Take action with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and earn high school volunteer hours at home and in your community!
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
- Participants must be 14 years of age or older.
- Participants must be returning to a high school the following school year.
Conservation Youth Corps Virtual Program
NEW FOR 2024:
Participants in the Virtual CYC program will gain access to our new CYC Virtual Hub: an exclusive online classroom that provides multiple opportunities for high school students to earn over 20 community service hours, both at home and in your neighbourhood!
The CYC virtual program consists of:
- A mandatory virtual orientation session
- Three self-paced modules, linked to themes of biodiversity, invasive species, and microplastics
- Fun and interesting extra credit assignments
- Additional opportunities to get outside and support stewardship projects
- And even more ways to get involved!
Participants will have the freedom to customize their experience in the program, earning as few or as many community service hours as they like!
Questions about the virtual program? Please contact conservationyouthcorps@trca.ca.
View the Code of Online Conduct for TRCA’s Virtual Conservation Youth Corps Program.
Virtual Program Dates & Registration
- Monday, April 29 to Friday, November 1, 2024*
*Participation in the full duration of the program is not required.
UPCOMING ORIENTATION DATES:
- Orientation Session 3: Wednesday, May 22 | 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Orientation Session 4: Sunday, May 26 | 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- Orientation Session 5: Wednesday, July 10 | 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Orientation Session 6: Sunday, July 14 | 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE VIRTUAL PROGRAM
CYC Events
Take part in these events to earn high school community service hours.
CYC In-Person Programs in Peel
The Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) program offers Peel Region high school students the opportunity to volunteer for a week in July or August assisting with conservation projects.
Volunteers work in crews with other high school students on outdoor tasks and can earn up to 30 community service hours by participating in the program.
Summer 2024 Program Summary:
Eligibility:
- At least 14 years of age
- Currently enrolled in high school and returning in September 2024
- Able to commit to volunteering for one full week (Monday to Friday) during July or August
- Interested in the outdoors and environmental conservation
- Comfortable working in a team environment
- Punctual and reliable
Expectations of Participants:
- Arrive on time at a designated pick-up location each day
- Participate in an orientation and training session
- Comply with all health and safety instructions provided and maintain a safety focus during all tasks
- Daily work activities including removing invasive species, monitoring planting sites, and maintaining trails
- Use hand tools and equipment safely, including shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows
- Other tasks as assigned
PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers younger than 18 years of age require parental or guardian consent to participate in this program.
Transportation:
Each program week has two pickup location options to choose from. Alternatively, participants can be dropped off directly at the program sites by a parent or guardian OR take public transit if they are 14+.
Programs:
July 15–19: Brampton
Locations:
- Heart Lake Conservation Park (10818 Heart Lake Road, Brampton)
- Stream Restoration Site (location to be confirmed)
Bus Pick-up Locations:
- Sandalwood Heights Secondary School (2671 Sandalwood Parkway East, Brampton)
- Balmoral Drive Senior Public School (233 Balmoral Drive, Brampton)
July 29–August 2: Brampton & Mississauaga
Locations:
- Claireville Conservation Area (8180 Highway 50, Brampton)
- Restoration Site in Mississauga (location to be confirmed)
Bus Pick-up Locations:
- Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School (3545 Morning Star Drive, Mississauga)
- Bramalea Secondary School (510 Balmoral Drive, Brampton)
August 19–23: Caledon
Locations:
- Albion Hills Conservation Area (16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon)
- Bolton Resource Management Tract (Duffy’s Lane, Caledon)
Bus Pick-up Locations:
- Humberview Secondary School (135 Kingsview Drive, Bolton)
- Mayfield Secondary School (5000 Mayfield Road, Caledon)
Questions?
Please contact conservationyouthcorps@trca.ca.
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