School & Group Programs:

“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum

JRA provides educational experiences in your classroom, on your school grounds, outdoors and on the water. Programs are always engaging, hands-on, fun and many support the Virginia Standards of Learning.

In-Class Programs
Enhancing classroom learning with hands-on lessons.

Watershed 101

What is a watershed and why is it important? Students discover what watershed they live in, how watersheds function, the effects of pollution and how it all relates to them in this hands-on program featuring a model watershed. VA Science SOL’s: 4.5, 4.8, 5.7, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9
Length of Program: 45 minutes
Number of Participants: up to 30
Cost: $100 per program

Watersheds: Pollution Solutions

Are your students familiar with the concept of watersheds, but ready to take their knowledge and understanding to the next level? Program topics cover pollution prevention, the significance of wetlands and the current and future states of our water resources. VA Science SOL’s: 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, LS. 7, LS. 9, LS. 10, LS. 11, LS. 12
Length of Program: 45 minutes
Number of Participants: up to 30
Cost: $100 per program

Guest Speaker

Looking for an engaging speaker to help bring watershed issues to life? You've come to the right place. We are happy to visit your group for a lively, cutsom presentation on ecology, water quality, watersheds and more.
Length of Program: 30 mintues
Cost: $100 per presentation

Outdoor Experiences
Where learning and making memories share the stage.

Paddle America’s Founding River
For 6th grade & up

Canoe the waters of the James River, part of the John Smith Water Trail. Follow the footsteps of Captain John Smith himself and discover how the land, river and wildlife would have looked 400 years ago. How have things changed since? River ecology option also available. VA SOL’s: VS. 1, USI. 1, VUS. 1, GOVT. 1, Sci. 6.5, Sci. 6.7, LS. 7, LS. 11, LS. 12, ES. 3, ES. 9, BIO. 9
Length of Program: 4 hours
Number of participants: up to 24
Cost: $200 per program

Custom Canoe Program - Half Day

Length of Program: 4 hours
Number of Participants: 8 to 24
Cost: $300 per program

Custom Canoe Program - Full Day

Length of Program: 7 hours
Number of Participants: 8 to 24
Cost: $525 per program

Night Hike
For 6th - 12th Grade

Students put their nocturnal senses to the test with a night hike within the James River Park System in Richmond, VA. Warm up with a campfire and s’mores then hit the trail for games, activities, experiments and the infamous trust walk. VA Science SOL’s: 6.4, LS. 9, LS. 10, PS .6
Length of Program: 2 hours
Number of Participants: 20
Cost: $150 per program

Group P.E.E.P.:
For 6th grade & up

Are you new to nature? Discover the wonders of the outdoors during this two day, one night camping experience. Participate in activities such as hiking, team building, fishing, wildlife observation, night exploration and a campfire. VA SOL’S: Math 6.1, Math 6.2, Sci. 6.1, Sci. 6.5, Sci. 6.7, Sci. 6.9, LS. 4, LS. 5, LS. 7, LS. 9 LS. 10, LS. 11, ES. 9, BIO. 8, BIO. 9, VS. 2, VS. 3
Length of Program: 2 days, 1 night
Number of Participants: 10 - 14
Cost: $250 per program. Scholarships available

Junior Girl Scout P.E.E.P.:

Bring your troop out to Presquile for a fun, yet productive camping trip. We’ll help you complete two badges during this two day, one night camping experience. Option 1: Earn Camp Together & Outdoor Cook Option 2: Earn Earth Connections & Wildlife
Length of Program: 2 days, 1 night
Number of Participants: 10 - 14
Cost: $250 per program.
Scholarships available.

Older Girl Scout P.E.E.P.:

For Cadettes, Seniors or Ambassadors Commune with nature and your fellow scouts while accomplishing your goals together! We’ll help you complete two Interest Projects during this two day, one night camping experience.
Option 1: Earn Camping & Wildlife
Option 2: Earn Outdoor Survival & Orienteering
Option 3: Earn Plant Life & All About Birds
Length of Program: 2 days, 1 night
Number of Participants: 10 - 14
Cost: $250 per program. Scholarships available.

Workshops
Continue learning!

Rain Barrel Workshop

Want to learn how to conserve water in your own backyard? JRA offers “build-your-own” rain barrel workshops that you can schedule with your friends, neighbors, family and/or organizations. Water conservation presentation included. Barrels (clean, previously-used, food-grade plastic) and all hardware and tools provided.
Length of program: 1.5 hours
Number of Participants: 15-40
Cost: $65 per barrel
Contact: (804) 788-8811 ext. 204

Teacher Workshops

 

So you want to schedule a program?
That’s great! Please note...

• Programs must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance. First come, first serve.
• Outdoor trips may continue rain or shine depending on the circumstances. JRA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule programs as necessary.
• We are willing to help groups find funding to cover program fees and transportation costs.
• We are happy to customize programs to suite your needs. Give us a call (804) 788-8811 ext 205 - and we can plan your program together.

Download a printable version of our Group Education Program Catalog (473 kb)

Grants for School Programs

• Virginia Environmental Endowment's Mini-Grant Program offers grants to schools for up to $5,000 for community-based environmental education.
• DEQ's Virginia Classroom Grant Program offers grants to schools for $500, $750 or $1,000 for conducting meaningful outdoor experiences with students.

If your group or organization would like more information about our Education & Outreach programs, please contact (804) 788-8811 ext. 205.