Friends of the White River

The Friends of the White River (FOWR) exists to protect, preserve, and promote our vital resource for communities in Central Indiana by connecting people to the White River

Eddie Gill IV, is their executive director and FOWR is a new Foundation grantee for 2025 and was a Club speaker this last fall.

Our Foundation grant of $5,000 is primarily for the purchase of four Motorola waterproof walkie talkie radios and their FCC licensing. Radios are for use on the river with the FOWR River School program for middle school children and the summertime Indy Water Connection Summer Camp for teenagers. Previously, FOWR has had to rely on each raft captains personal cell phone to call each raft to coordinate as they all rafted down the river.

An example of one of their programs for teenage children is their Indy Water Connection Camp: Explore, Learn, Lead

The Indy Water Connection Camp is a transformative 4-day summer day camp designed to connect teens (ages 13-18) with the natural wonders of the White River. Students will gain confidence in navigating watercraft, learn water safety, and explore environmental science—all while having fun and building leadership skills. This summer of 2025, over 400 children participated.

What Students Can Expect:

• On-Water Education: Dive into lessons on local ecology, plant and animal species, water quality, and how these impact both human and environmental health.
• Hands-On Watercraft Training: Learn how to paddle, guide, and navigate rafts with confidence and skill.
• Indiana Waterway History: Explore our waterways’ history, including stories from diverse perspectives, to better understand the deep connections between people and nature.
• Leadership Opportunities: From organizing a final rafting expedition to sharing experiences with families and local leaders, students build teamwork and public speaking skills.
• Environmental Stewardship: Participate in land stewardship activities like trash pickups and learn from community partners about environmental justice and conservation careers.
• This camp isn’t just about fun on the water—it’s about empowering the next generation of advocates for the White River and inspiring future leaders in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.