Wildsight celebrates its fifth year of hosting the Columbia River Field School as applications open for their summer program. Sixteen youth from across the Columbia Basin will navigate the complex social, economic and natural history of the mighty Columbia River as they paddle its waters this summer.

Students in Wildsight’s Columbia River Field School canoe through key sections of the Canadian side of the Columbia River, camp on its riverbanks, and learn in an immersive environment through the 15-day course, all while earning school credit through a partnership with School District 8 (SD8), transferable to other school districts in the basin.

“This experience meant so much to me. I enjoyed so much learning from the land, guest speakers, and leaders and being able to make my own connections,” reflects CRFS 2023 participant Ayla Kipkie. “I will remember how much I learned, all the new places I saw, the amazing people I met, and how much my understanding of the area developed.”

Field school participants meet with a diverse group of guest speakers including government officials, Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, artists, and adventurers. They earn Recreational Canoe Association of BC certifications, and learn important outdoor skills like reading maps, packing, cooking, setting up camp and leave no trace practices. But most importantly, students gain an appreciation for this watershed and the intricate role we all play in
its protection.

“The field school brings students to key locations in the basin while inviting them to develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of the forces that shape the region, and see the important roles they can play in its future,” shares Graeme Lee Rowlands, program coordinator. “It’s hard to believe this is already our fifth year running this program! I look forward to getting back on the river with this summer’s
participants.”

This year’s field school is scheduled for July 6–20.

For more information and to apply, visit wildsight.ca/fieldschool.