James River Leadership Expeditions Student Application

James River Leadership Expeditions

Applications are reviewed as received. Application closes when all spots are filled or April 30th, whichever comes first.
By joining the James River Leadership Expeditions, you have a chance to take on an exciting year-long challenge where you will develop leadership skills and working knowledge that will help you in higher education and your career. The James River Association education staff will provide expert instruction on paddling and camping skills, teambuilding, wildlife identification, water quality monitoring, history, river ecology, and policy. JRLE will provide leadership training opportunities for students who are committed to protecting our environment. You will commit to helping communities realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it with your community capstone project.

The safety of the trip participants is the priority; staff with training in canoe instruction, Wilderness First Responder, and CPR will always be present with the team. If selected, a deposit of $200 will be requested to secure your position in the program; all supplies, gear, food, training, and instruction included. This fee can be waived if it would prevent you from participating.

The James RIver Leadership Expedition Program is open to rising 9th through rising 12th grade students who live in or attend school within the James River Watershed.
WE ARE NOT TAKING APLICATONS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR A UPDATED REGIATRATION FORM.
Student Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
School Name*
T-Shirt Size*
Your Grade this School Year*
Teacher Contact (Same as Recommendation)*
How did you hear about the James River Leadership Expedition?*

JRA Educator PresentationTeacherPast Student ParticipantFriendsFacebook/InstagramPrint Ad/Poster/PostcardRadioOther
Fee assistance

If accepted into the program, please waive my $200 deposit fee”
We invite you to complete this section voluntarily. Your answers or decision not to answer will not impact your application. If you choose to complete this portion, your answers will be used to research how our program might reach a more diverse population.
Are you of Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish origin?*

YesNoPrefer not to answer
How would you best describe yourself? Check all that apply.*

Black or of African descentEast AsianIndigenous, American Indian or Alaska NativeMiddle Eastern or North African NativeHawaiian or Pacific IslanderSouth AsianSoutheast AsianWhite or EuropeanNone of thesePrefer not to answerOther
How would you describe your gender identity? (mark all that apply)*

Non-binaryFemaleMalePrefer not to answerOther
Trip Information
JRLE Preference Dates for the first session of JRLE. This is a 5 day long leadership expedition on the river. Please Indicate all dates you are available.*

Middle James River Expedition 7/7-7/11Lower James River Expedition 7/28-8/1Upper James River Expedition 8/11- 8/15
Please indicate your first date preference.*
The Expeditions are physically and mentally demanding. Please briefly describe any physical or medical conditions that may limit you from completing this trip safely (for example: sports injury, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)*
Students will also be required to attend three additional sessions and complete a capstone service project.
- Session 2: Saturday, November 8th to Sunday, November 9th, 2025 Overnight at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in Chesterfield. All three trip cohorts will come together to meet for the first time. We will continue leadership training and begin brainstorming capstone projects.
- Session 3: Saturday, January 17, 2026 — James A. Buzzard River Education Center, Richmond Capstone Project planning workday with an example project that we will complete as a group. This will be the time to hone in ideas and create a plan of action for the spring when you will complete your projects.
- Capstone Project: You will design and complete a capstone service project that utilizes leadership skills gained during the program to effect positive change to your local environment/ portion of the watershed. These projects are created, led, and delivered by you. Outside of planning sessions, you should expect to dedicate 15-30 hours of time to preparing for, and delivering this project.
- Session 4: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 — James A. Buzzard River Education Center, Richmond The presentation day for your capstone projects. Each participant will give a 10 minute presentation supported by digital media. This will be our last meeting as a whole group. We will have a small graduation ceremony after presentations. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Additional session requirements*

I understand that participation in sessions 2, 3 & 4 is required to complete the program.
Application Questions
Please write a short essay (300 words) describing what you expect from your James River Leadership Expeditions experience. What motivates you to participate in this program? What do you hope to learn during the trip? How will completing the James River Leadership Expeditions contribute to your personal, academic, or career goals?*
Briefly describe some of your academic and personal interests.*
The James River Leadership Expeditions will involve moderately strenuous activity, including paddling canoes, portaging gear, sleeping outside each night, and dealing positively with discomforts such as bugs and rain. Please describe your experience dealing positively with discomforts and physical challenges.*
The Expeditions will require strong teamwork to overcome difficult situations. Describe a time when you worked with others while facing a challenge.*
Why should the James River Association choose you to participate? What qualities would you bring to this unique, educational adventure?*
Describe the current or past long-term commitments you have made, if any (sports teams, local organizations, service groups, etc.) How will you make sure that you maintain your commitment to the JRLE in addition to your other responsibilities?*
Please submit two positive letters of recommendation from a teacher, youth group leader, scout troop leader, boss, athletics coach, or another trusted adult in your community (non-family members). Please share all of the Expeditions information with this adult, and attach his/her recommendation with your signature to your application. Should they have any questions regarding the James River Leadership Expeditions or their recommendation, please contact our staff at expeditions@thejamesriver.org.
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Parent or Guardian Signature
I acknowledge that my student has applied to participate in JRLE, a year-long leadership development program. I understand that the goal of JRLE is to build skills and understanding to make a positive impact on our environment and motivate our future leaders.
Parent/Guardian Name*
Parent/Guardian Email*
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Signature*
Should be Empty: