RIVER RANGERSSM: Summer Canoeing & Learning Program
RIVER RANGERSSM PADDLE THE NAVESINK IS OFFERED ON SELECTED DATES IN 2026
RIVER RANGERS WEEKLY PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED for 2026
Individual Paddle Days are available in July and August
Put your children/grandchildren (age 10-14) into colorful wooden canoes on selected dates this summer from 8:30 AM - 1:30PM. As River Rangers, they will explore the Navesink River eastuary, enjoy paddling, fishing, seining, and learning something of the on-water and under-water life while having fun! Canoes, life vests, paddles, and experienced adult supervision are provided. Just bring your children!
If you wish to get on the email list for River Rangers and other NMHA event notices for youth, families, and adults, please sign up for the NMHA Newsletter HERE
Navesink Maritime Heritage Association has offered the River Rangers program for many years and won awards for the program.
NMHA does not provide transportation to the starting (put-in) locations or from the ending (take-out) locations. Parents/guardians receive updates. Locations vary depending upon the tides.
The History of River Rangers
After NMHA built a number of wooden canoes during its Community Boat Building events in the late 1990's, it became apparent that most participants could not make use of their canoes due to lack of river access and/or boating experience.
In 2002, NMHA organized the first Eco-Trip for Community Boat Building participants. This one-day canoe trip started on the Swimming River near Route 520 and ended at the Monmouth Boat Club. The paddlers were accompanied by experienced canoers and a local naturalist.
Just like the boat building programs, NMHA realized that trips like these were powerful settings for experiential education, but they needed some support and guidance. So NMHA developed a curriculum that resulted in the River Rangers program.
NMHA's custom trailer transports canoes to and from the various river locations.
NMHA is also available to consult on the development of customized River Rangers programs for other community and school organizations. River Rangers is an exploration program of the Navesink River using canoes provided by NMHA.
Kids who paddle as River Rangers will have an on-the-water experience not to be forgotten.