Join the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) this summer and earn up to 30 volunteer hours while helping protect and restore local green spaces.

When: July 6 – 10 @ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Small Arms Inspection Building & Lakeshore Park

Work alongside other high school students on hands-on conservation projects. Spend the week outdoors, learn new skills, meet new people, and help care for the environment in your community.

The CYC program gives Peel Region high school students the chance to volunteer for a full week assisting with real conservation and stewardship projects. You’ll work in teams on outdoor tasks, gain practical experience, and learn about jobs and careers in the environmental field while earning community service hours.

Who Can Apply

To participate in the program, you must:
– Be at least 14 years of age
– Be currently enrolled in High School and returning in September 2026
– Be able to commit to volunteering for one full week (Monday – Friday)
– Have an interest in the outdoors and environmental conservation
– Be comfortable working in a team
– Be punctual and reliable

What to Expect

Participants will:
– Arrive on time at a designated location each day
– Learn about career opportunities from environmental professionals
– Follow all health and safety guidelines during activities
– Work on hands-on conservation tasks such as removing invasive species, monitoring planting sites and maintaining trails
– Safely use tools such as shovels, saws, and extractigators

TRCA will:
– Provide a signed letter confirming volunteer hours worked
– Offer opportunities to help with a variety of environmental stewardship activities
– Give insight into careers in the environmental sector

Important Note

Participants under 18 years of age require parental or guardian consent to participate in this program.

Transportation

Participants must be dropped off at the program starting location by a parent or guardian, or travel independently by public transit if 14+.
On occasion, participants will be taking a bus to an alternative work site, but will return to the original drop-off/pick-up location at the end of the day.

TRCA is committed to creating an accessible experience for all participants. If you require an accessibility accommodation, please email Chris Bialek at christopher.bialek@trca.ca.