We are able to work directly with gym classes, our inclusive walking programs enable us to impact over 1,000 middle school and high school students of all abilities. Students learn how to set goals for walking laps and they spend 30- 45 minutes walking in hallways, gymnasiums, or around the school track.

Our staff check in with students before and after each walking session to record the number of laps that students walk. Our Gamechangers are a part of each program and they set an example when it comes to effort and accountability. Walking programs are successful because they are inclusive, they promote 100% participation, they allow students to pursue individualized goals.

River’s Way has been working with special education students in gardens since 2011. One garden is located across the street from Viking Hall in Bristol TN. We also operate two hoop houses on the grounds of Central Christian Church in Bristol TN.

Gardening has proven to be a highly successful collaborative project involving Bristol TN City Schools, Bristol VA Public Schools, the Bristol Family YMCA, Appalachian Sustainable Development and Central Christian Church. The Bristol Morning Rotary Club, Appalachian Sustainable Development and Grow Appalachia were instrumental in helping us to construct our two hoop houses.

Summer Programs 2024

River’s Way summer programs provide a great opportunity for young people with differing abilities, ages 14 and up, to be immersed in the community and to be physically active while enjoying the company of good friends. We have a variety of programs and participants can choose those that best fit their needs. Activities include gardening, walking, fitness programs at the YMCA of Bristol and time spent at Theatre Bristol. We adapt programs to the needs and abilities of all participants, with physical activity and fun being at the core of most everything that we do.

Summer 2024 programs start on Monday, June 3rd, and run through Friday, August 2nd (a total of nine weeks). Programs run from 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. Participants can attend all or part of a day’s program. Those who require 1:1 assistance should have an attendant.

Registration is required for all summer participants. To register electronically, click on the “Register” button below. We also require a signed Program Release Form and Health Information Form for each participant. These forms can be emailed or mailed back using the addresses listed below.

Required Forms:

Program Release, Health Information, Medication Form

To Register:

Complete the Registration Form by clicking the “Register” button below.

Fill out the Health Information Form, Program Release Form, and Medications Form (if medications are required) and return these to River’s Way by email, through the mail, or in-person.

Mailing Address:  River’s Way, 1227 Volunteer Parkway, Ste. 520, Bristol TN 37620

Email:  Tom@riversway.org  –or–  Matt@riversway.org

Additional Program Details:

We will meet at the YMCA of Bristol at 8:00 am Monday- Friday during the summer. Pick up time is 4:00 pm at the YMCA with the exception of Fridays when pick up time is 1:00 pm at the YMCA.

All participants of afternoon programs must have YMCA memberships. The YMCA will provide some financial assistance based on income levels. Memberships are obtained through the front office at the YMCA.

Participants should bring a water bottle, a snack and a packed lunch. We highly recommend sun block and hats as we will be outside while gardening and with some of our walking programs.

Our program days are divided into two parts:

• Mornings are spent in the community with the primary activities being gardening and walking. (8 participant limit)
• Afternoons are spent at the YMCA of Bristol with the primary activities being weightlifting, yoga and cardio exercises. (15 participant limit)

Summer 2024 Schedule:

Click here for the Summer 2024 Schedule