The statewide river advocacy organization Georgia Rivers is offering low-to-moderate income families the opportunity to explore the state’s rivers on a shoestring budget through a program that provides complimentary registrations for its canoe/kayak adventures.
Qualifying families can apply to be considered for scholarships to participate in one of eight river adventures through November.
The trips include day trips on the Chattahoochee and Yellow rivers and West Chickamauga Creek; weekend camping and paddling adventures on Big Cedar Creek, the Flint River and the Okefenokee Swamp and Paddle Georgia 2025, week-long journey down South Chickamauga Creek and the Tennessee River. A full slate of trips can be found at www.garivers.org/calendar-2 The program is made possible through donations from Colonial Pipeline and other Georgia Rivers supporters.
“We recognize the cost of registration and access to boats, gear and equipment are often barriers for many to join our trips,” said Rena Ann Peck, Georgia Rivers Executive Director, “This is especially true of families. Over the years we’ve seen the benefits of getting children and their extended family out on river adventures. It’s a place where families create lasting memories.”
Each scholarships ranges in value from $100 for day trips to nearly $500 for the organization’s annual weeklong journey known as Paddle Georgia. Applications for scholarships can be accessed at https://georgiarivernetwork. regfox.com/paddle-georgia-scholarshipapplication. The organization is now accepting applications for scholarships.
Most trips are suitable for beginners and novices, including day trips on the Yellow River in Covington September 13 as well as overnight camping trips on Big Cedar Creek near Rome July 26-27; Flint River near Albany October 10-12 and in the Okefenokee Swamp November 7-9.
The organization’s signature event, Paddle Georgia 2025, is a seven-day journey that begins June 15 on South Chickamauga Creek near Ringgold, runs through Chattanooga, Tenn., on the Tennessee River and continues down that river to Stevenson Ala., ending June 22.
Individuals interested in exploring the state’s rivers on their own can take advantage of Georgia Rivers’ Georgia River Guide app, available at both android and Apple app stores for free. The app provides detailed information for boaters about how to access and what to expect on dozens of Georgia rivers and streams: https://garivers.org/georgiariverguide/.
