There are MANY things that can be done in the summer to help out along rivers. The best is to take a trip to a river and enjoy the connection with nature.
I could list literally 30+ opportunities to participate in cleanups, festivals, river races, plantings, etc. If you want that long list, please email me and I'll send it along.
For now, I'd say there are a few really cool opportunities that I think you should really consider:
1) Mike Clark guided cleanup - River Guru Mike Clark has taken a real interest in River Kids. He and I have worked out a few dates that Mike will be available to take up to 8 River Kids and/or family members out in his canoe on the Mississippi to clean up the river. These would be 4-7pm trips in locations TBD. The first of these dates is August 20. Please let me know if you are interested in participating.
2) River-related camps at NCS - As many of you know, Claire and I have been running river trips with kids for several years together. There are three river-related camps available this summer that you should consider.
The first is our June 29-July 3 Naturalist Camp - Two days of unique teambuilding activities, such as Marshmallow Olympics and our own version of the Amazing Race, followed by three days camping along the banks of the\ Black River in southern Missouri. This is open to 4th-6th graders.
The second opportunity is new. Our July 20-24 River Kids camp is open to all 4th-6th graders and consists of 5 days of river-related trips and activities. We'll spend a good chunk of our time near the Alton area visiting several attractions around the Confluence. We'll tour the Mel Price Dam, visit the River Museum and paddle the Mississippi with Mike Clark.
Third, July 27-31 Claire and I operate the Extreme Naturalist Camp for 12 years up to 8th grade. This is an amazing 5-day trip down to Tennessee to camp along the Hiwassee River. We whitewater raft on the Ocoee, funyak the Hiwassee, hike Bald River Falls, and much more. This camp is currently full, but we are talking about operating a second Extreme Camp either June 22-26 or August 3-7. I'd love to hear if you are interested in either one of these weeks. If we can get 10 kids signed up, we'll go for sure.
This would be a great way for some of the 6th graders to reunite over summer before heading off in their separate directions.
If you're interested in any of the set opportunities, you may sign up with Jason or Tobie in the Summer Camp office...If you're interested in the additional Extreme Naturalist Camp, please speak with me directly.
3) June 13-14 - MO Stream Teams is celebrating its 20th birthday with a party along the Gasconade. Check out
www.mostreamteam.org for all the details.
4) RK Board Meetings in August - I would like to hear from kids who intend to serve on the River Kids Board in the fall. There will be two meetings before the school year begins to make early decisions about what the year will look like.
5) Benefit Planning - A few times throughout summer with increased activity in Late August through September 20 - River Kids interested in helping develop the Living Lands and Waters Benefit need to let me know they are interested. We will need kids to arrange catering, develop a plan for entertainment, and design the decorations.
Thanks to all of you for a great year, and thanks ahead of time for all you will be doing to make the next one incredible!
See you soon!
Ben
