UPDATE: Twelve students from Albany State University (ASU) embarked on an exhilarating 6-mile kayaking journey down the Flint River today, marking a groundbreaking collaboration with the Flint Riverkeeper. The event, part of a wellness initiative by ASU’s Active Minds organization, aims to connect students with nature and enhance mental health.
The students nervously prepared at the Georgia Power Dam boat ramp this morning, fastening life jackets and eyeing the kayaks. Most had never paddled before, but under the guidance of Henry Jackson, outreach director for Flint Riverkeeper, they quickly learned the ropes. “Our mission is to introduce people to the conservation of the Flint River through recreation and education,” Jackson stated.
As the kayakers launched around 10:30 a.m., their excitement was palpable. “Look at that bird!” shouted one student, while another exclaimed, “Man, look at the water sparkling!” Their joy was infectious, with many breaking into song as they navigated the picturesque waters.
The trip was not only about recreation; it included lessons on environmental stewardship. Jackson informed the students about Albany’s Combined Sewer Separation project, which aims to reduce pollution in the Flint River. “It’s a huge step forward,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of community engagement in preserving natural resources.
However, the adventure was not without its challenges. As the group approached Riverfront Park, they encountered fast-flowing rapids. “River left!” Jackson shouted as the students scrambled to navigate the turbulent waters. Amid laughter and screams, a brief chaos ensued, leading to some kayaks tipping over. “It was either me or the phone,” said Sheldon Williams, a junior at ASU, who humorously noted that his phone didn’t survive the plunge.
Despite the mishaps, the students emerged from the river exhilarated. “You’ve got to stay positive no matter what life throws at you,” Williams added, reflecting on his experience. After a lunch break, the students regrouped, ready to tackle the rapids again with newfound confidence.
Simone Bradley, ASU’s director of counseling, noted the positive impact of the trip on students’ mental health. “It taught them to keep going through challenges,” she said, emphasizing that such experiences help students realize their strength both physically and mentally.
The partnership between ASU and Flint Riverkeeper is not just a one-off event. Johnson, a school counselor, and Perry Ford, an Albany city engineer, are working to integrate more outdoor activities into the mental health initiatives at ASU. “With kayaking, it promotes both the mental and physical piece,” Johnson explained, stressing the importance of nature in alleviating stress.
The students’ journey today was a step towards building resilience and community. “The Flint River is one of Albany’s greatest natural resources,” Jackson concluded, encouraging more students to join future excursions. “We’re always looking for people who want to go on the river with us.”
This engaging kayaking trip not only fostered connections among students but also ignited interest in environmental conservation, leaving a lasting impact on all participants. As they paddled back, laughter and camaraderie filled the air, proving that adventure and wellness can go hand in hand.
