Inspiring Hearts and Minds

No buses running
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre

Summer CALM

Life Skills Experience

Earn high school credits through hands-on, real-world learning in the heart of the Bow Valley.

Click to view larger

Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre's (OLC) Summer CALM program is a five-day, four-night immersive learning opportunity where students build critical life skills, earn Alberta Education credits, and connect deeply with nature, community, and self. Nestled within the pristine Kananaskis Country, the OLC offers students a unique way to meet curricular outcomes through meaningful experiences in an outdoor setting.

Each week, two separate courses run in parallel, with 25 students in each course and a total of 50 students on site. While the two courses follow separate schedules, there are shared activities that allow students across both groups to connect and build community. Every effort is made to ensure students who request to attend together are placed in the same course. When this is not possible, they will still have plenty of opportunities to spend time with one another throughout the week.

Students complete all required CALM outcomes and more through an engaging blend of online coursework and experiential learning. Before arriving on site, students complete and earn six Alberta Education credits for assigned coursework including Surviving Financially as an Adult (LDC2220) and Workplace Safety Systems (HSC3000).

On site, students earn 10 Alberta Education credits:

  • CALM 20 (PED0770) – 3 credits
  • Life Skills 15 (LDC1928) – 5 credits
  • Speaking and Listening (HSS1090) – 1 credit
  • Nutrition and Wellness (HSS1020) – 1 credit

What sets the OLC apart.

  • Eleven years of experience delivering safe, high-quality outdoor learning programs
  • Small group sizes with 25 students per course
  • Two certified teachers and one program assistant per course
  • Low student-to-staff ratio for personalized support and differentiated instruction
  • Ten in-person credits plus six pre-course credits offered
  • Hands-on activities designed and refined over more than a decade of practice

 

Learning outcomes grounded in real experience.

Students build capacity in three key areas:

  • Personal Choices: Develop emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wellness through daily outdoor activity, self-reflection and group dialogue.
  • Financial Literacy: Learn financial literacy, budgeting, and decision-making through practical tasks and scenario-based learning.
  • Career Exploration: Explore career pathways through interactive exercises, teamwork, and leadership activities that encourage goal setting and purpose.

Activities that challenge and inspire.

Students participate in a wide range of outdoor learning activities that bring course outcomes to life.

  • Wilderness navigation and outdoor safety
  • Flatwater canoeing at the confluence of the Bow and Kananaskis Rivers
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking and mountain exploration
  • Rock climbing
  • Daily journaling, reflection and group discussions
  • Meal planning and preparation

This learning experience supports youth in discovering their strengths, building community, and gaining confidence in unfamiliar environments. The program promotes wellness, self-awareness, and authentic connection through a trauma-informed, strength-based approach.

A safe, supportive and fully supervised environment.

All activities are led by CRPS teachers certified in Wilderness First Aid, supported by trained program assistants and local outdoor professionals. The OLC operates under Alberta Parks' Instructional and Guiding Permit and adheres to strict safety and risk management standards.

Students stay in bunks equipped with hot showers and flush toilets. They prepare and cook meals together, building independence, responsibility, and teamwork. A detailed packing list is provided below to help students prepare for the week.

A full learning journey.

Students will access and submit assignments through a CRPS Google Classroom account. A laptop is required. Assessment includes group tasks, journal responses, quizzes, and class discussions. Final marks will be available through myPass after September 10.

This is more than a course. It is a path forward.

The Summer CALM Program invites students to learn in a way that feels relevant, real, and meaningful. It honours individuality, supports wellness, and offers an alternative education experience rooted in community and place. Students return with practical skills, personal growth, and lasting memories.

Summer CALM 2025 Schedule

The OLC offers multiple sessions of its Summer CALM Program each year. Registration is ongoing and spaces are limited. Several courses are already full and accepting waitlist registrations only. Families are advised to register early and review their school division’s calendar before selecting a session, as some weeks may overlap with regular class days or final exams.

