RiverWatch Summer Science Camps

Real rafting. Real science. Real adventure.

 

Traditional summer camps are a thing of the past. Join the Priority Waitlist now. Front-of-the-Line Access Starts Here!

 

KEY BOOKING DATES:

  • March 31, 2026 – Advance Booking Access Opens for Priority Waitlist Members. See below to join list!
  • April 15, 2026 – Bookings Open to The Public (Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly)

 

WHO IS RIVERWATCH?

We are a trusted education partner and the leader in river-based water education for youth.

RiverWatch is Alberta’s largest not-for-profit guided river rafting organization. Since 1995, we’ve safely floated more than 200,000 students on Alberta’s local rivers for meaningful, curriculum-aligned science experiences. With over 30 years of experience in watershed and environmental education—and reaching more than 10,000 students every year—RiverWatch is a Canadian leader in river-based STEM learning. Our programs take students beyond the classroom and onto the living laboratories of our rivers, where science comes to life in unforgettable ways. We are 100% curriculum-aligned, connected to Alberta Education outcomes for grade 8, 9 and 10 science. The school science float program is designed to inspire the next generation of citizens, scientists, and environmental stewards.

Now for the first time in our 30 year history, RiverWatch is bringing this same trusted expertise and passion for water education and river science into a full Summer Science Camp experience. Building on decades of safe, award-winning outdoor education, our camps now extend our mission beyond the classroom and into a full week of adventure, science and discovery on the water. With the same certified educators, highest safety standards, and hands-on STEM learning that teachers and families already trust, RiverWatch Summer Science Camps inspire youth to explore boldly, think critically, and connect deeply with Alberta’s rivers like never before.

RIVERWATCH SCIENCE CAMPS

A First-of-Its-Kind Camp Experience Now launching in Edmonton and Calgary this summer!

This summer, RiverWatch will offer TWO immersive five-day camp sessions in July. Camp locations and daily drop-off and pick-up details will be finalized and communicated in advance of the program start.

RiverWatch Summer Science Camps invite youth ages 12–14 to become RiverWatch Junior River Guides — exploring their local river, discovering the creeks and shorelines that feed it, and learning hands-on environmental science through real monitoring, conservation, and outdoor leadership. This is more than a summer camp — it’s a path to adventure and science.

What Makes This Camp Special? Hands-On River Adventure and STEM Learning, right in your city!

RiverWatch Science Camp is a five-day immersive adventure featuring three days on the river with certified river guides and two dynamic land-based science days. Campers use real scientific tools and apply authentic monitoring techniques as they become environmental investigators in Alberta’s living river laboratories. Wildlife spotting, nature hikes, eco-games, river ecology, and shoreline exploration are built into every day — creating a powerful blend of adventure and hands-on STEM learning that goes far beyond a typical summer camp experience.

Delivered by experienced and certified interpretive river guides, and powered by RiverWatch’s award-winning water education and science curriculum, this camp is intentionally designed to build environmental awareness, and a love for our rivers. Campers will gain confidence about the natural world, develop leadership skills, and leave inspired, connected, and and ready to become part of the next generation of environmental stewards.

Throughout each week-long camp experience, participants will:

🌊 Float different sections of their local river on large rafts guided by certified river guides
🧪 Conduct real water quality monitoring using authentic scientific tools
🌿 Identify plants, wildlife, and riparian ecosystems along the riverbanks
🌊 Explore local streams and creeks that feed into the river — and understand their vital role in overall river health
📊 Learn watershed science, river systems, and environmental stewardship
🪶 Discover the history of our river and its role in our community, including cultural stories and Indigenous perspectives that shape our understanding of these waters
💪 Build confidence, leadership, and teamwork while developing a deeper awareness of the natural world and understanding their role as stewards of the environment

What do the RiverWatch Campers Get?

Campers enrolled in the five-day program receive:

👕 An official RiverWatch Camp T-Shirt
🧢 A branded sun hat for time on the water and trails
📓 Their own scientific field journal — a professional-style notebook used to record water-quality data, wildlife observations, sketches, and discoveries throughout the week

5 Day Campers Earn the Designation: RiverWatch Junior River Guide

Upon completion of the five-day camp, participants officially earn the designation of RiverWatch Junior River Guide— a unique recognition designed to spark curiosity, responsibility, leadership, and a deeper connection to the river communities they call home.

It’s more than a certificate.
It’s a milestone.
It’s the beginning of purpose on the river. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is RiverWatch Priority waitlist? The RiverWatch Priority Waitlist is your front-of-the-line pass to early registration, first-choice dates, and advance camp details before public release. Join the Priority Waitlist today and lock in your early access advantage. Just fill out this form.

2. When will pricing be available? Full pricing details will be released on March 31. All camp details, including pricing, will be shared first with members of our Priority Waitlist before public release. Families are encouraged to join the list to receive early access.

3. When will exact camp locations and drop-off details be announced? All camp details in including itinerary, routes and specific locations within the city, along with daily drop-off and pick-up logistics, will be revealed on March 31. All camp details will be provided in advance to members of the Priority Waitlist, ensuring families have early access to key information before registration opens publicly.

4. Who will be leading the camps? Camps will be led by RiverWatch certified interpretive river guides — the same experienced professionals who guide our trusted School Science Float program each spring. Our team brings decades of combined expertise in river safety, outdoor education, and environmental science instruction.

5. What is the camper-to-guide ratio? We maintain a 3:10 guide-to-camper ratio, meaning 3 certified guides for every 10 campers. This ensures strong supervision, personalized instruction, and a safe, supportive learning environment.

6. How many campers will participate each week? To ensure the highest-quality learning experience, camp enrollment will be intentionally limited to approximately 25–30 campers per five-day session. Smaller group sizes allow for meaningful engagement, hands-on science, and strong team-building opportunities.

🗓 Coming Soon – On March 31st – We’ll Release:

  • Full 2026 camp dates
  • Detailed daily itineraries
  • Pricing information
  • Registration details

Why Join the Priority Waitlist?

Families on the Priority Waitlist receive important advantages:

  • First-come, first-served booking — camps are limited and expected to fill quickly
  • Front of line, early access to dates before registration opens to the public
  • First notification of camp dates, locations, and pricing
  • The strongest opportunity to secure preferred dates before sessions sell out

*There is no obligation to book. Joining the Priority Waitlist simply ensures your family receives information first and is positioned ahead of the public when registration opens.

👉 Click here to join the RiverWatch Summer Camp Priority Waitlist today to avoid disappointment.