Free Youth
River Float!

For many who have spent time on Idaho’s rivers, there’s a moment that sticks—the first push off shore, the sound of oars dipping into current, the feeling of being carried into something bigger. It’s a spark that keeps people coming back, season after season.​ But spending time on the river is a privilege.

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The gear, logistics, and time required for even a single-day float can be out of reach. And while the Salmon River flows through the heart of this community, many local youth have never experienced a day on the water.​ The Free Youth River Float exists to change that.

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Each July, all incoming 4th and 5th grade students in Lemhi County are invited to participate in a free, one-day float from Shoup Bridge to the Salmon boat ramp. For many, it’s their very first time in a boat—an introduction to the river that defines this place.

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Since launching in 2024, nearly 60 local kids have participated in the program. This effort is made possible through strong community partnerships and a shared belief: that every child should have the opportunity to experience their home river.

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As the program enters its third year, Salmon Valley Stewardship is working to transition from grant funding to a more sustainable, community-supported model. Because we all know—sometimes, it only takes one trip.

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Support the Float

Help get a local student on the river this summer.

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Sponsorship Levels

• Class III Sponsor — $25

• Class IV Sponsor — $70 (fully funds one student)

• Class V Sponsor — $125+

$70 = one local kid on the river

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Ways to Give

• Donate online at salmonvalley.org/sponsor-youth-river-float

• Send a check to our office at 107 S. Center St.

• Stop by and visit us in person

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All donors will be recognized in our newsletter and annual report.

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Get Involved

This program is powered by a river-loving community—guides, boaters, families, and neighbors who understand the value of time on the water.

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If this resonates, consider sharing the opportunity with others who care about the Salmon River and the next generation who will grow up alongside it. Together, we can help ensure that every child in this community has the chance to experience the river—not just as something they see, but something they know.