Mission Statement

The Medicine River Academy's mission is to offer a free, multi day outdoor skills development course to adolescents from any background, no experience required. This course will also be available for veterans and other adults with options to apply for financial assistance. We provide a range of unique and immersive activities designed to empower and educate students in a natural environment. Alongside our trained staff, students will learn practical life skills and gain first-hand self-reliance through an engaging itinerary, with a goal of promoting stewardship for Mother Nature.

Who We Are

Medicine River Academy is an immersive outdoor education service dedicated to teaching individuals the art of river navigation, the use of plants for medicinal purposes, camping equipment management, fire pan utilization, Dutch oven cooking, and a myriad of other skills. Our focus extends beyond practical knowledge to instilling a strong sense of stewardship for both the land and the river.

Situated in Salmon, Idaho, along the Salmon River—once referred to as the Medicine River by local native tribes—we recognize the profound healing and rejuvenating qualities rivers possess. While we believe that all rivers are therapeutic, the Salmon River holds a particularly potent medicine for the soul.

In an era marked by increasing division and a growing disconnect from nature, our mission is to bridge this gap. We aspire to guide individuals on a journey of reconnection with Mother Earth, set against the backdrop of the stunning Salmon, Idaho environment. Our emphasis is on fostering UNITY—unity among participants, with the river, the forests, the animals, and our precious Mother Earth.

Upon completing our courses, our students not only gain practical skills but also develop the ability to impart this knowledge to friends and family. They learn to navigate rivers, remain "grounded" in turbulent times, and be fully "in tune" with nature. While some may choose to become guides, every student inevitably falls in love with nature. At Medicine River Academy, we understand the significance of protecting the things we love.

Our goals would not be possible without your help!

Teaching our youth the importance of enjoying nature while protecting our natural resources are invaluable life skills. We often take for granted that we are surrounded by nature, spending time outside is just the beginning! The beauty and magic of our natural world can be accessible to anyone safely with guidance and training, and that is what our program aims to do. In our area of Idaho, the wilderness is in our backyard, surrounded by national forests and numerous rivers and creeks. Our community is known for being hard-working and industrious, but not everyone has access to the tools and knowledge of practicing river safety, ecology, and navigation. We are making this accessible to anyone with the desire to learn!

We focus on principled living, demonstrating integrity, respecting nature, being mindful of the needs of the community—how our actions and decisions can have positive or negative consequences for others—and how facing and overcoming challenges, especially when we are in the natural elements, can help us to feel better about ourselves and our own capabilities and goals.

Thank you for considering donating to Medicine River Academy. Your support plays a crucial role in empowering lives, fostering a connection with nature, and providing transformative outdoor education experiences. Below, you'll find information on how your donations make a difference and various options for contributing to our mission.

How Your Donations Make an Impact

At Medicine River Academy, every donation is a catalyst for positive change. Your support enables us to:

1. Empower Youth: Fund free outdoor skills development courses for adolescents, building confidence and self-reliance.

2. Heal Veterans: Provide nearly free courses for veterans suffering from PTSD, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of nature.

3. Nurture Unity with Nature: Preserve the magic of the Salmon River, fostering a strong connection with the environment through educational programs.4. Expand Outreach: Reach more individuals by enhancing and expanding our course offerings and community engagement initiatives.

Your generous contributions go directly towards:

1. Course Materials and Equipment: Ensure participants have access to quality resources during their outdoor experiences.

2. Scholarships and Financial Assistance: Make our programs accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.

3. Environmental Stewardship Initiatives: Support our commitment to preserving and protecting the natural world.

4. Community Outreach and Engagement: Expand our reach and impact in the community through educational events and awareness campaigns.

Thank You for Making a Difference:

Every donation, regardless of size, contributes to the success of Medicine River Academy. Thank you for being a part of our mission to inspire, educate, and unite through outdoor education.

For more information or assistance with your donation, please contact us by email or telephone. We appreciate your support!

Please note that Medicine River Academy is a registered nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) with the following Employer Identification Number (EIN): 99-0458793. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Thank you for your generous support in helping us fulfill our mission. Medicine River Academy Inc is operating in partnership with Salmon River Recreation LLC under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Medicine River Academy

Empowering Lives, Nurturing Nature!