A group of first-year students gathered in a large wooden shack in downtown Richmond, near the James River. It was one week before classes began, and the students were part of the UR Outdoor Adventure and Recreation (OAR) pre-orientation program — a fun way for incoming students to meet before the first day of classes.

“It’s so important for students to have this sense of community — and they can find it here,” said Jill Woodward, manager, Outdoor Adventure and Recreation.

Standing in a circle, the students share their names and hometowns. Some hailed from Virginia, but many came from all across the country.

Kate Magee of Columbus, Ohio, had never gone rafting before. “I had a friend who did something like this when she went away to college,” she said. “I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and create a bond with them.”

John Burnett, another first-timer, felt drawn to the outdoor trip. “I just enjoy spending time in nature,” said Burnett, a Houstonian who appreciates the natural beauty of the UR campus.

“I’m from Maryland, so I’ve always loved boats,” said Zachiah Zook of Baltimore. She’d been kayaking and canoeing before, but never rafting.

While some students moved in early to their residence halls, Zook’s roommate hadn’t arrived yet, “but they did a great job of matching us up and we’ve already made so many plans,” she said with a smile.

As indie music played over the speakers, Riverside Outfitters instructors helped students put on the helmets and life vests that were lined up on nearby benches.

Old school buses with brightly painted murals of river scenes carried students upriver to the start of the rapids.

“Richmond is the only city in the United States that has Class IV rapids within city limits,” Woodward said about the whitewater course that is often considered very difficult due to the type of obstacles and larger waves and drops. Even though the students only encountered Class III rapids due to lower water levels, they were still tasked with maneuvering through unknown territory. “Some of these activities are challenging and make you feel uncomfortable — but that is the best way to grow.”

After the trip, Zook described what it was like. “I found myself nervous, excited, and awed by the experience,” she said. “Nervous because of all of the rocks, but excited about them too, and awed by the beautiful river and city.” 

At one point, the instructors pushed the rafts into a rough spot in the water and the groups had to work to keep everyone aboard, recalled Burnett.

“A highlight was when we raft surfed as a whole group and managed to not let any of our members fall off,” he said. “The trip was super fun and definitely a new experience.”

“The trip was great!” agreed Magee. “And it really helped me connect with the people in my group.”

The three-day pre-orientation also included indoor rock climbing, yoga, planting black-eyed Susan in the campus’s eco-corridor, and a James River Park clean up.