Hands-on experiential learning and volunteering with Conservation Partners

KANATA –  The Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) Program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Service Corps, is in its fourth year and is delivered as a three-part program over a nine-month period (first four months full-time) for young Canadians 18-30 years of age.

The program deeply engages young Canadians in our natural and cultural heritage through three modes of experiential learning: leadership training, Wilderness Adventure (a wilderness expedition), service to the community through a conservation fieldwork placement, and education outreach in their local community.

The first two stages of the program are full-time commitments and will be held away from the participant’s local community in a part of Canada that they are not from, and they will return home to deliver the final stage which includes the implementation of a conservation project and education outreach.

The CCC is an experience that offers an opportunity for personal development, challenge, giving back to Canada, and fun in our great Canadian landscapes. Since its start in February 2018, CCC has already engaged over 315 young Canadians in small groups of 10. And are currently in planning for the next year, where even more groups of young Canadians will go through the program.

The CCC is always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with new agencies for stage 2, three-month (12-week) internship placements, for participants to get hands-on conservation experience.

The idea of the second stage in the CCC Program is for participants to give their time and talents to CCC Program partners while getting a diverse experience, building skills, learning hands-on, networking, exploring new parts of Canada, and learning about the conservation field.

Expectations for Stage 2 are; that CCC participants volunteer a regular workweek of 35-40 hours with two days off a week (shift patterns may vary), that the participants get a meaningful and diverse learning experience, that partners help with the sourcing of accommodation.

It is a year-round fully funded program so all costs (transportation, accommodation, food etc.) are paid for while they are volunteering with CCC Program partners. We send two (or more if requested) young people together to each partner.

For those interested in partnering with the CCC Program or have questions about the program, please go to: www.CanadianConservationCorps.ca.

Canadian Conservation Corps – Program FAQ

Q: I’ve received my acceptance email, now what?

A: Congratulations! Next steps vary slightly on specific course timelines but in general, you should expect the following:

3. The email
   1. Read through the entire email carefully, though all of your questions will not be answered you will have a better idea of your cohort’s timeline
4. The attachments
   1. You should have received various paperwork items with this email. The body of the email will go over these attachments in more detail
   2. Paperwork can all be submitted to the sender of the email unless otherwise specified
   3. Please indicate once you have completed your OBC paperwork
5. Follow up emails
   1. The next major email your will receive will be from your Youth Leadership Specialist and will be sent to your entire cohort
   2. This email will contain specifics about your cohort as well as next steps
   3. This email generally isn’t sent out until your groups is complete so in cases where there are last-minute spots to fill this email may be sent out multiple weeks after you receive your acceptance.
6. Welcome Calls
   1. You will receive an email from your Youth Leadership Specialist at minimum two weeks from your start date requesting availability for a Welcome Call – you will get a chance to meet your group member as well as your group’s CWF staff during this call.

Q: What will be covered during the Welcome Call?

A: During this call, you will receive the following information:

• Confirmation of exact dates for your group
• Preliminary information regarding finances and submitting expense claims
• Preliminary travel information – travel itineraries are individualized
• OBC trip description from a staff member
• Overview of expectations; those we have of you and what to expect during this program in more detail

Q: I still have questions, who do I ask?

A: If you have any questions prior to your program start date you can send them to any CWF staff person that you have been in contact with but in general:

• Financials & Logistics: Effie Vaicoussis: effiev@cwf-fcf.org, Kira Balson: kirab@cwf-fcf.org
• Program info, packing lists, dates: your Youth Leadership Specialist (to be assigned based on location)
• Paperwork: Meaghan meaghanh@cwf-fcf.org

Q: I want to be prepared; how will I know what I need to bring? Is there a maximum budget?

A: Each item on your list has a set maximum, this list will be provided around the same time or immediately following your Welcome Call.

Q: I have almost nothing on this list, what do I do?

A: Total budgets for participants can be discussed with Effie; she will let you know your absolute maximum for total items purchased.

Q: I’m not sure if my Police Records Check is the right one, how do I know?

A: Your Police Records check must state that it is for the Vulnerable Sector or indicate that it includes an assessment of interactions with Vulnerable Persons. This is a requirement for your Stage 2.

Existing checks are fine if they are under 1 year old and for the Vulnerable Sector.

