The Mother Lode Mandela pictured above is a graphic representation of Mother Lode’s vision, mission and programs. Although our vision may be aspirational, we have seen very concrete results over our 50 years in the achievement of our mission, which is to conserve the rivers that support our physical, mental and spiritual health. The video that follows is over twenty years old. Yet the rafters that wore no helmets on Class III whitewater decades ago, today write letters to urge solutions to the same issues they did then. The difference is the solutions are now at hand. The choices we make now will determine our legacy to the future.

 

We are pleased to report that over the past four decades over 300,000 Mother Lode participants have not only experienced rivers, they have also been moved to help protect them. Over 30,000 have written letters in successful efforts to help save 15 of California’s rivers from destruction by dams. Through our support and participation in the activities of the American River Conservancy, we have also helped conserve 15,000 acres of riparian environment on the South Fork American and Consumes Rivers. Perhaps most important of all, over the last decade over 2,000 students have participated each year in our Outdoor Education programs, and as this number grows, so too does the future awareness of the value of rivers.

Our Programs

The programs described above are all designed to be hands-on, educational, and equally important, engaging and fun. Each represents a challenge that is river based and they are organized into four basic categories: whitewater rafting, challenge ropes, outdoor education and conservation/sustainable practices.  Each program begins with “challenge by choice” and ends with accomplishments of various kinds. The essence of challenge is that it pushes individual and group comfort zones. It is vital that participants understand the nature of the physical and mental risks they take, and choose to participate willingly in an atmosphere of support and safety. Our company has one of the finest safety records in our industry, and safety is always our first priority. It is also essential that our activities are fun…we love to have fun!  When neuroscientists tell us that fun is the best way to promote learning, we love to listen.

The Place

The location of our camp on the beautiful and historic South Fork of the American River has been essential to our success. Not only does our camp have a rich history stretching back thousands of years as a site of a Nisenan village, it is also located in the valley where one of the largest mass migrations of humankind occurred during the California Gold Rush. The almost unbelievable ecological destruction that occurred here due to gold mining is visible today only to the practiced eye. This remarkable healing has happened in less than 160 years. This inspires us to not only conserve wild nature, but to restore it!

Welcome to our home!

Mother Lode is now beginning its fifth decade.  We cordially invite you to join us this season for another great year of outdoor adventure, fun and learning. Whether your choice is River RaftingChallenge RopesOutdoor Education or a combination of these programs, rest assured that we remain committed to doing everything possible to make your experience enjoyable, memorable and of the highest quality. Our guides, facilitators and educators all have one goal – to exceed your expectations and achieve 100% satisfaction.

See you on the river,

Scott, Greg and the whole MaLode Crew