What if summer camp wasn’t just games and crafts? What if it was real science, real adventure on a river, right in your back yard?
Introducing EcoCamps by RiverWatch.
RiverWatch is a non-profit organization, a trusted education partner, and the leader in river-based water education for youth. Since 1995, we’ve safely floated more than 200,000 students on Alberta’s local rivers for meaningful, curriculum-aligned classroom science experiences. 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.
“Amazing opportunity to learn about our river!” — RiverWatch Parent
Not Just Another Summer Camp.
It’s the first program of its kind — where environment and science meets river adventure in Edmonton & Calgary. RiverWatch EcoCamps are immersive, small-group experiences where youth paddle real rivers, conduct real science, and explore Alberta’s urban river valleys alongside certified RiverWatch guides. This is outdoor adventure with purpose. Designed for ages 12–14, our Summer Science Camps invite youth 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 summer camp. It’s confidence. It’s discovery. It’s a gateway to adventure and science — and space is intentionally limited.
Building on decades of safe, award-winning outdoor education, and delivered by experienced and certified interpretive river guides, our award-winning water education and science curriculum 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.
The EcoCamp Waitlist is now OPEN.
Advance Booking Schedule:
- April 6, 2026 – Advance booking opens for Priority Waitlist members
- April 13, 2026 – Bookings open to the public
- Spots are very limited and expected to fill quickly. CLICK HERE to join Priority Waitlist.
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.
Key Booking Dates (space is limited!):
Spots are intentionally limited to keep the experience powerful — and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
This is more than camp; it’s real adventure, real science, and real connection.
- Monday April 6, 2026 – Advance Booking Access Opens for Priority Waitlist Members.
- Monday April 13, 2026 – Bookings Open to The Public (Spots are very limited and expected to fill quickly)
👉 Click here to join the RiverWatch Summer Camp Priority Waitlist today to avoid disappointment.
Why join the priority waitlist?
EcoCamps will have very limited spots — and we expect sessions to fill quickly. 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. Join the list now — and be first in line when EcoCamps open.
On April 6th, (before the general public) all families on the priority waitlist will receive:
✔ Early access to registration before it opens to the public
✔ First choice of preferred camp dates
✔ Exclusive access to 2026 dates, itineraries, and pricing
✔ Priority notification of official registration launch details
✔ The strongest opportunity to secure a spot before sessions sell out
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 April 6. 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 April 6. All camp details will be provided 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. Click HERE to learn more about our RiverWatch staff and the training they receive prior to the start of each season.
5. What is the camper-to-guide ratio? We maintain a 1:5 guide-to-camper ratio, meaning 1 certified guide for every 5 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.
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.