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 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 would never have been 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.
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 has written more than 500 articles on fishing, hunting, and conservation in Virginia for publications like, The Richmond Times Dispatch, Virginia Wildlife, and The Virginia Sportsman. He also owns and operates a conservation consulting business, Atoka Conservation Exchange, where he works with landowners to protect properties throughout the state.
Mitch grew up in Virginia Beach, VA as the son of a naval officer and developed a love for the water at an early age after watching his dad fly helicopters off of aircraft carriers, and getting to experience life on a ship firsthand during his first “tiger cruise.” He spent his youth swimming, surfing, skating, and wakeboarding with his neighborhood friends, most of whom still remain his good friends to this day. Mitch’s first “real job” at 15 was as a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool each summer, until he left for college in 2009. At James Madison University, he continued his lifeguarding and safety career at the university recreation center, becoming a lifeguard and CPR instructor, and eventually an Operations Supervisor. After graduating in 2013, he moved to Charlottesville where the local streams and rivers satisfied his itch to be on the water, and he found new passions in fly fishing and kayaking. When he’s not on the water or teaching kids how to fish with Virginia Outside, he also works for Great Outdoor Provision Co., outfitting customers for their outdoor adventures and swapping fish tales with his co-workers.
For information about programs in Charlottesville, contact mitch@virginiaoutside.com.
Brittany grew up in Northern Virginia, fishing in her backyard and spending as much time outside as possible! She loves anything outdoors and has a passion for sharing the experience with as many people as she can! In her free time she enjoys being active around Richmond; rock climbing biking, fishing and paddling the river whenever she can! Brittany is the Summer Camp Operations Manager for all of the camps that run through Virginia Outside She lives for the sunshine and hot Summer months!
For information about programs in Richmond, contact brittany@virginiaoutside.com or Company Phone Number: 8042726362