“This experience has been life-changing and I will carry the memories forever. I will remember this trip as being one of my best summers and an amazing way to learn about the world around me. The most memorable part will be all the people included. The friends I made, the guest speakers, each of the amazing leaders.”– CRFS 2026 participant
For 15 days this summer, a group of students traversed the Columbia River via our Columbia River Field School — paddling, exploring, learning, cooking, laughing, and sleeping beneath the stars.
Along the way, they explored the Columbia Wetlands, learned paddling and wilderness skills, visited hydro dams, dug into the history and complexities of the Columbia River Treaty, and spent countless hours together outside.
We put together a scrapbook of their experiences using their photos and memories.
“This experience was the highlight of my year. This program has taught me so much more than I thought it would, and I’ve made so many memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
There was plenty to discover along the way — yet surprisingly to some, the people became one of the biggest takeaways of the experience.
“The most unexpected thing was how many friends I made along the way.”
The teens shared meals, camped together, explored new places and learned from one another — as well as from the many people who came to share their knowledge of the Columbia.
They spent nights stargazing on the beach and were rewarded with exceptional views of the Milky Way.
They explored the Columbia Wetlands, an area teeming with life, and got an up-close look at an incredible Beaver complex — complete with a lodge.
The field school also offered a chance to look deeper at the river and the decisions that have shaped it.
Through learning about dams and the Columbia River Treaty, students began to grapple with the complicated relationship between people, water, politics, and the Columbia’s ecosystems.
“The biggest thing for me was just realizing how much the treaty matters.”
“Something I didn’t expect was the actual damage caused by the dams and reservoirs. I’m most sad about the loss of salmon.”
For some, those lessons offered an entirely new understanding of the river, and their own connection to it.
“I didn’t know anything about the treaty before, but now I feel like I could explain parts of it to someone else.”
That sense of connection extended beyond the river itself.
“An idea that I will take away is the responsibility for the land and water and that we are all connected.”
Of course, not every memorable moment came from a lesson. Some came from simply being outside — waking up to birdsong, watching the sunrise, and realizing that for a little while, this was home.
“I think I will remember this as a trip so packed with learning that I didn’t once want to go back home. I don’t think there was only one memorable moment for me but if I were to pick, I would say waking up to the birds, beautiful sunrise, in pretty great places, and early mornings.”
And perhaps one of the simplest lessons became one of the most meaningful:
“Value others. Doesn’t matter if it’s a person, salmon, bear, tree, or river — that thing is the only one of those out there, so don’t take it for granted.”
After 15 days, the students left with new skills, new knowledge, new friendships and, perhaps most importantly, a new relationship with the Columbia River.
And if the students had anything to say about it, this is an experience worth sharing.
“I think everyone living in BC should have even a fraction of the learning I got from this course. It was amazing. I had a great time and I hope other people can experience it too.”
Fifteen days on the Columbia. A lot of learning. A lot of laughter. A lot of memories. And a river that connects it all.