On October 12, San Marcos Rotary sponsored an educational and recreational event for children, teens and family at the Olympic Outdoor Center on the San Marcos River. The San Marcos Youth Service Bureau (YSB) coordinated the daylong educational experience for low-income youth to learn about the river ecosystem and experience the sport of kayaking. YSB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides after school and summer educational and recreational programs for at risk youth.
The equipment, training, and education about the river and kayaking was provided by Ben Kvanli, a former Olympic kayaker. He spoke about the river ecosystem, kayaking, safety, and the importance of caring for habitat. Rotary and the Texas State University Rotaract Club volunteers helped with safety gear and accompanied the youth down the river. Half of the cost of the daylong event was funded by a District 5840 grant.