Water Safety
Building awareness, confidence, and safe practices around rivers, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
Youth • Nature • Community
Connecting Detroit Youth to Nature, Community, and the River
Helping children and families build confidence, learn new skills, explore the outdoors, and form a lifelong connection to Detroit’s riverfront.
New Program
Coming in November
Don’t miss our Thanksgiving dinner on November 22nd!
November 22, 2026 · 2:00 PM · New Starlight Baptist Church, 3710 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Detroit · Limited to 50 guests
Help us giveaway 50 turkeys! Donate today!
Sign up for more details about our Tutoring & After School Program!
Give your child a welcoming place to learn, build confidence, and connect with others. Detroit Riverfront Rangers combines homework help, reading and math tutoring, STEM activities, arts, mentoring, and outdoor learning.
- Ages8 to 17
- StartsNovember 2, 2026
- ScheduleMonday through Friday
- Hours3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- MealsHealthy meals and snacks provided
- TransportationLimited transportation available
Our Mission
Every child belongs outdoors.
Detroit Riverfront Rangers empowers youth and families through water safety education, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and community engagement. We create positive opportunities to learn, explore, build confidence, and care for community and the environment.
What We Do
Learning that lives beyond the classroom
Environmental Education
Hands-on learning about nature, conservation, wildlife, and protecting our local waterways.
Outdoor Recreation
Positive experiences through fishing, recreation, and opportunities to explore Detroit’s riverfront.
Community Engagement
Bringing youth, families, volunteers, and partners together to strengthen our neighborhoods.
Leadership in actionYouth in Action
Skills today. Stronger communities tomorrow.
Throughout the year, young Rangers practice leadership, confidence, responsibility, and teamwork through meaningful experiences across Detroit.
Riverside park cleanups
Environmental education
Park stewardship projects
Family engagement events
Outdoor recreation
Water safety education
Community service
Annual Community Event
Community Fish Day
Each year, children and families enjoy fishing, learn about water safety, connect with nature, and experience the Detroit River in a positive, welcoming environment.
About Our Founder
Meet Our Founder, Lisette Gombs
Lisette Gombs is the Founder and CEO of Detroit Riverfront Rangers and a dedicated community leader creating positive opportunities for Detroit youth and families. Her experience in youth programming, community engagement, environmental stewardship, recreation, and volunteer coordination inspired the organization.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Lisette creates inclusive programs where children and families from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
Our Impact
Growing confidence, connection, and care
50+
Youth served at Community Fish Day
Year-round
Community engagement
Youth-focused
Environmental education
Together
Families connected outdoors
Help Us Create More Opportunities for Detroit Youth
Your support provides safe, educational, and meaningful experiences that connect children with nature, community, and the Detroit River.
