Alberta Wildlife Federation to launch new series of youth conservation camps this summer

In an effort to give more young people the chance to connect with nature, especially those living in urban areas, the Alberta Wildlife Federation is launching a new series of youth conservation camps this summer. Based out of the Brookside Community Hall in Edmonton’s River Valley, the four- and five-day camps will run throughout July and August.

“There were a few things that led to this initiative,” says Kelly Carter, the AWF’s CEO. “We wanted to have a program where youth could learn more about conservation. It also allows us to diversify our membership, to bring in younger kids and new members in greater numbers.”

Open to AWF members, the camps will be split into two age groups, eight to 11 and 12 to 14 (interested participants who are not already AWF members can purchase a membership when registering). The camps will also be divided into four different themes.

During the four-day Trail Blazers camp, participants will learn about outdoor survival, active living and photography. In the five-day Aerial Adventurers camp, birding and learning about flight will be the focus, with participants studying local birds, and building bird feeders, bug hotels, and kites.

The focus of the Earth Enthusiasts five-day camp, meanwhile, will be on connections with the land, with participants learning about Indigenous traditions, the local fur trade and fur-bearing animals, complete with a day trip to Fort Edmonton Park. Finally, activities during the five-day “Water Wanderers” camp will focus on sustainable practices involving water, with campers going pond dipping and learning the basics of fishing.

Registration is $325 plus GST for the five-day camps, and $275 plus GST for the four-day Trail Blazers camp. The AWF is also running one-day conservation camps during the three days in May when schools are closed for professional development. For complete details, visit the AWF website.

Learn more about the AWF’s programs and positions at www.albertawildlifefederation.ca.