If your station requires a letter, we can provide one to you – please check with your local station first as not all cities will ask.

Q: I don’t have a driver’s license or only have my G1, do I still need to provide a Driver’s Abstract?

A: Driver’s abstracts are required for all G2 and G license holders only. Please let us know if you do not require one so that we may note that in your file.

Q: What measures is CWF taking to mitigate the risk of COVID-19?

A:  During these times we understand how important it is to manage risk the best we can for the safety of all. We mitigate risk for all our groups in various ways including:

• Limiting group sizes to comply with provincial guidelines
• Providing all participants and staff with PPE equipment including masks (50pp), gloves, and sanitizers
• Choosing accommodations that best allow for proper distancing
• Enforcing social distancing when possible such as during training weeks and regarding sleeping arrangements during OBC expedition
• Ensuring masks are work during group travel and on camp
• Asking all participants to sign a COVID-19 Waiver of Liability
• Incorporation of hybrid-style programming

Q: My group starts in just a few weeks/days; how can I best prepare?

A:  As you prepare for your Stage 1 away from home, we understand that you may be filled with a combination of nerves and excitement. Some things that you can do to prepare for your upcoming Cohort include:

• Double-checking your packing list and what you have already packed
• Double-checking your travel itinerary:
  • If you are flying/taking a bus/ taking a train, ensure you know your departure time and how early in advance you should arrive
  • If you are driving, ensure you know what time your group anticipates meeting so you can leave accordingly
• If you have any last-minute questions, ask them! We want you to feel prepared too and are happy to answer emails or chat with you prior to your Stage 1 start

Q: How fit do I need to be?

A:   Physical challenge is one of the many tools used to help you explore your personal potential. Outward Bound courses are designed for the reasonably fit, active individual; at times, the course activities are physically demanding and some preparation will ensure you get the best experience on your adventure. As with all Outward Bound courses, the more physically prepared you are, the more comfortable and enjoyable your experience will be. The ideal situation would be a minimum of 3 cardiovascular sessions per week and occassionally, a long hike with a backpack weighing approximately 30–40 lbs. The weekly cardio sessions could be hiking, running, brisk hill walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or anything else which elevates your heart rate and gets you sweating! If you are unfamiliar with an activity you may want to start at 5-10 minutes and increase up to 30-45 minutes per session gradually over 1-2 months. If you choose hiking, running, aerobics or hill walking, be sure that you have appropriate footwear. Some simple strengthening exercises will help you get ready for lifting and carrying heavy items on expedition.

Flexibility is also important and you should stretch before and after your workout. You might also choose to review your dietary habits: eating regular, balanced meals will help you to be prepared for the course. Your rest days are as important as your training days. Please do not plan on dieting or losing weight during the program, you will need all the energy that our course menus supply. Remember: have fun, listen to your body, and enjoy getting ready for your Outward Bound experience!

Q: How do I ensure I get the most out of this program as I can?

A:  This program is a unique opportunity with a goal of engaging young Canadians in our natural and cultural heritage through service, adventure, and reflection.

The CCC allows participants to develop skills and experience in the field of Conservation whether that participants can use to help achieve goals – for their careers, an extension of their education, or simply an interest in the field.

We provide participants every opportunity to connect both with nature and with those working in the field.

Here at CWF and with we have the expectation that participants will communicate their needs to us, have a willingness to learn and will endeavour to troubleshoot issues to the best of their availability. The program offers ongoing staff support, and participants are eligible for a 100% confidential and free EAP mental health counselling service.

Q: What are some benefits from being an alum?

The CCC offers support from hundreds of participants who have gone through the program. As a result of the program’s success, participants will have access to an Alumni Network which includes events, newsletters and other fun activities. As part of this network, a committee has formed to plan a large-scale meet-up, pending Covid restrictions in 2022.

Alumni receive unique opportunities through IUCN, United Nations Association of Canada and many more professional development opportunities through the Canada Service Corps.

Participants can connect with one another across the country, collaborate on projects and support one another.

The Alumni Committee is always looking for special talents to help support them with administrative initiatives that benefit the greater good of all CCC alumni and participants. Pending acceptance into the program, we can connect you with the individuals who are leading this initiative if this is of interest.