Georgia Rivers Scholarship Programs Invites Families on River Adventures

ATHENS, GA – May 1, 2025 – The statewide river advocacy organization Georgia Rivers is offering low-to-moderate income families the opportunity to explore the state’s rivers on a shoestring budget through a program that provides complimentary registrations for its canoe/kayak adventures.

Qualifying families can apply to be considered for scholarships to participate in one of eight river adventures between now and November. 

The trips include day trips on the Chattahoochee and Yellow rivers and West Chickamauga Creek; weekend camping and paddling adventures on Big Cedar Creek, the Flint River and the Okefenokee Swamp and Paddle Georgia 2025, week-long journey down South Chickamauga Creek and the Tennessee River. A full slate of trips can be found at www.garivers.org/calendar-2 

The program is made possible through donations from Colonial Pipeline and other Georgia Rivers supporters. 

“We recognize the cost of registration and access to boats, gear and equipment are often barriers for many to join our trips,” said Rena Ann Peck, Georgia Rivers Executive Director, “This is especially true of families. Over the years we’ve seen the benefits of getting children and their extended family out on river adventures. It’s a place where families create lasting memories.” 

Each scholarships ranges in value from $100 for day trips to nearly $500 for the organization’s annual week-long journey known as Paddle Georgia. Applications for scholarships can be accessed at https://georgiarivernetwork.regfox.com/paddle-georgia-scholarship-application- The organization is now accepting applications for scholarships. 

Most trips are suitable for beginners and novices, including day trips on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta May 24 and the Yellow River in Covington Sept. 13 as well as overnight camping trips on Big Cedar Creek near Rome July 26-27; Flint River near Albany Oct. 10-12 and in the Okefenokee Swamp Nov. 7-9. 

The organization’s signature event, Paddle Georgia 2025, is a seven-day journey that begins June 15 on South Chickamauga Creek near Ringgold, Georgia, runs through Chattanooga, Tennessee on the Tennessee River and continues down that river to Stevenson Alabama, ending June 22. 

Individuals interested in exploring the state’s rivers on their own can take advantage of Georgia Rivers’ Georgia River Guide app, available at both android and Apple app stores for free. The app provides detailed information for boaters about how to access and what to expect on dozens of Georgia rivers and streams: https://garivers.org/georgiariverguide/.

###

Georgia Rivers, formerly Georgia River Network, is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of connecting people with and protecting Georgia’s rivers. It serves as Georgia Department of Natural Resources non-profit partnering to coordinate the state’s water trail program.  

Sponsors of Georgia Rivers paddle trips include Georgia Power Company, Hennessy Land Rover, Colonial Pipeline, Butler-Prather Trail Lawyers, Southwire, Isdell Family Foundation, Southern Company Gas, Troncalli Subaru, RYAM, Mill Creek Environmental, Spears Family Foundation, Baxter and Harbin CPAs, Georgia Kayak Fishing, Purina, Terry Pate CPA, RES, Fruit of the Loom/Jerzees, REI, Westbrook Supply Company, Wildwater, Georgia Mining Association, Georgia Department of Natural Resources,  Stream Techs, The Canoe House, Patagonia, Adventure Keen, Royal Restrooms, Southeast Adventure Outfitters, Festive Water, Oconee Outfitters, The Hike Inn, Learn to Kayak, Café Campesino, Crescent Kayaks, Appalachian Outfitters, Murph’s Surf, Dick’s House of Sport, Savannah Canoe and Kayak, Whitewater Express, Rock City, Ruby Falls, EVRAH3 Sparkling Water, Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions and Tennessee River Place. Partners include Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Georgia Canoeing Association, Tennessee RiverLine and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream.