Texas River School Programs

Children attending the Texas River School program will participate in hands-on activities geared to educate them about issues relating to their upcoming day-long river adventure. Four pre-trip training sessions and one follow-up session are presented by TRS instructors in the students classroom. The sessions cover important information to prepare for the trip, re-enforced by written handouts in English and Spanish. Teachers help by making sure the students have everything on the checklist the day of the trip. Kids are instructed in:

  • River safety,

  • Proper planning including how to dress, what to pack and how to watch for changing weather conditions,

  • Making healthy food choices for the expedition.

What We Do:
Our programming is specifically designed to provide participants of ALL abilities with the skills necessary to enjoy their day on the River.

SAFETY FIRST:
ALL PARTICIPANTS WEAR A USCG APPROVED PFD (personal floatation device) AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON OR NEAR THE WATER. The Texas River School staff is trained and certified in first aid, CPR and water safety and WE DO NOT compromise on participant safety.

 

LET’S EAT! Preparing and packing a nutritious (and dry) lunch.

Teaching young people about living an active and healthy life is at the core of TRS programming. Participants learn about healthy food choices and how that food needs to be packed for a day on the River.

 

WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT?
 
Paddling techniques, river safety and on the water etiquette are the recipe for a great day on the River.Most of our participants have never been on the water in ANYTHING much less piloted a canoe. The skills they learn and put into practice not only provides them with confidence on the water, the experience translates into an improved self image and a willingness to learn and grow in other aspects of life.

AQUIFER? What’s an aquifer?

The Barton Springs Pool provides the perfect laboratory for the investigation of central Texas’ significant natural “water delivery system.” Students are taught basic snorkeling techniques and then are able to swim down and actually feel the aquifer, a powerful experience! A trip through the award wining, “Splash Exhibit” provides hands-on interpretation of many natural phenomenon (and it’s FUN!).

The Trip Back HOME

While the time on the water is highly supervised, students have ample time to “explore” the Lady Bird Lake ecosystem in unstructured, self guided, ‘free” time outdoors. Recent research points out the direct benefits of unstructured time in nature. In their work, "Resurrecting Free Play in Young Children: Looking Beyond Fitness and Fatness to Attention, Affiliation and Affect." doctors Hillary Burdette M.D. and Robert C. Whitaker, M.D, M.P.H. cite cognitive benefits from play in nature, including creativity, problem-solving, focus and self-discipline. Social benefits include cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness. Emotional benefits include stress reduction, reduced aggression and increased happiness. Children will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play in the out-of-doors.

There are no other on-the-water educational programs like this in Central Texas.

Some Commonly Asked Questions Are:

  • "Are we going to see any snakes?"
  • "What if I can't swim?"
  • "How do I steer the canoe?"
  • "What do we do if we dump over?"

After the trip TRS instructors return to the classroom to review the day's events, share stories and complete post-trip questionnaires. The comparison of pre-trip to post-trip questionnaires allows us to measure the amount of knowledge the kids gained from the trip. This information is used in program development and to ensure that the kids are getting the most from their experience.

There are no other on-the-water educational programs like this in Central Texas.