A MUST WATCH! You can now view the First Waves film, Upstream, online. This film shows the devastating impact that pollution and industry can have on watersheds and outdoors recreation. It also shows the benefits of cleaner water and how First Waves’ students and volunteers are taking an active role in the Greater Johnstown region in order to influence a watershed that extends to Pittsburgh and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Upstream is an inspiring showcase of how a group of kids can inspire all of us to get outside and protect the water that connects us all.

The events of the First Waves Johnstown program in July of 2018 imbued a sense of urgency and amplified passion for everyone in attendance.  A pollution event upstream of the program site resulted in water that was too tarnished to proceed with the paddleboarding and whitewater activities for local teens.  Students that wouldn’t otherwise have the means or opportunities to experience the river were on deck for their first paddling experiences.  Instead, they focused on the other aspect of the First Waves workshop – filmmaking.  They learned to document what they were experiencing and create a film that could influence others to take an interest in watershed conservation.  Their film, Upstream, does exactly that.