Secure Your Spot in CRPS’ 2025 Summer CALM Program

Securing a spot in CRPS’ Outdoor Learning Centre 2025 Summer CALM program is an adventure that begins with early registration on Dec. 6, 2024. Running from June 16 to August 29, 2025, the program runs two separate courses each week, with 25 students per course, featuring a 10:1 student-to-staff ratio for personalized learning. This immersive program offers a transformative opportunity for students in Grades 9 to 12, blending outdoor adventure with meaningful academic achievement. For students and families looking for a unique learning experience, the Summer CALM program is a gateway to personal growth, skill development, and lifelong memories.

The program is built on a foundation of experiential learning, ensuring students gain both academic credits and essential life skills while participating in outdoor activities. Over five days and four nights, students engage in a diverse range of hands-on experiences, from meal planning and preparation to flatwater canoe training, hiking, horseback riding, climbing, and journaling. With newly renovated classrooms and expanded facilities and equipment like a 41 ft Montreal voyageur canoe, the Outdoor Learning Centre now offers enhanced spaces for students to learn and thrive. 

“Our expanded facilities and equipment have enhanced the learning environment, allowing us to offer an even richer and more dynamic experience for students,” explains Outdoor Learning Centre's Coordinator Peter Prescesky. "The outdoors is not just a classroom; it’s a catalyst for growth, discovery, and lifelong memories. The program is designed to help students explore their potential and connect with Alberta's stunning natural environment, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their career aspirations.”

The week is packed with activities that cater to the development of both physical and intellectual skills. Students navigate real-world applications of key concepts in personal choices, resource management, and career exploration, all while experiencing the joy of outdoor adventures. Beyond the physical challenges, such as hiking and climbing, students also gain critical skills in decision-making, teamwork, and financial literacy. The program's curriculum meets Alberta Education's Career and Life Management (CALM) outcomes, allowing students to complete their CALM requirements while earning 10 credits in an engaging, hands-on setting. These credits include CALM 20 (3 credits), Life Skills 15 (5 credits), Speaking and Listening (1 credit), and Nutrition & Wellness (1 credit). Additionally, students complete online coursework within 60 days of registration confirmation to earn credits such as Surviving Financially as an Adult 25 (5 credits) and Workplace Safety Systems (1 credit), further enriching their learning experience.

As the week unfolds, students not only meet academic goals but also forge connections with peers and nature that inspire growth and reflection. 

“The program’s small group size and focus on collaboration create a nurturing atmosphere where students can comfortably tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities,” said Prescesky. “We often witness students stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing challenges. By the end of the week, students leave with a sense of accomplishment, a stronger connection to the natural world, and a clearer vision for their future.”

Safety and supervision are paramount in all activities, with certified instructors and trained CRPS staff guiding students every step of the way. From canoe training to horseback riding, all activities are facilitated by experienced professionals under strict safety protocols. The Outdoor Learning Centre operates with the highest standards of care, ensuring that every student’s experience is both safe and rewarding.

Families interested in registering their student for the Summer CALM program are urged to act quickly, as spaces fill rapidly. The opportunity to combine academic achievement with outdoor adventure in such a unique setting is truly one-of-a-kind, making the Summer CALM program a highlight of the CRPS educational offerings.