COVID-19 UPDATE: We take the safety of our campers and staff and their families very seriously. With the uncertainty of the time, and changes being made daily, we are monitoring and abiding by national, state, and local safety guidelines and procedures.  We have decided to move forward with the planning and registration for our Lynchburg summer camp program and will be in constant communication with the registered participants with any changes to our program.

​There are limited spaces in our camps, so please do not wait to register. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Education Manager, Nat Draper at ndraper@thejamesriver.org.
James River Adventures is located at Riveredge Park in Amherst County - directly across the river from Historic Downtown Lynchburg!

​Our Mission is to connect youth with river-based learning experiences that inspire confidence, ecological understanding, nature appreciation, and conservation action. ​Students will be given paddling instructions, safety guidelines and will spend the week with our American Canoe Association and Wilderness First Responder trained staff.  

During their week at camp, our campers will learn new skills and have heaps of fun along the way!  Campers will learn proper paddling techniques and water safety with lots of land based activities as well! Our on-the-water explorations engage students with new skills, scientific techniques, and historical insight to better understand and enjoy the James River!
We are Partnering with Camp Kum-Ba-Yah for the registration process for James River Adventures Camps this summer! 
​To register participants must create a profile within Camp Kum-Ba-Yah's registration system.

Our Summer Camp Programs

Outdoor Water Recreation Camp 
During this week at camp, our campers will learn new skills and have heaps of fun along the way!  Campers will learn proper paddling techniques and water safety with lots of land based activities as well! Our on-the-water explorations engage students with new skills, scientific techniques, and historical insight to better understand and enjoy the James River! Camp maximum capacity is approximately 20 campers.
2020 Dates:
  • June 1 - June 5
  • June 22 - 26
James River Fishing Camp 
During this week of camp, campers fish every day. The campers will fish from the bank, canoes, kayaks and even a 41 foot batteau boat! The campers will learn proper knot tying, hook and fishing safety and how to properly use fishing rods, reels and other equipment such as cast nets and seine nets where we will be catching macroinvertebrates and discuss the food chain and live bait. Campers will learn the anatomy of a fishing reel and how to use it. Students will learn how to properly use spinning tackle and fly fishing tackle. Camp maximum capacity is approximately 20 campers.
2020 Dates
  •  June 15 - June 19 
  • June 29 - July 2 (4 days - $220)
We are Partnering with Camp Kum-Ba-Yah for the registration process for James River Adventures Camps this summer! 
​To register participants must create a profile within Camp Kum-Ba-Yah's registration system.
Schedule:
The camp day runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Can’t drop off at 9? No problem, an optional extended care from 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. is available.​
Questions:
Ages:
  • ​Rising 3rd to 8th Graders (Groups will be divided based on age)
Fees:
  • ​$250 per week, per camper.
  • $220 for the 4 day camp (June 20 - July 4).
  • Optional 8:00 a.m. to 5pm extended care is an additional $55 per day.
Activities:
  • Science Experiments
  • Environmental Art Projects 
  • Watersports
  • Swimming
  • Team Challenges ​
What to Bring:
  • Closed-toe Shoes required
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch
  • Sunscreen

CAMP KUM-BA-YAH Programs

Traditional Camp
Traditional camp is offered sessions 2-8 and welcomes campers ages 5-13. Campsites are organized by age with a 3 year age range within each campsite. The traditional camp weeks host 80-90 campers on campus rotating through the various program activities throughout the week.
​
Traditional Camp is for children ages 5-13 years old. Cost is $250 for the week.
2020 Dates:
  • June 15 - 19
  • June 22 - 26
  • June 29 - July 3
  • ​July 27 - July 31
Outdoor Water Recreation Camp Camp Watershed is a perfect marriage of experiences at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah and the James River Association outings. Campers will experience 3 days exploring the headwaters of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah at Cosby Woods and traditional camp activities. On Thursday and Friday we will take our watershed knowledge downstream for adventures on the James River with the James River Association.
On Thursday and Friday campers will leave the facility to paddle on the James River and will return to the KBY campus between 5:15 and 5:30 pm. Parents will be notified of any changes to the schedule.
Camp Watershed is for children ages 10-13 years old. Cost is $300 for the week.
2020 Dates:
  • July 6 - 10​