The Power of Play

Play. It’s so much more than fun and games.

It’s how kids first learn about risk-taking and problem-solving, working together and exploring boundaries, making friends and making believe. It has the power to change a child’s life.

The unfortunate reality is, not every child has access to the experiences so many of us take for granted like a week spent at summer camp or a day of field trip fun. Not every child has the opportunity to learn, wonder and explore outside. The barriers are real, and for most, it’s the cost.

RIVERSPORT is breaking down these barriers. Through Thrive Outside, an initiative started by the Outdoor Foundation in 2019, we’re working alongside 40+ community partners to provide access to outdoor recreation to thousands of Oklahoma children.

“These programs are more than recreation; they’re gateways to belonging, confidence, and brighter futures.” -The Outdoor Foundation

Since 2019, we have provided more than 262,000 hours of free Thrive Outside programming for youth who might not otherwise have the chance to experience it. From summer camp scholarships to hundreds of field trips each season, we’re helping kids explore, learn and thrive outdoors. 

At RIVERSPORT, kids from underserved communities get the chance to raft, dragon boat, surf, ski and climb – often for the very first time. But it’s more than that. They get the chance to be outside, socialize with their peers, learn new skills and broaden their horizons.

“Most kids in Oklahoma City wouldn’t have the opportunity to try whitewater rafting or surfing, much less a young person who lives in a youth shelter or attends a qualifying school. At RIVERSPORT, we’re able to introduce them to a whole new range of possibilities that they could never imagine, opening their mind to what is possible in their life long-term.” -Melanie Borger, RIVERSPORT Chief Athletic Officer