Outdoor adventures just got more approachable at Virginia State Parks. A new series of programs, called Let's Go Adventures, offers classes on camping, fly fishing, orienteering, archery, hiking and kayaking. The classes are led by expert rangers who have a passion for outdoor education. 

Classes are not only educational but include all the gear you need to learn and give you hands-on experiences. Most of the programs are free to attend, so you just have to cover regular park admission fees. The one exception to the free classes is the Let’s Go Kayaking program. For just $15 per person, Let’s Go Kayaking participants get an in-depth 8-hour class and are provided paddles, a PFD (personal flotation device) and a kayak rental. 

To give you an idea of what to expect, I have gathered testimonials from guests who have experienced Let’s Go Adventures programs and coworkers who have learned from our expert instructors. I hope you will discover that even if you have outdoor experience or even specific familiarity with the class topics, you could gain something from these programs – outdoor fun and friends, for starters! 

Let's Go Camping: 

Virginia State Parks Volunteer Program Manager Suleka Deevi has been a ranger at two state parks, is a regular hiker, a Virginia Master Naturalist and a bird guide. With all this outdoor experience, you may be surprised to learn she just went camping for the first time in 2023. She was in luck though, because she works with the Let’s Go Adventures instructors Sarah King and Diego Riffle who were at her side during a camping trip they took as a team.

Photos below from a Let's Go Camping program held at Sky Meadows State Park — which offers primitive campsites.

“I had never gone camping before, despite all my hiking and outdoor adventures. Amazing instructors made all the difference! Diego and Sarah were patient and showed me where on my tent pad I should set up based on slope, how to put my tent together and what each piece is for. They also gave me tips about what I should bring for food and gear.  

I really loved that they didn’t just put my tent together for me, they actively showed me but also let me learn by doing. I was even able to take the tent down completely on my own! I had such a memorable experience because of Sarah and Diego and can’t wait to go camping by myself because of the skills I learned!”  

Let's Go Fly Fishing:  

Outdoor explorer, Jessica Bowser with the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast and regular volunteer at Virginia State Parks, recently took a Let’s Go Fly Fishing program so she could share the experience with her listeners. Photos below are by Starr Anderson, taken during Jessica's Let's Go Fly Fishing program at Shenandoah River State Park — a great fly fishing location.    

“Let's Go Fly Fishing was a wonderful opportunity to try a new outdoor experience that might not otherwise be accessible for me. I love the immersive and meditative experience of being in the water and catching fish, but I don't own the gear that's required for fly fishing. Let's Go Adventures made this activity possible for me by providing the gear and the instruction needed to participate. 

Sarah and Diego were wonderful instructors who patiently explained each step of the process, from the gear to casting techniques, and everything in between. I gained the information I needed to feel confident fly fishing on my own, however, I had so much fun during Let's Go Fly Fishing, that I plan to participate again at a different park where I can experience a whole new landscape.” 

Hear more about the Let’s Go Adventures program from Jessica on her Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast episode 56, where she shares her experience and interviews our instructors. 

Let's Go Orienteering: 

Mother and Virginia explorer, Kori Johnston with Family Adventures VA, took her kids to a Let’s Go Orienteering program. She highly recommends it to other families! Photos below by Kori from the program her family participated in at Caledon State Park. 

“This was a hit with my 11-year-old and 13-year-old! They came back full of excitement, talking about how they learned to use maps, compasses and pacing to navigate through a section of the park. My 11-year-old said he liked learning by doing and that the activity was like a treasure hunt. My 13-year-old loved the hands-on activities as well. She said that it’s much easier to learn that way.  

Each of the basic activities built on each other, leading to the culminating activity that tied everything together. The instructors were fantastic, making sure the kids felt confident in their navigational skills and guiding them if they had any problems. This basic orienteering program was a perfect blend of education and outdoor fun, definitely a win in my books!”  

Let's Go on an Archery Adventure:  

Virginia State Parks Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Kim Wells not only promotes parks, but loves participating in the great activities they offer, too. She’s doing Trail Quest and has loved all the new outdoor experiences parks have offered her along the way, including archery. Photos below by Kim from the program she participated in at Bear Creek Lake State Park — which has extensive archery amenities.

“I always thought archery looked fun, but when I had the chance to actually place the bow and arrow in my hands, I knew this was something I wanted to continue to learn. The ranger was patient and explained how to hold the bow, load the arrow then shoot it at the target. We were introduced to compound bows and recurve bows, and while each required different skills to operate, both were easy to learn on. 

With more and more practice, I was able to shoot the arrows closer to the bullseye and could tell that my hand-eye coordination was getting better. I used to think that having really strong arms was the key to being good at archery, but in reality, you just need to learn how to hold the bow and develop skills in aiming.  

It was so much fun to learn and even more fun to do. I am eager to partake in future park archery programs. Anyone over 10 looking for a fun new activity will surely learn something from this program. You can't find out how good you are at something if you don't try!” 

Let's Go Hiking: 

Whether you’ve never set foot on a trail, or you are preparing for a grand hike, the Let’s Go Hiking program is for you. One of our participants drove over two hours to attend a Let’s Go Hiking program, as they were getting ready for a long-distance hike at Machu Picchu in Peru. This was the perfect place for them to prepare!  

One may think a hike is just a walk in the park, and while it can be on some easy trails, the Let’s Go Hiking program teaches participants why it’s essential to plan ahead and prepare. In this program, learn about the proper gear that best suits you and your accessibility level. And while you may have heard the term Leave No Trace, you will come out of this class with a better understanding and appreciation for those principles and knowledge of hiking etiquette.  

Let's Go Kayaking: 

Lastly, I’ll share my experience with Let’s Go Adventures instructor and Virginia State Parks Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon. I once tagged along for a paddling training Sammy was leading, which is required for all park rangers before taking guests on paddling tours. During my brief time on the water with them, I found out there are so many more techniques and terms in paddling than I realized.

Photos below are from Let's Go Kayaking programs held at Seven Bends State Park — which has a nice section of the Shenandoah River for paddling.

Whether you’ve dabbled in paddling like me or want to enhance your skills, learning in a Let’s Go Kayaking class is the way to go! Let’s Go Kayaking instructors are certified as American Canoe Association Level II Kayak Instructors. Their certification means they are not only experts, but they have specialized teaching skills and perhaps most importantly, know how to keep everyone safe with rescue techniques and experience. Let’s Go Kayaking participants get in-water rescue experience, so that you can feel confident without instructors on your next paddling adventure.  

On the topic of paddling, be sure to log your paddling trips at Virginia State Parks to earn rewards through our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program. 

Are you ready for adventure? Let’s Go! 

By now I hope that, whether you consider yourself an outdoor adventurer or are new to the outdoors, you know that Let’s Go Adventures is for you! Come learn and adventure with us at Virginia State Parks. Find more details and program schedule here.