Snorkeling on the Shenandoah River with Shenandoah University Students

We gathered into the van on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. Nine participants loaded their belongings and settled into their seats for a fun-filled day on the Shenandoah River. As we were en route to Shenandoah University’s River Campus at Cool Springs, the weather quickly turned from a bright and sunny morning to an ominous and chilly day. Discouraged for the events ahead, SOAR staff focused on keeping an optimistic outlook. Upon arrival, the air felt crisp, and the participants shared feelings of doubt about their pending experience. 

After a quick lesson on the seven components of the Leave No Trace principle, the participants were challenged to memorize all seven points for a prize. With some competitive energy in the air, the participants’ newly brightened energy contrasted with the darkened sky. With their new National Park Trust-sponsored snorkeling gear, the participants trekked to the river basin. 

By the end of the short walk to the riverfront, the sun began peaking through the clouds. After a short tutorial on how to put on their equipment, the participants entered the frigid water. They quickly acclimated to the water temperature and began searching for unique finds in the water. Unfortunately, the trip participants were not able to find much, but they did find a few small fish and even a turtle! 

Despite not being able to see as much as we would have hoped, there were still new friendships and memories being made. Within an hour of our arrival, the sun was out again, warming up the air. This made for a relaxing cookout and talks in the sun. We even had one participant recall all seven components of the Leave-No-Trace principle and won an NPT-sponsored beautiful hydro flask! A second participant won a surprise second hydro flask after selflessly being a steward of nature and removing as much trash as he could find in the river.

I am reluctant to say that I do not think the River Snorkeling itself was a core member for the participants on the trip. There just was not much for the participants to see, so the trip was a little discouraging in that aspect. However, I think what it lacked in snorkeling the trip made up for in connections. Most of the people on the trip had never met before, but it was hard to ignore how much they were conversing and sprouting new connections with each other. Nevertheless, I hope they still feel eager to try snorkeling again!