L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is a Richmond-based nonprofit that empowers youth to explore their inner and outer landscape through mindfulness, the arts, and outdoor adventures.

OUR MISSION

We teach children to develop inner toolkits for well-being through breath, creativity, and connection with the natural world.

Why L.O.C.A.L.?

At L.O.C.A.L., we’re committed to building strong, connected communities right here in Richmond. L.O.C.A.L. stands for Local, Outdoor, Creative, Aware Learning, reflecting our belief in creating meaningful, accessible programs. By focusing on Richmond’s youth, we empower the next generation to grow, thrive, and lead with resilience and creativity.

IMPACT MATTERS

IMPACT MATTERS

A JAMA Pediatrics study found that school-based mindfulness programs significantly reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation in kids, with some experiencing up to a 15% decrease in stress-related symptoms.

By building toolkits across Richmond, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re inspiring future leaders who will impact their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.

PROGRAMS & OFFERINGS

Two people practicing yoga outdoors on turquoise mats with "Inhale. Exhale." printed on them, holding hands and balancing in tree pose; one wearing a colorful mask and purple shirt, the other in a black t-shirt with colorful text.

Yoga

Yoga & mindfulness is the foundation of everything we do, integrating movement, breath, and presence to support self-awareness and resilience. We start by teaching basic mindfulness skills in the classroom, then carry these toolkits into every adventure—whether on the mat, in nature, or through creative expression.

A collection of colorful, hand-drawn and painted illustrations featuring various characters and styles, including a girl in a purple outfit with the words "Oliver the best" written nearby, and other abstract and character sketches.

Art

We teach creative expression as a pathway to confidence and connection. Whether shaping clay with our hands or exploring storytelling through digital media, our arts programs encourage youth to express themselves authentically, reflect on their experiences, and see the world through a new lens.

People paddleboarding on a river with a city skyline and bridge in the background, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy blue sky.

Outdoors

The James River Park System and surrounding waterways serve as our classroom, where adventure meets education. From hiking wooded trails to paddling along the river, we immerse youth in hands-on outdoor experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Group of children walking and smiling on a wooden pathway outdoors; one child waves and another wears a face mask.

OUR VISION

We envision an RVA where children tap into their inner toolkit to overcome challenges and live happy, balanced, and fulfilling lives. We believe that sunlight, movement, and creativity are essential elements of this present state of being.

OUR VALUES

  • Young girl performing a yoga pose in a classroom setting, wearing a red 'LOVE' shirt.

    Presence

    We embody mindfulness practices to cultivate harmony within ourselves, others, and the natural world. Our presence offers a safe space for students and teachers, creating an environment where connection, calm, and openness thrive.

  • Two children wearing life jackets swimming in a river with people kayaking in the background on a sunny day.

    Play

    As body and nature explorers free from technology, we embrace joy, silliness, and creative self-expression. Through interactive experiences, our programs are designed to spark joy, enhance stress management, and help students find flow states that build resilience.

  • Three children sitting on yoga mats in a classroom, engaging in an activity. One child is gesturing with their hand near their face. There are chairs and shelves with books and bins in the background.

    Progress

    We celebrate diversity, welcoming all cultures, ages, bodies, and backgrounds. By actively working to restore balance in historically marginalized spaces, we empower future generations to create a brighter, more equitable future.

Boys & Girls Club Southside Fall 2024 After-School Program

WE LOVE RICHMOND!

We love Richmond for its vibrant community and the James River Park System—an urban oasis with over 600 acres of outdoor space. As one of the largest riverfront parks in the U.S., it’s the perfect place for experiential learning, from paddling and hiking to meditating on the riverbanks. This unique space offers endless opportunities for growth, connection, and joy—where kids can explore, take risks, and develop a lifelong love for nature through play and discovery.

OUR PARTNERS

Logo of RPS Richmond Public Schools with white text on a black background.
Logo for Friends of the James River Park featuring stylized yellow letters "FOJRP" with a purple salamander overlay.
Logo of Anna Julia Cooper School featuring a lion's head emblem and the motto "Faith, Knowledge, Pride".
Silhouette of a man wearing a cowboy hat, standing and holding a lasso, with the rope extended to the side.
Logo of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, featuring stylized orange rectangles and text.
Logo of the City of Richmond, featuring a silhouette of a figure on a boat with stars, surrounded by text "City of Richmond" and "Established 1737."
Logo of The Well Collective with geometric shapes in orange and green, featuring the text "THE WELL COLLECTIVE" in dark green.
Logo with three colorful splatter flowers atop green stems above the words 'Curious Creators' in bold font.
Stylized letter 'W' with rainbow gradient on black background.
VCU logo featuring the seal of Virginia Commonwealth University on the left and yellow letters "VCU" on the right.
Logo of Peter Paul featuring stylized tree figure and text "Educate | Engage | Empower."
Logo of Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with stylized river and text.
"Next Up" logo in purple and green with orange dots forming a curved line.

“I learned how to love my body to help build confidence when I need it.”

—Aliyah, L.O.C.A.L. Adventures student

“Be really still. Try and be present with yourself. Focus your breathing. Use your other senses.”

—Daijah, L.O.C.A.L. Adventures student, when asked what tools she has learned to manage stress

"When I feel stress, I remember to breathe and I can find my happy place."

—Elijah, L.O.C.A.L. Adventures student

“When I look in the mirror, I see a pretty, well-put-together young lady.

But when I’m around other people, it’s a different story.

I have to often take deep breaths in order for me to get ahold of myself; breathing is a way for me to get myself together emotionally and physically.”

- Cali, L.O.C.A.L. Adventures student

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