New River Expedition Recap
The first New River Expedition of 2023 is already over! Check out our recap of the trip!
The BRDC campus was quiet last week as our team of guides were floating down the New River with 10 awesome campers. Spanning 29.5 miles over four days, from Wagoner Access in North Carolina to the 93 Bridge in Virginia, campers carried their personal gear on their kayaks, while the guides carried the essentials.
The kids were troopers. Stopping for snacks on a big rocks and lunch under shady trees, the breaks were enjoyed by all. Luckily, the only capsizes were staff related! The kids became pros at kayaking, setting up hammocks and snorkeling. We had a great time and hope they return for another kayaking expedition!
2023 BRDC Summer Camps
Sign your young nature-lover up for one of our overnight summer camps!
BRDC Overnight Summer Camp registrations are still open! Camps we are offering this year are Wilderness Expedition, Discovery camp and two sessions of our New River Expedition. These camps are perfect for any young naturalist who enjoys learning about nature through outdoor adventures. Click on the links below to learn a little more about each camp. These camps are filling up quickly, so sign up to secure your spot today!
2023 Summer Camp Sign Ups are Still Open
Youth ages 6-17 will benefit from Blue Ridge Discover Center’s unique approach to summertime experiences.
Youth ages 6-17 will benefit from Blue Ridge Discover Center’s unique approach to summertime experiences. Our summer programs and adventures introduces the most novice naturalist to nature and promotes natural curiosity and self-discovery in meaningful, fun-filled activities. We have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and much more!
Summer camps include overnight camps: New River Expedition, Wilderness Expedition, Discovery Camp; and Nature Day Camps.
Nature Day camp, ages 6-10 is held at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center campus. Camp activities include catching bugs & butterflies, collecting and pressing plants and flowers, snorkeling in the creek, observing wildlife, citizen science projects, and art through journaling! This camp is offered June 26-30 and July 10-14.
New River Expedition, an overnight kayaking-adventure camp for children ages 11-17. is offered July 5-8 and July 19-22. Activities include kayaking the New River, building campfires (learn traditional fire building techniques), Bald Eagle nest search, island exploration, hammocking, geology, swimming, snorkeling, fly fishing, games, and night-time explorations!
Wilderness Expedition, a 5 day, 4 night camp for ages 11-17 is an introduction backpacking skills in the wilderness areas of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Date is July 24-28. Activities include day hikes, backpacking (1 night outside of base camp), birding, astronomy, owl prowl, mountain ecology, orienteering and journaling.
Discovery Camp is an adventure-packed, 4-day/3-night experience catering to ages 11-17 with an interest in everything nature. Campers explore the many natural wonders of the Blue Ridge through outdoor recreational activities including fly fishing, kayaking, hiking and exploration. Explore Virginia's highest peaks to mountain streams on this overnight camp from August 2-5.
Sign up for a camp today. Direct links below:
Sign up for 2023 Summer Camp today!
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2023 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN to the public!
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2023 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN to the public!
BRDC offers a unique variety of summertime experiences suitable for youth ages 6-17 (please see individual Camp webpages for details). We feel confident that we have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and everything in between! We welcome novice and experienced naturalists who are interested in old-fashioned fun, learning about nature, and developing a sense of connection to this beautiful place that we call home. See the list of camps that will be offered next summer below. Please follow this link if you would like to be taken directly to the Summer Camps overview webpage, where you will be able to select the camp you’re interested in and Sign-Up. If you would like some additional information for each camp, check out each of their pages:
2022 Summer Camp Registrations Are OPEN!
Registrations are now open for 2022 Summer Camps.
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2022 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN!
BRDC offers a unique variety of summertime experiences suitable for youth ages 6-17 (please see individual Camp webpages for details). We feel confident that we have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and everything in between! We welcome novice and experienced naturalists who are interested in old-fashioned fun, learning about nature, and developing a sense of connection to this beautiful place that we call home. See the list of camps that will be offered next summer below. Please follow this link if you would like to be taken directly to the Summer Camps overview webpage, where you will be able to select the camp you’re interested in and Sign-Up: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/camps
New River Expedition
Primitive Skills
Wilderness Expedition
Fly Fishing Adventures
Nature Day Camp
Summer Camp Wrap-Up
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the Blue Ridge.
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the beautiful Blue Ridge.
New River Expedition
25 miles down the winding New River made for an exciting start to the overnight camps. Snorkeling, swimming, games, and hikes were all included in this exhilarating trip. Battleship and Ninja were games that sparked competition and fun; while exploring riverside plants and animals, kept us curious and enthusiastic. The heavy rain didn’t cause us to lose our spirits, but the occasional rock in the water may have caused a lack of balance! We waited for the rain to pass by skipping rocks and adventuring along the riverside. In the heat of the day, we cooled off by swimming in the river and resting under a refreshing waterfall. Fishing spiders, slimy salamanders, and crayfish were some of our favorite critter friends found along the way. The campers were always a delight, especially during our fun games or as we bonded around the fire.
