Texas River School

Texas River School
801 W. Gibson St.
Austin, TX 78704
Joe Kendall (512) 289-0750
Net: texasriverschool.org
E-mail: joe@texasriverschool.org
Facebook: facebook.com/texasriverschool
Many economically disadvantaged youth are not allowed much exposure to nature and nature-based experiences. Since 1994, the Texas River School has been providing outdoor experiences, environmental education, and fun to Austin-area children and teens, many of whom attend Title 1 schools.
Audiences: Title 1 Schools – Ages 9 to 18; Families.
Discover the Source: This is a day-long school field trip where students are guided in paddle boats from the Texas Rowing Center (near Austin High School) up Barton Creek to the “Splash Exhibit” next to Barton Springs Pool. Each tour requires a minimum of 25. Participants enjoy canoeing, snorkeling, and swimming while learning basic skills in paddling, river safety, and water-trip planning. This is grant-funded for Title 1 schools, with the only cost being transportation. Since this program began, it has given this tour to at least 13,000 students.
River Sense: This is a primer course in canoe operation and safety held for half a day on Lady Bird Lake. It is also grant funded for Title 1 schools. About 600 children and teens a year participate.
Moonlight Bat Float: Between May and October, children and families meet on the Saturday closest to the full moon at the Texas Rowing Center and paddle to the Congress Avenue bridge to watch Austin’s legendary Mexican Freetail Bats. Rowers are serenaded by Austin musicians towed on a raft next to them. The events typically last from 6 – 9:30 PM. Cost is $15/adult and $10/child; all income levels welcome. Check our Web site for notice and details of the next event.

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