River Teens
The RiverTeens program is the natural evolution of Paddle4Tomorrow’s Hike ‘n Paddle (HnP) program. As our participants aged out of HnP (ages 8–12), they made one thing clear: they weren’t ready to leave the P4T family. As an organization, we felt exactly the same way.
FIRST DESCENTS
When we asked our Hike ‘n Paddle graduates, “What do you want to do next?” the response was swift and certain: “We want to go river kayaking. We’re the RiverTeens!”
With that, a new P4T program was born – defined by the youth, for the youth. And the 2025 inaugural season delivered more than just time on the water.
RiverTeens take the leap from flatwater paddling to moving water excursions on rivers across the Southeast.
These immersive trips are thrilling, confidence-building, and designed to build directly on the foundation of the Hike ‘N Paddle program.
The teens deepen their practical skills, build teamwork, and discover a lasting emotional connection to the natural world – equipping tomorrow's leaders to protect and appreciate our water resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
They continued to apply the "Leave No Trace" principles they practiced during their years as Hike ‘n Paddle participants in real-world scenarios.
On land and water professional naturalists led instructional nature explorations.
CITIZEN SCIENCE
If First Descents speak to the heart, Citizen Science is an appeal to the mind.
By practicing Leave No Trace principles and conducting hands-on water quality testing using Georgia Adopt-A-Stream protocols, RiverTeens learn to measure and assess the health of local waterways.
Curiosity turns into practical environmental action – equipping teens with both the knowledge and tools to advocate for their local rivers.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Enhanced teamwork and communication skills through hands-on challenges were on display during all their adventures.
This was evident as they turned an open field into a multi-tent RiverTeens encampment, as well as on the water where they assured their fellow paddlers were safe in all conditions.
THE FUTURE