Albany State Students Experience Nature on Kayaking Adventure

A group of twelve students from Albany State University (ASU) recently embarked on a kayaking expedition along the Flint River, facilitated by the Flint Riverkeeper organization. This event, held on October 21, 2023, marked a significant partnership aimed at connecting students with nature while promoting mental health awareness.

The students, members of the Active Minds organization, gathered at a boat ramp along the Flint River, where they received safety briefings and kayaking instructions from Henry Jackson, the Flint Riverkeeper’s outreach and development director. Many of the participants were novice kayakers, with some expressing apprehension as they prepared to navigate the waters. Jackson emphasized the importance of the river’s conservation, stating, “Part of the Flint Riverkeeper’s mission is to introduce people to the Flint River’s conservation through recreation and education.”

The journey began at the Georgia Power Dam and continued for six miles to Radium Springs. This kayaking trip served as the inaugural collaboration between the Flint Riverkeeper and ASU’s Active Minds organization, which focuses on mental health advocacy. Earlier, a smaller group of students had participated in a pilot event known as the Lower Flint Paddle, laying the groundwork for this larger outing.

Participants quickly adapted to their kayaks, buoyed by the excitement of the adventure. As they paddled along the river, they engaged with nature, marveling at the surroundings and sharing in moments of joy. Laughter and song filled the air, with one student proclaiming, “Look at that bird!” while another noted the river’s sparkling surface. Jackson utilized the opportunity to educate the students about local environmental initiatives, including Albany’s Combined Sewer Separation project designed to reduce pollution in the Flint River.

As the group approached Riverfront Park, they encountered a challenging section of rapids. Jackson’s guidance became crucial as he instructed them to navigate the swift waters. The excitement peaked as kayaks jostled against one another, resulting in a brief moment of chaos before the students emerged safely on the other side. One participant, Sheldon Williams, humorously recounted the experience, saying, “It was either me or the phone,” referring to his lost cellphone during the tumultuous passage. Despite the setback, Williams maintained a positive outlook, embodying the spirit of resilience that the trip aimed to foster among the students.

After lunch, Perry Ford, an engineer for the City of Albany, addressed the students about the importance of facing challenges, stating, “Not everything is smooth sailing. That’s a lesson you can carry into your classes.” This sentiment resonated with the group, who were eager to continue their kayaking journey.

The second leg of the trip saw the students grow in confidence as they tackled the remaining waters. Simone Bradley, ASU’s director of counseling and student accessibility services, remarked on the significance of outdoor activities like kayaking in promoting mental health. “It taught them to keep going through challenges – that they are stronger than they think they are… physically and mentally,” she said.

As students navigated the river, they reflected on the benefits of stepping away from their screens and embracing the natural world. Tre Thomas, a 21-year-old ASU senior, noted that the experience encouraged a connection with nature and each other. “To keep your mental health in the right space, this is one of the ways you can do that,” he explained.

Jackson concluded the day with enthusiasm for future collaborations, stating, “The Flint Riverkeeper would love to do more. We’re here with canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets for whenever ASU wants to join us.” This kayaking excursion not only provided an engaging outdoor experience but also highlighted the vital role of nature in supporting mental well-being, fostering community connections, and promoting environmental stewardship among the next generation.