Junior River Guides: Empowering Youth with Whitewater Skills on Virginia’s James River
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Campers should have basic fitness capable of swimming and spending several hours active outdoors.
Overview
Give your child an unforgettable summer experience on Virginia’s James River. Junior River Guides teaches ages 10-15 whitewater skills, rescue techniques, and leadership in a supportive, thrilling river setting.
Junior River Guides
Experience the thrill of the James River!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join the Junior River Guide Camp this summer on the James River, where youth ages 10-15 will master whitewater navigation in inflatable kayaks and rafts. With certified instructors, participants will develop essential leadership and rescue skills while embarking on thrilling river adventures. Experience the excitement of guiding peers down the river!
Have your youth master the skills of river navigation right here on the James River.
RVA Paddlesports aims to engage Richmond’s community with the biggest asset of our backyard: the James River!
We are excited to bring all of our offerings into a weeklong summer camp for youth ages 10-15 years old. Junior River Guide Camp will challenge your child to excel in whitewater navigation on the Upper & Lower James in inflatable kayaks and rafts.
Participants will join certified staff on an adventure on the James. Over the course of the week, participants will develop boat navigation and leadership skills to eventually be able to guide a raft of peers down the Lower James in Richmond, Virginia. Our professional staff will be with them along he way coaching their processes and empowering them to take charge of their boats.
Here are a few activities to expect:
Swimming Inflatable Kayaking Whitewater Rafting Swiftwater Rescue Skills Leadership & Guiding Skills Participants will have opportunities to practice and develop real life skills in both CPR & Swiftwater Rescue from our certified instructors.
Adventure awaits this summer on the James. No experience necessary, stoke level mandatory.
Adventure Tips
Wear appropriate river footwear
Protect young paddlers' feet from rocks and slippery surfaces with sturdy river shoes.
Apply sunscreen generously
Long hours on the water call for thorough sun protection to avoid burns.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated during active river days is crucial for energy and safety.
Practice swimming skills beforehand
Basic swimming ability helps youth feel comfortable and confident in the water.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great blue heron
- River otters
History
The James River has been central to Richmond’s development since colonial times and supports one of the oldest river-based recreation communities in Virginia.
Conservation
RVA Paddlesports promotes Leave No Trace principles and educates campers on the river’s ecosystem to minimize human impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimwear
Essential for all on-water activities including kayaking and rafting.
summer specific
River footwear
Protects feet from rocks and provides good grip on slippery surfaces.
summer specific
Hat and sunglasses
Helps shield face and eyes from the sun during prolonged outdoor activity.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Protects exposed skin from harmful UV rays while on the river.
summer specific