Adventure Awaits Beyond the Screen

June 22, 2023 · 3 minute read
Adventure Awaits Beyond the Screen

Truetimber was still a very young company when we founded Riverside Outfitters in 2005. Even before smartphones and social media, I was already concerned that kids didn’t seem to be spending as much time outdoors as they used to. I also noticed that our amazing park system was not being fully embraced and enjoyed. The main thrust of the new business was the establishment of Richmond’s first Recreational Tree Climbing program, which at the time was one of only a few of its kind in the nation.
Since then, our camps and programs have helped many thousands of Richmond youth develop intimate relationships with their natural world, and the camps have expanded to include mountain biking and river skills.
If you have a young one in your house, and especially if you have a young one who is wrapped around their phone like a vine on a tree, be sure to let us do our part to help!

Riverside Outfitters logo

Check out these links and look for any camp spots that are still available. It has been one of the most rewarding parts of my business life to hear the feedback from parents whose children have grown in confidence and social skills at our camps, and I am so happy to be a part of helping them find the adventure that awaits them beyond the screen.

Earth Heros

Earth Heroes Camp - exploring and discovering river creatures

Earth Heroes camp is designed for participants 6-9 years old, and appeals to all kids who love exploring the outdoors.
Our goal is to foster an understanding of and appreciation for our urban parks and the life that thrives in them. We will discover and explore different ecosystems in the park, and learn to identify the plants and animals and their roles in each. This unique opportunity provides professional instruction and guidance in learning to explore and enjoy the natural world around us through activities like hands-on science experiments, nature-themed games and art projects, group activities, and more.
July 3-7 – 5 spots left! We hold camp on July 4.
Pay what you can. ($495) – The community is supporting you to cover the full cost of camp
Pay your way. ($575) – This covers the actual cost of running camp
Pay it forward. ($665) – You are supporting those for whom the full cost of camp would be a significant hardship

MTB

MTB camp - mountain biker zooming through

Mountain Bike camp focuses on having fun, riding bikes, and being outdoors in general. Kids will work on improving their mountain biking skills so they can maximize their enjoyment of the sport and gain confidence. Inclusion is a major part of this camp – we want to provide a space where everyone who is interested in mountain biking feels welcome, accepted, safe, and supported. This is not a competitive sports camp – it’s a goofy, fun-loving Riverside camp! Our goal is to foster a love of mountain biking, and to encourage kids to improve their skills at their own pace. The camp day will be rounded out with games, activities, and cooling off in the river! Ages 8-11
June 26-30 – 2 spot left!
July 3-7 – 8 spots left! We hold camp on July 4.
July 10-14 – 6 spots left!
July 24-28 – 7 spots left!
July 31 – Aug 4- 2 spots left!
Aug 7-11 – 8 spots left!
Same price scale as noted under “Earth Heroes”

Old Growth

Old Growth camp - rope swing into the river

Old Growth camp is designed for participants 12-16 years old. Here’s where we really turn up the heat! This camp is an amazing deal – your kids will get a sampling of all Riverside has to offer – rappelling, whitewater rafting, kayaking, downriver stand up paddleboarding, and advanced tree climbing techniques are just some of the experiences your kids can expect from this camp. We will also go further in depth with wilderness discovery, including tree identification and river hydrology. All this excitement is rounded out with goofy games and good old fashioned fun!
July 3-7 – 9 spots left! We hold camp on July 4th
July 17-21 – 1 spot left!
July 31 – Aug 4 – 6 spots left!
Same price scale as noted under “Earth Heroes”

River Shredders

River Shredders Camp - stand up paddleboarding

River Shredders camp is designed for participants 12-16 years old, and appeals to both experienced and new river lovers alike. Kids will get the opportunity to try out all kinds of river activities – whitewater rafting, sit-on-top kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding to name a few!
July 3-7 – 8 spots left! We hold camp on July 4.
July 10-14 – 3 spots left!
July 17-21 – 1 spot left!
July 24-28 – 3 spots left!
July 31 – Aug 4 – 6 spots left!
Aug 7-11 – 1 spot left!
Same price scale as noted under “Earth Heroes”

Explore all camps, FAQ’s, registration, and more at https://www.riversideoutfitters.com/camps/