Youth Programs for Environmental and Conservation Awareness

Are you interested in a career focused on the environment, wildlife conservation and awareness of your country’s natural heritage? A number of programs offer a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities to enable young participants to acquire knowledge and experience in the field, learn about natural and cultural heritage, and encourage them to serve their community. Below is a list compiled by Whales Online of programs that are particularly interesting.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s (CWF) Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC): This three-part program (expedition, field work and outreach/service) is designed to deeply engage young Canadians in our natural and cultural heritage through service, adventure and reflection. The program recruits 90 youngsters between the ages of 18 and 30 and and engages them over a 9-month period in a process that ranges from wilderness journeys to community service.

Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge program This program brings together Canadian youth from coast to coast while providing them with an opportunity to make a difference in the field of ocean conservation. Each year, 40 youngsters between the ages of 18 and 30 form a national team that is committed to collaboratively creating and implementing service projects for their home communities, as well as two immersive expeditions that aim to promote knowledge of Canada’s oceans and the health thereof.

Parks Canada’s “Parkslife” program: this youth group is dedicated to to sharing the country’s natural and cultural heritage with other young people. Through stories and exciting activities, the program aims to mobilize youth to celebrate and experience first-hand the incredible outdoors and culture of Canada.

The Katimavik Eco-Internship: created for youngsters between the ages of 18 and 30, this program offers participants the opportunity to gain significant work experience by completing an internship with an environmental or social organization and taking concrete steps toward a healthier lifestyle and environmental stewardship.

Ecomaris’ Cabestan Program (in French): This expedition program allows 18- to 35-year-olds to discover what life on a boat is like.

The ECO Canada Internship Program: This internship program is designed for young people aged 30 and under who intend to pursue careers in the environmental sector, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

To learn more: Canada Service Corps

François Vachon s’est joint à l’équipe du GREMM à titre de rédacteur stagiaire pour Baleines en direct en janvier 2018. Détenteur d’un baccalauréat de l’Université Laval en traduction, il poursuit actuellement des études en rédaction professionnelle. Curieux et passionné par l’écriture, il met sa plume au service des géants pour appuyer humblement les démarches du GREMM.