RCWO Seeking A Student for Adventures in the Environment

Adventure Programs Youth Programs

May 27, 2026: The Rotary Club of West Ottawa is seeking one high school student to take part in Adventures in the Environment, a four-day Rotary youth program in Cornwall, Ontario, from September 14 to 17, 2026. The sponsored student will join seven others for hands-on environmental science, field biology, and learning with scientists connected to The River Institute for Environmental Science.

Students collecting samples from a boat during Adventures in the Environment
Students participate in environmental sampling and aquatic field research.

What does environmental science actually look like outside a classroom?

For a small group of students, this September could mean collecting water samples from a canoe, exploring wetlands, examining aquatic life up close, and learning alongside environmental scientists in Cornwall, Ontario.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise, Adventures in the Environment is a four-day immersive learning experience focused on the natural world of the St. Lawrence River region. Organizers describe the program as an “eye-opening experience” , as students move beyond theory and into real environmental fieldwork. Their days will be spent exploring fish populations, biodiversity, water quality, forests, insects, wildlife habitats, and conservation challenges in the field. 

The program is designed for students who are curious, motivated, and eager to experience science in action. For students considering futures in science, biology, ecology, conservation, climate studies, environmental engineering, or related fields, the program offers an opportunity to explore those interests in a meaningful and memorable way.

  • Participants should be at least 16 years old and have completed two years of high school science, including Grade 10 science in Ontario.
  • RCWO will sponsor one student to attend the September 14–17, 2026 program
  • The sponsorship covers the full registration cost.
  • Billeting with vetted Rotary host families in Cornwall is available.
  • The selected student is responsible only for transportation to and from Cornwall.
  • If more than one student applies, interviews will be held between June 15 and June 27.
  • The selected student will then complete the final consent and registration package required by the Cornwall organizers.

How to apply

Students interested in being considered by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa should send:

  • a short bio
  • a brief note explaining why they wish to attend
  • a CV or resumé

Applications should be emailed to Marcia Armstrong at marciaarmstrongrcwo@gmail.com.

RCWO application deadline: June 5, 2026.

Adventures in the Environment: Field and Lab Learning

Students doing field work at the water’s edge
Students work directly in natural environments and aquatic ecosystems.
Students examining a fish specimen
Hands-on activities connect science concepts to real-world environmental questions.
Students outdoors during the program
Outdoor exploration and teamwork are central parts of the experience.
Students canoeing through wetlands
Students learn in and around the waterways of the St. Lawrence region.
Students exploring a cave environment with headlamps
Participants explore a wide range of environmental settings and ecosystems.

References

  1. Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise, Adventures in the Environment Program Information.
  2. The River Institute for Environmental Science, riverinstitute.ca.

Published on May 27, 2026
Prepared by Erin Ueffing, Rotary Club of West Ottawa