ALIVE by the James

ALIVE by the James

An environmental adventure for Virginia youth

Adventures in Leadership through Investigation and Visitation in the Environment

July 21-26, 2008

ALIVE by the James will be the premier watershed experience for youth of Virginia. The six days and five nights will be spent at one of Virginia's newest state parks, James River State Park, in scenic Buckingham County. The camp will be open to youth entering their freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior year of academic education in the Commonwealth. Home schooled youth are welcome to participate.

Campers will be immersed in environmental education specifically related to the James River Watershed as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Subject matter will include water quality, soil, land uses and forestry. Campers will engage in hands-on activities as they delve into their studies and learn to work together to protect natural resources.

Most activities will take place in small groups of approximately 12 youth and two or three adult leaders. Groups will rotate through learning tracts each day. As a group, the campers will conduct a streambank restoration project. During the week, campers will work cooperatively with their cabin mates to prepare group meals and keep the park facilities clean.
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Campers will be housed in brand new cabins with two, three or six bedrooms. One or two adult leaders will be assigned to each cabin depending on the size of the cabin.

Cost: A deposit of $75 is due by April 28, 2008, with the Application. The balance of $160 is due upon notification of acceptance to attend camp. Sponsorship by several foundations that share an interest in youth environmental education has offset the overall cost to campers.

Cancellation Policy: Full refund if requested on or before 4:00 PM on May 19, 2008. 50% refund on or before 4:00 PM on June 2, 2008. Absolutely no refund after June 16, 2008.

ALIVE by the James Partners: A variety of organizations have combined efforts in order to present this opportunity. They are:
Department of Conservation & Recreation, Virginia State Parks
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Old Dominion Resource Conservation & Development
Peter Francisco Soil & Water Conservation District
Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District
Robert E. Lee Soil & Water Conservation District
Virginia Association of SWCDs
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Department of Forestry
Virginia Naturally

Handy documents to download:

2008 Application
ALIVE brochure
Sample Schedule (3 to a sheet)
Sample Schedule (single)
ALIVE 2007 Yearbook

Partner links:

Virginia State Parks
Virginia Naturally
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Old Dominion RC&D is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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Education Objectives:

To learn about the James River Watershed as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. *

To learn about pollutants to Virginia waterways with a particular emphasis on sediment.

To actively engage in activities to learn about water quality, soil and land use, and forestry.

*Campers will learn that no matter whether they reside in the James River Watershed or any other watershed, all waterways are impacted by the actions of others and cooperation is needed to protect natural resources.

Expected Results:
By the end of the week, campers will be able:

To clearly define a watershed
To explain the impact of erosion on waterways
To identify ways to control erosion
To demonstrate competency in biological and chemical monitoring
To have a better understanding of their role as stewards of the Earth
To collect and manipulate environmental data
To have a greater appreciation of Virginia's great outdoors

Eligibility Requirements

Must be entering freshmen through senior year of high school
Must be a Virginia resident
Must be recommended by a teacher, counselor, or other professional
Must have parent or guardian's written consent
Must be interested in the environment
Must meet application deadlines as outlined in the information packet

48 campers will be selected to attend the ALIVE by the James

Selection will be at the discretion of the Planning Committee in order to assure appropriate assignment of campers to the facilities. Each cabin will be gender specific and adult leaders (one or two, depending on the size of the cabin) will be assigned to each cabin..

Plenty of fun and games included:
There will be lots of time set aside during the week to enjoy the majestic beauty that is James River State Park. Also on the agenda is time to kick back and have a good time. Some of the activities under consideration for campers are horseshoes, geo-caching, night hikes, treasure hunting, canoeing/tubing, outdoor movie with popcorn, karaoke and crafts. There promises to be something for everyone.

More information can be obtained by contacting the directors of ALIVE by the James. Send an email to Ruth Wallace at Buckingham County Cooperative Extension or Sherry Ragland at Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District if you have questions. Or call 434-969-4261 or 434-983-4757, Ext. 4, respectively with any questions.