Primitive Skills
During this week, campers learned primitive technology that can be used in survival situations. By the end of camp, they were no strangers to fire building; as Joe Flowers helped teach several methods to catch a spark. We were also involved in shelter building, flint knapping, and foraging. Something often asked while pointing at a plant or fungus was, “is it edible,” as we walked through the woods. Using the wild plants and fungi that we harvested, we made teas, dyes, and salad toppings. Carrie Sparks showed us other ways to utilize wild plants that we may initially consider weeds and appreciate them for the medicinal or edible properties they hold. Other skills gained from camp were basket weaving, cordage making, knife safety, and primitive trapping. Perhaps the greatest things from this week were the appreciation for primitive skills and friendships that go beyond camp.
Wilderness Camp
Adventure was no stranger to us during this week in the Lewis Fork Wilderness. Days were spent hiking and exploring the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, finding critters, eating blueberries, and singing our way into the mountains. We spent our nights under the stars, with the Milky Way visible in the clear night sky as lightning bugs flashed and the campfire crackled. The highlight of our trip was backpacking to the highest point in Virginia to the peak of Mt. Rogers, then sleeping in the clouds. Journaling our findings was a must, as we encountered many different species of plants, animals, and fungi. Campers learned basic navigation skills, binocular usage, and proper backpacking techniques. Birding was one of many interactive lessons, especially being on the hunt for the Northern saw-whet owl.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in the Blue Ridge was a great way to send off the summer. We fished in creeks, ponds, and rivers, in hopes that everyone could catch a big one. Fishing for the endemic brook trout made for a challenge to the campers, but the beauty of the pristine mountain streams made it worthwhile. Campers practiced casting daily in order to ensure they all could perform “the perfect cast.” Fly tying became a nightly ritual before turning in for bed. Music by the fire (and in the van!) was a great way to bond. Many of the campers were friends of years past. It was an enjoyable and unforgettable experience where old friends were reacquainted and new friendships were formed. And...everyone caught a fish! We consider that a success!
Thank you to the campers who participated this summer. All of you brought something special to each trip. We hope to see you all again soon!
New River Expedition 2018!
Being in the thick of winter we thought it might be a good time to compile the footage from our New River Expedition last summer, when the days were hot, long, and filled with all sorts of fun!
Being in the thick of winter we thought it might be a good time to compile the footage from our New River Expedition last summer, when the days were hot, long, and filled with all sorts of fun! Going through video clips from summer camps always cracks me up. You never fully hear all of the conversations taking place in the field but the microphone captures all, so I had to put some captions in here just for clarification! As much as our camps are about exploration and experiential learning, the greatest thing about camp is ALWAYS the personalities of the kids. It never fails that we have one or two comedians on the trip to keep us highly entertained! (wait till you hear the Russian/Trump impersonation on the Fly Fishing Camp)
The New River Expedition is one of those adventures that will stick with you for a lifetime, embedded in your identity. With all the gear packed into canoes and kayaks, we start down the river on a 4day/3night trip, pitching camp in three different locations. Along the way we snorkel, fly fish, go on an owl prowl, portage a dam, look at birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and aquatic insects, we talk about geology and riparian ecology, and we do LOTS of swimming. We keep them well fed with snacks and camp meals to fuel their 72 hour adventure. In the end, when we arrive at the boat ramp, we are all cooked! No doubt these kids crash into sleep in the backseat of their parent’s cars, and maybe hit up Arby’s right away, hehehe, but I imagine that their reflection on the trip begins immediately as they recite stories to family. I also imagine that, like us, they are dreaming of their adventure during the cold winter days of January!
Looking forward to 2019!
An Expedition on the New
Carrying all provisions in canoes and kayaks, camping at canoe-in-only campgrounds or on private, remote islands allowed these campers to see and experience the beauty and tranquility of the New River.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and Alleghany and Grayson Counties are graced with its presence. BRDC shared its majesty with 9 eager kayakers during a 4 day/3 night camp we call New River Expedition.
Carrying all provisions in canoes and kayaks, camping at canoe-in-only campgrounds or on private, remote islands allowed these campers to see and experience the beauty and tranquility of the New River. Traveling past meadows and farmland, through rugged hillsides and craggy rock cliffs, on flat water and Class II/III rapids accentuated the power of this ancient river.
Each day, these campers traveled 6-9 miles down the river honing in their boating skills. They loaded and unloaded their gear and set up camp every night. Campfires were built, dinner was prepared and hammocks were hung. And along the way, they learned fly fishing, snorkeled, investigated nighttime wildlife and learned about protecting our riparian zone and the web of life associated with this river. Eagles flying overhead, floating down rapids in and out of boats, jumping off rocks, playing games and telling stories, and the camaraderie among campers and guides along this age old river, will not soon be forgotten.
Travel Down the Rapids of the New
New River Expedition: Wed-Sat, July 19-22 for ages 12-15. Want to experience a true river expedition? Join our crew and travel down the rapids of the New River while pitching camp on remote islands!
New River Expedition
Wed-Sat, July 19-22
4 days / 3 nights
Ages 12-15
Location: New River, VA & NC
Want to experience a true river expedition? Join our crew and travel down the rapids of the New River while pitching camp on remote islands! This canoe expedition is a chance to build leadership skills and learn potential life-long enriching hobbies. Along the way you will learn about water safety while exploring the riches of the riparian corridor...snorkeling for hellbenders, fly fishing for smallmouth bass, studying riparian ecology, conducting water quality tests, and collecting data on aquatic macro-invertebrates.
There is no grander journey than pushing off from shore in a canoe on a one-way trip to wherever the current carries you. Get ready to take a leap into the water!