About Us/Contact Us

Give us a call at 804-272-6362 or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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,

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

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.

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 8^th 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 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.