July 31, 2026

Eco Friends from this year's camp ready to learn how to properly catch, hold, and identify frogs at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area.

This summer, the annual Eco Friends Camp welcomed children from across the region to the Raisin Region Conservation Authority's (RRCA) Cooper Marsh Conservation Area for a week of outdoor learning and environmental exploration. Delivered by the River Institute's education team, the popular week-long day camp continues to inspire curiosity about nature while introducing campers aged seven to ten to the fascinating world of environmental science.

For nearly three decades, Eco Friends Camp has combined outdoor exploration with hands-on learning, encouraging children to investigate the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Cooper Marsh one of Eastern Ontario's most significant coastal wetlands.

"Every day at camp is an opportunity for children to ask questions, make discoveries, and build confidence through outdoor exploration and science," says Cristina Charette, Education Coordinator at the River Institute. "Whether they are searching for frogs, examining aquatic insects, or conducting scientific experiments, campers are learning by doing – and creating memories that can last well beyond the summer."

Offered through a longstanding partnership between the River Institute and the RRCA, the camp transforms Cooper Marsh into a living classroom where participants take part in nature hikes, wildlife observation, games, crafts, scientific activities, and interactive lessons designed to foster environmental stewardship.

Nestled within a provincially significant coastal wetland, the 673-acre Cooper Marsh provides an ideal setting for campers to experience biodiversity firsthand. Its network of boardwalks, trails, and diverse habitats gives children countless opportunities to connect with nature while developing an appreciation for the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Once again, this year's Eco Friends Camp reached capacity, reflecting the continued enthusiasm for outdoor learning opportunities in the community. Families interested in future sessions are encouraged to follow the River Institute and the RRCA on social media for registration announcements, typically released in late winter or early spring.

"Eco Friends Camp continues to be one of the highlights of the summer at Cooper Marsh," says Vincent Pilon, RRCA’s Communications Specialist. "It's exciting to see children develop a genuine connection with nature while learning alongside experienced environmental educators. Together with the River Institute, we're helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through meaningful, hands-on experiences."

In addition to summer camp programming, the River Institute and the RRCA collaborate throughout the year to deliver curriculum-linked school programs, workshops, and other educational opportunities at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area.

To learn more about the River Institute's education programs, visit education.riverinstitute.ca or contact (613) 936-6620 or info@riverinstitute.ca. For information about Cooper Marsh Conservation Area or the RRCA, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.