Summer CALM 2025 Course Dates

  • Week 1 – June 16 to 20
    Note: This session may occur during regular class time for some students depending on school division calendars

  • Week 2 – June 23 to 27
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 3 – June 30 to July 4
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 4 – July 7 to 11
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 5 – July 14 to 18
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 6 – July 21 to 25
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 7 – July 28 to August 1
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 8 – August 4 to 8
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 9 – August 11 to 15
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 10 – August 18 to 22
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

  • Week 11 – August 25 to 29
    Course full – waitlist only. Please do not submit payment if this is the only available week

Families are encouraged to choose dates that best align with personal schedules and school commitments. Where possible, requests for students to attend the same session as friends or siblings will be accommodated. Students registered in the same week but in different courses will still have opportunities to spend time together throughout the program.

Registration is Open!

Register for the 2025 Summer CALM Program before its too late.

Registration is now open for the Summer CALM Program. Spaces are limited and placement is based on a first-come, first-served basis for completed registrations. All four registration steps must be completed for a student to be enrolled.

For all Summer CALM inquiries, contact 403-678-1683.

Registration process:

All four steps must be completed in full to secure a student’s place in the program. Incomplete submissions will not be processed.

Each year, the OLC experiences high volume of registrations when it opens in December. Staff will make every effort to update the website and forms as courses fill. If a selected course is full and the student cannot register for another available date, a full refund will be provided. Response times for inquiries may take two to three business days during peak registration periods.

Step 1 – Online registration form
Students must complete the online Registration Form. The form must be submitted in full to be received. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission.

When completing the form please have on hand:  

  • A digital copy of a birth certificate, landed immigrant status document or passport
  • Alberta Health Care number

Step 2 – Payment
The course fee is $925.00 and is payable through CRPS' secure online portal. The fee includes a $150 non-refundable administrative cost. After April 30, 2025, the full amount becomes non-refundable.

Step 3 – Informed consent for Elevation Place activities (climbing and swimming)
To participate in Elevation Place activities, consent must be provided.

Step 4 – Informed consent for Boundary Ranch activities (horseback riding)
To participate in Boundary Ranch activities, consent must be provided.

Confirmation and next steps
After all four steps are complete, families will receive a confirmation email within five to seven business days confirming the student’s course placement. The email will also include access information for the pre-course modules (LDC2220: Surviving Financially as an Adult and HSC3000: Workplace Safety Systems), which must be completed in Google Classroom using a CRPS-issued email address and password.

CALM 20 Mandatory Gear List

It is recommended to pack your items in 1 suitcase, hiking backpack, duffel bag or a hockey bag. Please do not pack items in garbage bags. 

Outdoor Gear (mandatory)

~ Raincoat/Rain pants
~ 2 Pairs of runners/hiking shoes/boots
~ Thermal underwear bottoms and top
~ 2 Warm layers (i.e., fleece or synthetic)
~ Sun hat / ball cap
~ Toque
~ Backpack (30 L or greater)
~ 1 Litre Water bottle
* insulated travel mug/cup  


Clothing

~ 1 Pair of Pyjamas
~ 2-3 Sweaters/shirts (fleece, wool, or synthetic preferred)
~ 2-3 Pairs of pants
~ 2-3 Pairs of shorts (quick-dry or nylon preferred)
~ 2-3 T-shirts
~ 6-8 Pairs of socks (synthetic or wool preferred)
~ 4-5 Underwear
~ 1 Swimsuit for swimming
~ 1 Reusable bag for swim gear at pool
* 1 pair of flip flops for showering 
* 1 pair of indoor shoes


Personal Articles

~ Towel(s)
~ Sunglasses
~ Sleeping bag
~ Pillow and pillowcase
~ Single bed fitted sheet
~ Flashlight/Headlamp
~ Personal Medications
~ Lip Balm
~ Sunscreen
~ Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shampoo)
~ Laptop/tablet
* Camera

*Use of cell phones/technology is not permitted during activity times, lesson, guest presentations, or meal times unless otherwise instructed by a CROLC staff.*

Summer CALM

Water Experience 15

Winter Travel 15

Winter Travel 25

Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre

Bow Valley Provincial Park Campground
Kananaskis Country, Alberta

Phone: 403-678-1683

crolc@crps.ca