Innovative Arts and Nature Camp Launches in Calgary Transforming Education Through Connection to the Outdoors

A new summer camp in Calgary is changing how children learn by blending art, science, and nature. This program is the result of years of research by Rita Boechler, a doctoral researcher at the University of Calgary. After teaching art and science for over 20 years, Mrs. Boechler focused her doctoral work on how connecting with nature through arts-based practices can deepen learning and creativity. Now, she is bringing this research into the community with a unique summer camp experience designed to get kids outdoors, away from screens, and engaged in hands-on creative activities.

The Need for Outdoor Learning in Today’s World

Recent studies show that children spend too much time on technology and not enough time outside. This shift has been linked to rising concerns about mental health, attention spans, and physical well-being. Experts recommend that children spend more time in natural settings to improve focus, reduce stress, and encourage curiosity.

Mrs. Boechler’s camp arrives at a perfect moment. It offers a way to balance the digital overload by encouraging children to explore the outdoors through art and science. The camp’s approach is based on research that shows how nature can inspire creativity and improve learning outcomes.

How Arts and Nature Combine to Enhance Learning

Mrs. Boechler’s research, titled Rooted in Art, explores how arts-based practices can connect students more deeply to nature. She found that when children use art to observe and interpret natural environments, they develop stronger emotional and intellectual connections to the world around them.

The camp activities include:

• Nature journaling: Children sketch plants, insects, and landscapes, which helps them observe details and patterns.

• Eco-art projects: Using natural materials like leaves, stones, and twigs, campers create sculptures and collages.

• Science exploration: Hands-on experiments with soil, water, and plants encourage curiosity about ecosystems.

• Storytelling and reflection: Campers share their experiences and express what they learned through creative writing and group discussions.

  
  

This combination of art and science encourages children to think critically and creatively while fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment.

A child creating a leaf collage during the arts and nature summer camp in Calgary

Bringing Research to Life in Calgary

Mrs. Boechler’s camp is not just a summer activity but a practical application of her doctoral research. She designed the program to be accessible to families in Calgary, offering a safe and supportive environment where children can disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world.

The camp runs for several weeks during the summer and welcomes children aged 7 to 12. Each day includes a mix of guided activities and free exploration, allowing kids to follow their interests while learning new skills.

The Benefits of Arts-Based Nature Learning

This camp highlights several benefits supported by research:

• Improved focus and attention: Time spent outdoors reduces mental fatigue and increases the ability to concentrate.

• Enhanced creativity: Using natural materials and environments inspires original thinking and problem-solving.

• Stronger emotional well-being: Nature exposure lowers stress and promotes feelings of calm and happiness.

• Better understanding of science: Hands-on experiments make scientific concepts tangible and memorable.

• Increased environmental awareness: Children develop respect and care for the natural world through direct experience.

  
  

These benefits show why programs like Mrs. Boechler’s camp are important additions to traditional education.

What Makes This Camp Different

Unlike typical summer camps that focus on sports or technology, this program centers on the connection between art, science, and nature. It is grounded in academic research but designed for practical use in the community.

Mrs. Boechler’s background as both a teacher and researcher gives her a unique perspective. She understands how to create lessons that are engaging and meaningful for children while also supporting their development.

How to Get Involved

The camp is currently accepting registrations for the upcoming summer. Families interested in enrolling their children can visit the camp’s website or contact the organizers directly for more information.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact

Mrs. Boechler hopes this camp will inspire other educators and communities to adopt similar approaches. She is exploring ways to bring arts and nature learning into the community. Her vision is to create a program that helps children develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors through creative and scientific exploration.