Columbia River Field School Offers Unique Summer Learning Experience

Students across the Columbia Basin have the opportunity to engage in a unique summer educational program called the Columbia River Field School (CRFS), organized by Wildsight. This immersive experience allows participants aged 15 to 18 to earn four high school credits while exploring key sections of the upper Columbia River from July 4 to 18, 2023. The program not only emphasizes outdoor skills but also deepens understanding of local ecological, social, and economic issues.

The 15-day program includes paddling the river, camping along its banks, and learning about the watershed’s significance. Monica Nissen, education director at Wildsight, highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “The field school provides an opportunity for learning that is real, lived and felt.” Students engage with various guest speakers, including government officials, Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, and artists.

Participants will also gain certifications from the Recreational Canoe Association of BC, alongside essential outdoor skills such as map reading, cooking, and leave-no-trace practices. A key aim of the program is to foster a strong appreciation for the Columbia River and the critical role everyone plays in its preservation.

One participant from Kaslo, British Columbia, Liz Payne, expressed her transformative experience, stating, “I’m leaving here knowing there are ways I can contribute and make this area better.” Her sentiments reflect the program’s goal of empowering youth to become informed advocates for their environment.

Exploring the Columbia River System

The curriculum of the Columbia River Field School encompasses vital topics such as the Columbia River Treaty and community impacts along the watershed. Graeme Lee Rowlands, program coordinator, emphasized that “building a meaningful relationship with the environment starts with knowledge and lived experience.” Participants not only learn about the history and science of the basin but also develop critical thinking skills necessary for addressing contemporary issues affecting their communities.

Past participants have successfully leveraged their experiences, with many going on to speak at conferences, publish their work, and take leadership roles in local initiatives. An increasing number of alumni are pursuing careers in environmental science, outdoor education, and conservation-related fields, highlighting the program’s long-term impact.

Applications for the 2023 Columbia River Field School are due by March 29, 2023. Interested students can find more information and apply at wildsight.ca/fieldschool. This program not only enriches students’ educational journeys but also equips them with the tools to engage with and protect their natural environment effectively.