This summer, trade screens for sunshine and give your camper days filled with fresh air, new skills, and real adventure on the James River.
At The James River Association (JRA) summer camps, youth don’t just learn about the river—they explore it, paddle it, sketch it, fish it, and build real skills alongside experienced educators. Through hands-on activities in art, fishing, outdoor skills, and paddling, campers gain confidence, curiosity, and a deeper sense of belonging to the James River. Every day is an adventure.
Every experience builds connection. No experience needed—just curiosity and clothes that can get dirty.
JRA offers half- and full-day camps in Richmond, Lynchburg, Williamsburg, or Hampton for ages 5-17. We provide age-appropriate adventures designed to foster a lifelong connection with nature across all grade levels:
Playful Otter Camps (Ages 5-8): An introductory experience where younger campers discover the magic of the river through curiosity, creative play, and gentle exploration.
Mighty Sturgeon Camps (Ages 9-11): Focused on building skills and confidence, these campers dive deeper into river ecology and outdoor recreation.
Soaring Osprey Camps (Ages 12-15): A program for older youth to sharpen their paddling and science skills while taking on more advanced river challenges.
High School Expeditions: Teens ages 14-18 are invited to apply to join our High School Expeditions: captivating five-day, four-night backcountry paddling adventures along the James River. The James River Association education staff provides expert instruction on: Paddling & Camping Skills (including technical river navigation) Teambuilding & Leadership Environmental Science (Wildlife identification and river ecology) Our camps are water-based and involve activities such as paddling, swimming in a controlled environment, and spending extended time outdoors.
Campers should be comfortable in and around water, able to follow safety instructions, and able to participate in group activities with appropriate supervision. We are committed to inclusion and encourage families to share information about disabilities, medical needs, or accommodations during registration. While not all activities may be adaptable, we will work with families to determine whether a camper’s needs can be safely supported within the structure of the program.
Please reach out to camp@thejamesriver.org with questions or Register today!
Business Review
