The River Adventure Program (formerly known as Whitewater Adventure) has been a summer outdoor program of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia for 34 years. The program has partnered with Camp Bethel and the Church of the Brethren in order to continue to provide youth in the area with a unique outdoor river adventure. This program provides participants and leaders with:
* A safe experience of God’s creation in the wilderness.
* An experience of Christian community, service, fellowship and worship.
* Training in canoe and environmentally sound camping techniques.
* Adult leaders trained in youth ministry.
* Opportunities for youth and adults to assist in each other’s personal and spiritual growth.
* Opportunities for all participants to live simply and to practice stewardship of their bodies and of God’s natural world.
We believe the experience of God’s presence in nature, in each other and in the gathered body of Christ is potentially transforming for the individual and the whole Church.
Our purpose is to build experientially a Christian community in an outdoor environment, where youth and adults face the intensive demands of supporting each other in group activities that are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually challenging. The experience seeks to enhance self-esteem, positive Christian values, and leadership abilities that individuals take home with them.
