Albany State Students Kayak the Flint River in Exciting Adventure
UPDATE: 12 Albany State University students embarked on an exhilarating kayak trip along the Flint River on October 21, 2023, marking a significant partnership with the Flint Riverkeeper. This immersive experience aimed to connect students with nature while promoting mental health awareness.
The students, members of the Active Minds organization, gathered nervously at the Georgia Power Dam as they prepared for a thrilling 6-mile journey to Radium Springs. Under the guidance of Henry Jackson, outreach director for the Flint Riverkeeper, they received essential kayaking instructions, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
“Our mission is to introduce people to the Flint River’s conservation through recreation and education,” Jackson stated. The trip represents the first official collaboration between the Flint Riverkeeper and ASU’s Active Minds, emphasizing wellness and mental health discussions.
As the students launched into the water around 10:30 a.m., initial trepidation transformed into excitement. Shrieks of joy filled the air as they paddled forward, captivated by the stunning natural surroundings. “Look at that bird!” one student exclaimed, while another noted, “Man, look at the water sparkling!” Their spirits soared as they sang Sam Cooke’s classic, “A Change is Gonna Come,” celebrating their newfound adventure.
Jackson took the opportunity to educate the students about Albany’s Combined Sewer Separation project, highlighting its importance in reducing pollution in the Flint River. “This is a huge step forward for Albany,” he said.
However, the day wasn’t without its challenges. As they approached Riverfront Park, the river’s rapids tested their skills. “River left! And then a sharp river right!” Jackson shouted, prompting a flurry of activity. The students navigated the tumultuous waters, resulting in a chaotic yet exhilarating experience. A mishap led to 20-year-old Sheldon Williams losing his cellphone, but he remained in high spirits, reflecting on the fun of the day despite the setback.
After a brief break for lunch, the students gathered with city engineer Perry Ford, who emphasized the lessons learned from the challenging rapids. “Not everything is smooth sailing,” he noted, encouraging the students to carry this resilience into their academic lives.
The kayaking adventure, according to Simone Bradley, ASU’s director of counseling and student accessibility services, fostered teamwork and showcased the students’ inner strength. “It taught them to keep going through challenges – that they are stronger than they think they are,” she said.
As the day progressed, students expressed their newfound appreciation for the outdoors. Tre Thomas, a senior, remarked on the importance of disconnecting from technology. “This gave us time to just embrace being outside and connecting with people,” he said.
Jackson confirmed the significance of this partnership, stating, “The Flint River is one of Albany’s greatest natural resources. Building these connections is good for the river and for the community.”
As the students returned to their kayaks with renewed confidence, they were ready to tackle the rest of the journey. The Flint Riverkeeper expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations, eager to engage more students in outdoor activities that promote both mental and physical well-being.
This kayaking trip not only provided an adventurous day for ASU students but also laid the foundation for ongoing partnerships aimed at enhancing mental health and fostering a deeper connection with nature. The Flint Riverkeeper is committed to continuing these efforts, inviting more students to experience the beauty of the Flint River firsthand.
