SUMMER CAMPS – EDMONTON & CALGARY

Guided River Floats • Science • Outdoor Adventure • Ages 12–14

Monday to Friday • Week Long Day Camps

Update: Bookings for families on the Early Bird waitlist open at 12PM on Thursday, April 16.

 

 

Trusted by Alberta Teachers and Families for 30 Years

RiverWatch is a non-profit organization and a trusted education/school partner since 1995. We have safely guided and floated thousands of classes and more than 200,000 students on Alberta’s rivers through our award-winning  school science float water education programs. EcoCamps brings this same trusted expertise into a full summer camp experience for the first time.

RiverWatch EcoCamps are small-group, 5-day Monday to Friday, week long summer camps. Youth float local rivers, explore the outdoors, and learn hands-on environmental science with certified RiverWatch guides. This is a safe, trusted, one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure camp for families looking for something more than a typical summer camp.

  • Monday to Friday – 5 Day – Week Long Day Camps 
  • Only TWO 5-day camps in each city
  • Only 30 spots available per week
  • No commitment required — Early Bird families book first
  • Camps are expected to fill quickly

Update: Bookings for families on the Early Bird waitlist open at 12PM on Thursday, April 16.

 

 

Not Just Another Summer Camp

EcoCamps is the first program of its kind in Edmonton & Calgary — combining river adventure, environmental science, and outdoor leadership. Designed for ages 12–14, with small group sizes that create a safe, high-energy, and unforgettable experience, these are 5-day Monday to Friday, week long summer camps with guided river explorations, real adventure and real science.

Summer Camp in Edmonton: EcoCamps in Edmonton take place on the North Saskatchewan River and throughout the vast river valley park system. Campers spend the week floating sections of the river, exploring the shoreline, local trails, and learning how Edmonton’s watershed supports wildlife, ecosystems, and the city itself. This small-group summer camp combines outdoor adventure, environmental science, and hands-on learning in one of Canada’s largest urban park systems.

Summer Camp in Calgary:  EcoCamps in Calgary take place along the Bow River and through Fish Creek Provincial Park — a remarkable wildlife and bird corridor in the heart of the city. Campers float sections of the river, explore creeks and forest trails, and discover how Calgary’s watershed connects to the plants, animals, and ecosystems that depend on it. This outdoor summer camp blends real adventure, real science, and real exploration in a safe small-group setting.

What will RiverWatch EcoCampers experience?

🌊 River Adventures in Real Rafts: Spend three action-packed days paddling different sections of your local river with certified RiverWatch guides — building confidence, teamwork, and real river skills.

🔬 Hands-On Science in Action: Use authentic scientific tools to test water quality, explore how watersheds function, and discover how urban infrastructure connects to river health.

🌿 Wildlife & Ecosystem Discovery: Spend two days exploring river valley trails, creeks, and shorelines — identifying plants, fish habitats, and hidden ecosystems that bring our rivers to life.

🪶 Stories, History & Stewardship: Learn how our rivers shape our communities through history, culture, and Indigenous perspectives — and discover what it truly means to be a steward of these waters.

🎉 Leadership, Challenge & High-Energy Fun: Team challenges, outdoor games, confidence-building activities, and plenty of laughter woven into every unforgettable day.

 

What will RiverWatch EcoCampers receive?

Campers enrolled in the five-day experience receive:

👕 An Official RiverWatch EcoCamp T-Shirt: A badge of adventure — and proof they became a RiverWatch Junior River Guide.

📓 A Personal Scientific Field Journal: A professional-style notebook used to record water-quality data, wildlife observations, sketches, and discoveries throughout the week — something they’ll take home filled with their own science.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

RiverWatch, Alberta’s largest non-profit river rafting organization, delivers programs rooted in adventure, science, education, and environmental stewardship. We proudly recognize EPCOR, Presenting Sponsor of our Edmonton School Science Float Program, and gratefully acknowledge the City of Calgary – Water Services as a key partner in advancing river-based science and environmental education. RiverWatch also thanks NSERC, AIDA (Alberta Irrigation Districts Association), TransAlta, Enterprise Mobility, AEPA (Alberta Environmental Protection Association), and our valued technical partners MEC, Kenwood Canada, and the Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre. We extend heartfelt thanks to the many individual donors supporting our Floats for Kids program.