our goal is to have fun. We love to have fun!

Our activities have in common physical activity, group effort and the outdoor environment. We find that our programs are especially effective when the participant's mind is focused by the risks that are posed and the senses are stimulated by the sight, smell, sound and feel of direct contact with the natural world. When these conditions coalesce the experience leads to appreciation, which creates connection, which in turn results in dedication to the natural world. The desire to conserve and cherish wild nature is strengthened. This provides the impetus for conservation activism, such as letter writing. Taking personal responsibility to change the world is empowering, particularly when it succeeds in a cause to which one is deeply committed.

Our camp on the South Fork of the American River is the perfect setting. Not only does it have a rich history—stretching back thousands of years as a site of a Nisenan village—it is located in the valley where, during the California Gold Rush, one of the largest mass migrations of humankind occurred. The almost unbelievable ecological destruction that occurred here due to gold mining is visible today only to the practiced eye. A remarkable healing has occurred here in less than 160 years, a source of hope that current trends worldwide could potentially be reversed.

Everyone at the River Center shares a profound sense of connection to rivers; we take deep satisfaction in sharing our love of them with others. Rivers are especially well suited for our educational program because they play so many essential roles in the ecosystem. They have also been central to human history. All the major ancient civilizations began on or near rivers, and modern man has located the world's great cities on them. The Native Americans referred to rivers as "the veins of the Earth" and regard them with a sense of reverence. We believe that reverence is justified.

Mother Lode is now well into its fourth decade. We have a rich history, many proud traditions, and substantial accomplishments. We hope you will join us on our journey. Together, it is much more likely that we will succeed.