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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Seven Central Virginia State Parks hosted educational field trips for students participating in Richmond summer programs.
The Virginia Outdoors Foundation partnered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to introduce youth to potential career paths in natural resources and recreation, establish healthy habits in youth as well as increase the access for underserved communities to outdoor spaces.
“From paddling in a kayak for the first time to fishing or trying their hand at archery, young campers in a Richmond program were able to get their first taste of different outdoor activities at nearby Virginia State Parks this summer,” said DCR Organizational Development Consultant Nona Henderson. “After the field trips, kids overwhelmingly say they want to return to the same park and even visit other state parks. It’s great to see a passion for the outdoors ignite and to get the next generation thinking about ways to spend more time outdoors. These field trips provide a unique experience to an underserved population.”
Summer months are the busiest time of the year for Virginia State Parks, but staff at all seven locations welcomed teens and campers by hosting 17 field trips with over 60 participants that ranged in age from 6-16 years old.
“Each park provided a one-of-a-kind educational and engaging experience to the youth participating in the Adventures Camp and the various teen programs,” said Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Recreation Services Supervisor Melanie Ramos. “It has been a wonderful collaboration teaming up with DCR to ensure healthy recreational opportunities are available to Richmond’s youth.”
Bear Creek Lake, Pocahontas, High Bridge Trail, Twin Lakes, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, Powhatan and York River state parks hosted the participants and provided a range of recreational activities including kayaking, archery, canoeing, fishing, swimming, biking and hiking. Each location highlighted the park and the surrounding area with educational and hands-on lessons to help captivate participants.
“Meeting the kids, watching them interact with the live reptiles and seeing them catch fish with such determination were some of many highlights for me this year,” said Pocahontas State Park Chief Ranger Visitor Experience Rebecca Whalen. “Seeing their excitement, having meaningful interactions and teaching them outdoor skills reignites my passion for outdoor education and reminds me why I love my job.”
Each day the participants explored a new park and experienced a new adventure. Some parks had wildlife demonstrations and presentations, others had water activities and one location even had an archery lesson. Programming also included educational and interpretive elements that explored both the natural and historic resources of each park.
“New to the program this year was a musket demonstration as well as a tour of the Overton-Hillsman House,” said Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park Assistant Manager Lee Wilcox. “The kids also learned about prescribed fire and how it impacts the land along with the opportunity to spray the fire hose. We also discussed invasive plants along with some history lessons. Teaching the youth about the historical and cultural significance of the land and the nature that thrive in the area gets them thinking about all the ways they can help protect and conserve the land for future generations.”
Keeping in line with the agency’s mission for conservation and recreational education and to connect the youth with the outdoors, DCR applied for a grant to help with funding for field trips to Virginia State Parks. DCR was awarded a $20,000 grant from the VOF last year to transport PRCF summer camp participants to several Virginia State Parks in close proximity to Richmond. Using the leftover funds, more field trips were able to take place again this year.
The funding comes from VOF’s Get Outdoors grant program. DCR plans to submit an additional proposal to VOF for another round of funding to expand the program to other parts of the state.
“Being able to partner with VOF and give these kids an amazing outdoors experience is instrumental in expanding their career options, helping them find their love of nature as well as building their outdoor skill set,” said Virginia State Park Central District Manager Bryce Wilk. “We would love to evolve this program to provide overnight options. Providing unique opportunities such as camping at the park will have such a positive impact on these kids who want to experience outdoor adventures. Not only does this program align with DCR’s mission, it truly provides the youth with a fun way to connect with the outdoors. ”
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