Richmond, VA · Since 2005

About us

Our story

Somewhere along the line each member of our staff received a gift, the gift of being introduced to the outdoors.

It might have occurred at a farm pond with a grandparent, fishing for bluegill. It might have occurred on a single track fighting to keep up with a parent on a mountain bike, or it might have occurred at Summer camp.

Regardless, we were changed and would never be the same.

Those experiences steered the direction of our lives, and we recognize that life would never have been the same if someone hadn’t taken the time to introduce us to the outdoor pursuits that we cherish.

With that knowledge comes the responsibility of passing on our passions for the outdoors to the next generation. It’s why we do what we do.

Meet the team

Thomas Huss

Owner / Camp Director

Thomas grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, fishing and surfing with his dad, and exploring local woodlots, streams, and creeks with buddies. In his teens, Thomas spent most of his time lifeguarding and surfing at Sandbridge and fishing the Northwest River.

Thomas attended Old Dominion University, graduating in 2000 with a degree in history and education while still spending the majority of his time on and under the water. A stint as a Geography and Social Studies high school teacher and coach in Norfolk, Virginia, followed. After getting married in 2007 and spending a honeymoon year backpacking in Africa and Southeast Asia, Thomas moved to Richmond and continued his teaching career, earning a Post-Masters in Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth and becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. In Richmond, without the saltwater to play in, the James River became integral to his free time.

An avid reader, traveler, waterman, and outdoorsman, Thomas enjoys getting his wife, three kids, and your children outside as much as possible.

Dylan Norvell

Camp Manager

Dylan grew up in Richmond, Virginia, spending his spare time playing soccer, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking the trails in the city and along the East Coast. He is a product of Passage Adventure Camp, where he spent 11 summers as a kayaking counselor, including three years as the kayaking site director.

He attended Washington and Lee University, playing soccer for all four years and graduating with a degree in Geology and Environmental Science. When he wasn’t in season, Dylan could be found exploring the mountains and the rapids of Goshen Pass on the Maury River.

After graduation, he road-tripped across the country, explored the West Coast, and completed a short research stint with the US Geological Survey. Upon returning to the East Coast, he worked for the Chesapeake Bay’s Island Education Program on Fox Island in the middle of the Bay, sold fish at a local fish market, and worked as a raft guide and whitewater kayaking instructor for a local outfitter.

In 2017, Dylan joined Trinity Episcopal School full-time, where he teaches Environmental Science.

“The outdoors are my happy place, where I feel most at home. I’m excited to share my love of the environment, and the many places it can be found in RVA, with your camper.”

Tee Clarkson

Founder

After starting Virginia Fishing Adventures summer camp in 2005, Tee Clarkson has spent the summers guiding youngsters into countless fish, and more importantly, many enjoyable days outside. Virginia Outside seemed a natural progression based on his love of the James River Park and desire for children to have the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors. Tee has written more than 500 articles on fishing, hunting, and conservation in Virginia for publications like The Richmond Times Dispatch, Virginia Wildlife, and The Virginia Sportsman. Though no longer the owner of Virginia Outside, Tee’s legacy inspires us all. He now owns and operates a conservation consulting business, Atoka Conservation Exchange, where he works with landowners to protect properties throughout the state.

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