About Us

After 14 years of running most of our programs in Virginia as, Virginia Outside, we are excited to finally make the move into the Raleigh area. We have a wealth of experience in the outdoors working with kids, and have introduced 1000's of campers to some awesome outdoors experiences! 
 
We started our programs because the outdoors is important to us, whether fishing, mountain biking, hiking, or just exploring.

Somewhere along the line each member of our staff received a gift,
the gift of being introduced to the outdoors.

It might have occurred at a farm pond with a grandparent, fishing for bluegill,
Holding up fish
Bike Camp Photo

it might have occurred on a single track trail fighting to keep up with a parent on a mountain bike,
or it might have occurred at summer camp.

Regardless, we were changed and would never be the same.
Those experiences steered the direction of our lives, and we recognize that life wouldn’t be the same if someone hadn’t taken the time to introduce us to the outdoor pursuits that we cherish.
With that knowledge comes the responsibility of passing on our passions for the outdoors to the next generation. It’s why we do what we do.

Staff

Josh Hage

Josh Hage

After teaching middle school for 8 years, Josh left the classroom for an office outdoors. As a Richmond native, and certified WFR, he enjoys guiding others to safely explore the many trails, rapids, and fishing holes that are unique to the river city. He also coaches wrestling and does freelance landscaping/carpentry in addition to working with Virginia Outside. Josh enjoys camping, backpacking, and whitewater paddling in his spare time.

 

Shep Roeper

Shep Roeper

 

After graduating from Radford University where he realized his passion for the outdoors, Shep took a position in California leading rafting, skiing, and kayaking for people with disabilities.  Years later, after moving back to Richmond, he continues to pursue his love for the outdoors.  He’s co-founded Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit that aims to make outdoor adventures available and accessible for everyone, and in his free time, Shep is most likely to be found rafting, climbing the Manchester wall, paddle boarding Lake Gaston, or fishing the James.

 

Dan Dutton

Dan Dutton

 

Dan Dutton grew up fishing lakes and streams of northern Virginia.  After studying fisheries and doing research of fish from tiny minnows to marlin, he now teaches marine science at the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School.  Dan is also a fly fishing instructor and guide at River Rock Outfitters in Fredericksburg, VA.  When the water’s too high and muddy to fish, you’ll find Dan paddling the whitewater. 

 

Tee Clarkson

Tee Clarkson

After starting Virginia Fishing Adventures summer camp in 2005, Tee Clarkson has spent the summers guiding youngsters into countless fish, and more importantly many enjoyable days outside. Virginia Outside seemed a natural progression based on his love of the James River Park and desire for children to have the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors. Tee currently writes the Outdoors Column for the Richmond Times Dispatch.
Tommy Evans

Tommy Evans

Tommy Evans has been teaching at Stonewall Jackson Middle School for the past 12 years. At Stonewall Jackson he has promoted many outdoor education experiences for his students including archery, angling, and hunter education. When not in the classroom, Tommy can be found fishing a wide variety of waters throughout the state of Virginia.
David Kern

David Kern

Since returning home to Richmond, David, an exceptional education teacher at Deep Run High School, has furthered his knowledge and love for Virginia mountain bike trail systems.  David attended Appalachian State University where his love for mountain biking and the outdoors was fostered by everything the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.  David started the mountain bike program at Virginia Outside and is in charge of all things Mountain Bike related. He has logged over 700 hours of youth mountain bike instruction, is an International Mountain Bicycling Association certified instructor, and holds a Wilderness First Aid and CPR certificate. David also owns and runs RideKore, where they offer more individual and advanced mountain bike instruction for adults and youth.
Ben Garden

Ben Garden

A native of Roanoke, Ben grew up fishing southwest Virginia’s wide variety of trout and smallmouth bass streams. After college he moved to Richmond where he teaches 8th grade social studies and coaches track at Robious Middle School in Chesterfield County. He enjoys helping others discover all that Virginia’s rivers have to offer. Ben loves the outdoors and in his spare time can be found on the river with his dog or his fly rod. Ben has recently become our RVA Camp Manager.
Rhys Franck

Rhys Franck

Rhys is a personal fitness instructor and former high school coach for Manassas City Schools.  He grew up in Upstate NY and in Northern Colorado where he developed a strong connection to the outdoors.  Rhys is an avid runner and competes in long distance races and obstacle races.  In addition, he enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Rhys is the head mountain bike counselor in Northern Virginia.