With the school year starting again and the weather turning cooler, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible summer we had! It was a summer full of exploration, engagement, and fun!
In addition to our James River Leadership Expedition trips with high schoolers in the watershed, we also offered summer camps in all three of our education offices along the watershed.
In Richmond, we hosted eight weeks of River Camp for elementary school students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. We partnered with 4 local school districts to create an unforgettable summer camp experience!
Take a look at some of the pictures below to get a sense of the impact our summer camps had!
Students in Richmond a meaningful watershed experience in 2024
Adults in Richmond reached through a meaningful experience in 2024
Campers explored the James River’s natural wonders.
- Presquile National Wildlife Refuge: Campers discovered the island’s unique plant life and searched for signs of wildlife.
- Tidal James River: They experienced the river’s diverse ecosystem firsthand on our pontoon boat, “The Spirit of the James,” participating in a fish trawl to observe various aquatic species.
- Water Sports: Campers learned essential water skills like canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Macroinvertebrate Exploration: They investigated the river’s ecosystem by searching for macroinvertebrates.
- River Recreation: Campers enjoyed refreshing swims at Pony Pasture Park and Deep Bottom Park.
Beyond the water, campers:
- Learned about the James River’s food web.
- Participated in interactive activities like pretending to be songbirds.
- Discovered the fascinating plants and animals that call the James River home.
We were thrilled to work with the 115 campers who joined us this summer. This formative experience on the James River will undoubtedly inspire them to become future “James Changers.”