Summer is just around the corner! It’s once again time to start making plans for what to do with all that free time. Have you considered spending 5 days adventuring and camping on the James River in canoes? In case you needed another reason to consider joining JRLE, here are 7 of the best.
1. Canoeing is rad
Did you know canoeing is one of the oldest ways to travel? The oldest boat ever discovered is the Pesse Canoe, which was made roughly 10,000 years ago! That’s an older invention than the trusty wheel and axle we rely on so heavily today. Canoes and small boats have been the go-to mode of transportation on the James River for thousands of years! Faster than walking with all the room for gear and slower than a car so you can take in the sights and sounds of the active ecosystem around you. Canoeing is simply one of the most interesting ways to get around. Some sections of the river are home to class 2 and 3 rapids making for an adventurous ride in a Canoe! Don’t let that deter you if you haven’t spent much time in a boat. Beginning paddlers are encouraged to apply! We will give you the skills to operate a canoe on day one and practice all week. By the last day, you might be daydreaming of your next canoe adventure already.
2. Adventure and Fun
Have you ever spent the night outside in a tent? How about several nights in a row? Have you ever cooked a delicious camp meal for yourself and some new friends? How about sharing stories and laughing around a campfire under the stars? Have you ever successfully paddled a canoe through a rapid? If you answered yes to any of these questions then, don’t you want to do it all again?
3. Leadership Skills
During your trip, we will have formal leadership training. Defining these skills and talking through examples is a great first step. Through reflection these skills will begin to set in. Managing your gear at camp and on the water; navigating by canoe; cooperating with peers and accomplishing shared goals; all of these experiences will help you gain insight into what it means to be an effective leader.
4. Camp Skills
Rain? Check.
Heat? Sure.
Hungry? You know it.
The paddle day is over. You’ve arrived at camp. 10 miles of paddling done. 3 days ago you had no idea what to do to get comfortable. Now you and your new friends know exactly who is doing what and are ready to spring into action. Before you know it, you’re in dry clothes, your tent is storm proof, the canoes are staged for the morning launch, and dinner is smelling good on the stove. You can take a deep breath, you’ve got the skills to thrive at camp.
5. Challenge
How do you respond to tough situations? Does the idea of challenging yourself sound appealing? Challenge can be an excellent educator. If we challenge ourselves, and overcome that obstacle, then we have new skills and can lead ourselves and others who face the same challenges. Getting out on the river for 5 days might not be the easiest choice this summer, but rest assured that you’ll walk away with newfound skills and tools to carry into your future.
6. Knowledge
The James River has been home to human beings for over 15,000 years. Before European colonization, the river was named The Powhatan River. It’s been a source of food and transportation of goods for millenia and remains so to this day. However, human relationship with the river has become quite complex. Communities along the river today have enormous impacts on the river’s health and not always for the better. Throughout your experience on Expedition, we will touch on the unique challenges each section of the river faces, and what some communities are doing to make a positive difference. If you want to get a headstart, check out how the James River is doing right now.
7. Memories and Friends!
Nothing brings people together quite like getting outside, camping and exploring. After just 5 days, you’ll have felt like you’ve known each other for weeks! Each cohort wraps up their experience with heartfelt goodbyes and plans to keep in touch. Plenty of participants have remained friends for years after the experience is over!