James River Leadership Expeditions Student Application

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 or reduced if it would prevent you from participating.

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)*

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.*

Upper expedition: 6/24/24 - 6/28/24Middle expedition: 7/15/24 - 7/19/24Lower expedition: 7/29/24 - 8/2/24

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 responsible to attend three additional sessions.

Session 2: Saturday, November 9th to Sunday, November 10, 2024 – James River Ecology School – Overnight at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in Chesterfield
Session 3: Saturday, January 18, 2025 — James A. Buzzard River Education Center, Richmond
Session 4: Saturday, May 3, 2025 — James A Buzzard River Education Center, Richmond

Additional session requirements*

I understand that participation in sessions 2, 3 & 4 are also required.

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 JRLA 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 JRLA, a year-long leadership development program. I understand that the goal of JRLA 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*