River’s Way teams with student volunteers from Emory and Henry College to host respite weekends with youth and young adults with disabilities. Respite programs are held at River’s Way. These overnight weekends provide campers with many opportunities for positive social interaction with their peers and for continued involvement with River’s Way outside of school. Most campers with disabilities come from Bristol Virginia and Washington County Virginia and receive funding from Highlands Community Services. We do take campers from Tennessee though financial aid is limited.

During respite weekends, campers with disabilities are paired with college volunteers. Adventure activities include the high ropes course, caving at Appalachian Caverns and the low ropes course. Creative activities include skits, games, dancing, art and small group challenges. 

Respite weekends for 2011 are
     February 25-26
     March 25-27
     September 23-24
     November 11-13