Girls Can Too

Girls Can Too (GCT) is a program designed to introduce and prepare female-identifying youth for trades-based careers in the environmental sector.

While completing valuable projects that contribute to the ecological well-being and sustainability of the community, participants learn a range of hands-on skills from successful female professionals in a variety of environmental-focused roles, and network with environmental organizations in the region.

This program also offers participants a chance to earn up to 35 community service hours.

Earn experience, gain confidence, and build your resume with Girls Can Too!

TRCA is committed to creating an accessible experience and an inclusive environment for BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ individuals. If you have any questions about registration and program eligibility or require accessibility accommodations, please contact girlscantoo@trca.ca.

Upcoming Events

Girls Can Too Sweatshirts

Girls Can Too sweatshirts are here! Show your GCT pride by purchasing a locally printed, Canadian-made cozy sweatshirts for $65.00 + HST. All proceeds directly support the GCT program.

A $10.00 discount is available to current and past Girls Can Too participants (email girlscantoo@trca.ca to get the code).

ORDER YOUR SWEATSHIRT NOW

Girls Can Too Design Charette

We are excited to share the success of our recent Girls Can Too Design Charette, held at Claireville Conservation Area. This interactive event brought together a group of motivated youth in Grades 7-12 for a day of collaboration and hands-on learning.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, participants were inspired to play and think deeply about how outdoor spaces can be designed to be more inclusive and engaging for all visitors. Their energy and ideas set an inspiring tone for future construction projects at Claireville.

During the charette, youth worked together to develop concepts for a future sensory trail, with elements of the trail set to be built by program participants this summer.

The proposed trail will offer an engaging and inclusive outdoor experience, incorporating elements that stimulate sight, sound, smell, touch, and movement.

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Youth brought forward exciting and imaginative ideas, including:

• A raised wooden pathway stamped with animal footprints that doubles as a safer walkway during rainy, muddy conditions
• An interactive matching game connecting animal images to their tracks; and
• The creative transformation of an old architect table into a hands-on water station where visitors can build a beaver dam using natural materials, observe changes in water flow, and explore beaver behaviour in action.

Although the details of Claireville’s sensory path are not yet confirmed, these ideas provide strong inspiration to build on moving forward.

The Design Charette was more than just a planning session: it was an opportunity for participants to:

• Learn about the design process.
• Innovate and create solutions for real-world scenarios.
• Potentially build their designs during a future Girls Can Too Summer Program.
• Earn volunteer hours while contributing to a meaningful community project.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guest speaker Kerry Furneaux from The Riverwood Conservancy, who shared her experience building a similar sensory trail at their site.

We would also like to thank our virtual guest speaker, Rysa Braganza from ERA Architects, for sharing her time, knowledge, and experience in design as an architect with our participants.

Both speakers provided valuable feedback and perspectives on developing a sensory trail in a natural setting and encouraged students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design one for their local conservation area.

These connections play an important role in bridging learning with real-world opportunities and mentorship.

As we move into the next phase, we look forward to continuing to work alongside these youth as their ideas begin to take shape in the landscape at Claireville Conservation Area.

What makes this initiative especially impactful is its youth-led approach: from the early stages of brainstorming and design to the upcoming construction phase, youth play a central role in shaping the project with guidance and mentorship from staff.

This model not only amplifies youth voices but also builds confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership over the space they are helping to create.

We are incredibly proud of the innovative thinking and collaboration demonstrated by all participants. Their work is a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are given the tools, support, and space to lead.

Subscribe to our Girls Can Too newsletter for updates as the sensory trail progresses. We can’t wait to share the journey with you!

About the Girls Can Too Program

Girls Can Too provides female-identifying youth with hands-on learning experiences in construction and ecology. The program includes mentorship and training opportunities with females from a variety of professions.

Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate verifying their hours of community service, which can be used towards their high school diploma.

All projects contain construction and ecology aspects that will enable participants to gain hands-on skills, learn about the natural environment and sustainability. Female mentors will provide practical instruction, positive leadership, host workshops, and share first-hand experiences.

Eligibility

• Female-identifying youth in Grade 7-12.
• Have an interest in the outdoors, environmental conservation, and/or trades.
• Be comfortable working in a team.
• Be punctual and reliable.
• Be comfortable outdoors.

What to Expect

Participants will:

• Arrive on time at designated location of program.
• Follow all health and safety guidelines during activities.
• Work on hands-on tasks.
• Learn about career opportunities from various professionals.

TRCA will:

• Provide appropriate health and safety and tool training at the start of program.
• Provide a signed letter confirming volunteer hours worked.
• Offer opportunities to participate in a variety of activities.
• Give insight into various careers.

Transportation

Participants must be dropped off at the program starting location by a parent or guardian, or travel independently by public transit if 14+.

Summer Program Sample Schedule

Questions about Girls Can Too?

For more information, please contact:
girlscantoo@trca.ca

Supporters

We would like to extend a big thank you to all organizations, and community members for their support of this initiative with time, mentorship, financial and in-kind donations. The success of this program would not be possible without your generosity and guidance.