Alberta Wildlife Federation Expands Edmonton Summer Camps to Connect More Kids with Nature

Alberta Wildlife Federation Expands Edmonton Summer Camps to Connect More Kids with Nature The Alberta Wildlife Federation (AWF) has tripled participation in its Edmonton summer camps, welcoming nearly 100 children in 2025. With programs focused on wildlife, conservation, and outdoor education, the initiative aims to reduce screen time and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. 🌱 A Major Expansion in Outdoor Education The Alberta Wildlife Federation (AWF) has significantly expanded its Edmonton summer camp programming in 2025, marking one of its most ambitious youth outreach efforts to date. Designed for children aged 7 to 14, the five‑day educational day camps ran from late June through late August, offering hands‑on experiences in nature, conservation, and outdoor skills. According to Kelly Carter, CEO of AWF, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to introduce urban youth to fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation. “We know kids are spending more time on screens than ever, so our goal is to get them outside and learning in a hands‑on way,” Carter explained. 🏞️ Immersive Learning in Edmonton’s River Valley The camps were based at Brookside Community Hall, located beside Edmonton’s River Valley trail system—one of the largest urban park networks in North America. Each themed week focused on a different element of the natural world, including water, wildlife, and air. Campers hiked between 5 and 13 kilometres daily, exploring local ecosystems while engaging in nature‑focused games, experiments, and environmental learning activities. For many participants, this was their first time fishing or their first meaningful encounter with the outdoors. 👩‍🔬 Skilled Staff and Hands‑On Guidance Each camp was led by AWF‑trained summer staff, hired through the Canada Summer Jobs program. These leaders brought a mix of science and recreation backgrounds, enabling them to balance physical activities with structured educational programming. This combination of expertise ensured that children not only enjoyed outdoor adventures but also gained a deeper understanding of wildlife biology, conservation practices, and environmental stewardship. 📈 Record Growth in Participation While the program’s first year saw modest attendance, the 2025 expansion exceeded expectations. By the end of the summer, the AWF had welcomed nearly 100 participants, more than triple the number from the previous year. Earlier in the year, a spring break version of the camp also ran successfully, further demonstrating the strong demand for outdoor education opportunities in Alberta’s capital. 👨‍👩‍👧 Reaching New Families and Communities One of the most notable outcomes of the program was its ability to attract families who had never previously engaged with the Alberta Wildlife Federation. Carter emphasized that this surge in new interest is not only a powerful conservation outreach tool but also a way to build AWF’s membership base for the future. By connecting with urban families, the federation is helping to bridge the gap between city life and the natural environment, ensuring that more children grow up with an appreciation for Alberta’s diverse ecosystems. 🌍 Why Outdoor Education Matters Experts warn that children today spend less time outdoors than any previous generation, with screen time dominating their daily routines. Programs like AWF’s summer camps are increasingly seen as essential for: - Reducing screen dependency - Promoting physical activity - Fostering environmental awareness - Strengthening community ties - Inspiring future conservation leaders By combining recreation with education, the AWF is positioning itself as a leader in youth conservation engagement across Canada. 🔑 Key Takeaways - Nearly 100 children participated in AWF’s Edmonton summer camps in 2025. - Attendance was more than triple the previous year’s numbers. - Camps ran from late June to late August, with a spring break edition earlier in the year. - Programs targeted youth aged 7–14, focusing on water, wildlife, and air. - Campers hiked 5–13 km daily and took part in hands‑on conservation activities. - Most families were new to AWF, expanding the federation’s reach. Final Note The Alberta Wildlife Federation’s expanded summer camp program demonstrates how outdoor education can transform the way children connect with nature. By tripling participation and reaching new families, the AWF is not only strengthening conservation awareness but also building a foundation for future generations of environmental stewards.