REC THE RIVER IV

In 2023 Todd Braguglia, Jesse Paul and a group of professionals organized the first annual “Rec the River” event where a group of likeminded tree people gathered and worked together hosting a weekend outdoor camping and recreational, educational, adventurous event in Luray, Virginia. This event is an opportunity for arborists, climbers, outdoorsmen, and adventurers of all ages and skill levels from all over the United States to gather. Bringing less advanced and intermediate climbers into a setting with more advanced climbers whom were available and eager to share individual experienced knowledge and guide and assist in a casual setting. This event started the ball rolling, and now we are rolling up to the FOURTH Rec the River! 
The focus is climbing- safely and sharing our love of being in the trees with everyone who has any interest whatsoever, whether you have climbed thousands of trees, or this is a first-time activity. We want every new person who wants to climb to be able to get in a tree, feel accomplished and be eager to climb again. We want every experienced climber to come away with additional gained experience, in education, sharing techniques with camaraderie, and growing bonding friendships in the tree people community.
Our first event was so successful that all the guests felt like it wasn’t necessarily a community but a more closely knitted family of tree folk- a family reunion. The second event amplified the reunion. 
Specific trainings are being assembled and planned to cover a wide variety of topics and skills such as advanced rigging techniques, sharing equipment and tips on using specific climbing tools, rigs, or methods, aerial rescue, CPR certifications, and Basic First Aid, Job Site/ Tree Assessment, Effective and Professional Jobsite Communication, being stewards of the forest, knot skills and valuable tools for recreational climbing, Ansi Z133 Tree Bible Law, AR challenge over water and more to be announced as we continue planning an event to go down in the books as epic!
     We are excited to have you join us this year for an extended 5 day weekend of reuniting, playing in the outdoors, hanging in the trees and education. We extend the invitation to your family and friends. Your ticket price secures your site to camp, your meals and snacks,  generously donated sponsor gifts, tube rental for a river float, groundie games and family fun afternoon activities and access to a variety of class type presentations or discussions.

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Mark your calendars for July 8th through July 12th, 2026 in Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

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Admission per person: $250.00   (Non-Refundable) 
(Please note: Ages 6 and under are free, and must be with a guardian at all times. Ages 7 to 14 are 1/2 price at $125 each, and ages 15 and up are full price.)  

We always welcome the support of volunteers and know that everyone will pitch in anyways. We are extending an apology that volunteers have to pay to attend and volunteer as this covers your part of the camping, tube rentals, T-shirts, Amazing Presentations and especially food!