FAQs
FAQs
What is the time commitment?
During the program students are expected to complete 120 hours of volunteer service (this includes training, workshops, excursions and the multi-day service showcase)
Because this is a funded program, students must commit to completing 120 hours of service before March 2021. This breaks down to between 10-12 hours per month.
The program will begin June 1st 2021 and conclude March 31st 2022. Generally, each month there will be the opportunity for one full day excursion, one part-day workshop and one monthly group call online. There are excursions and workshops are optional, but we hope that youth will attend at least 50% of opportunities provided. The program also includes a 3 day, 2 night immersive learning journey in an overnight camp setting during Spring Break 2022 (location TBD).
During July and August, activities will be booked weekdays/weekends. From September on, activities will be booked in the evenings or on weekends. We also work with students to reduce YouthToSea activities during midterm/exam periods.
Who can participate?
- - Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who as been granted refugee status in Canada
- - Must be 15 – 18 years of age (Born Between June 1st 2002 - June 1st 2006)
Where will the program take place?
The majority of YouthToSea excursions and workshops will take place in the Lower Mainland. Youth from communities outside the lower mainland are welcome to apply but you will be expected to attend events based in Vancouver.
Will the program take place at the Vancouver Aquarium?
As of April 16th 2020, Ocean Wise no longer operates the Vancouver Aquarium and YouthToSea will not involve any volunteer activities based out of the Aquarium. There is a possibility that YouthToSea will collaborate with the Vancouver Aquarium once it reopens, but this is not guaranteed.
What kind of excursions are involved in YouthToSea?
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of opportunities. In the past YouthToSea has done events such as kayaking, sailing, snowshoeing, hiking, invasive species removal, planting, boating, wilderness first aid and marine surveys. Specific excursions are not guaranteed and subject to change. Skill building workshops include leadership skills, communication, action planning, mental health strategies and problem solving.
What if I’m part of my schools Work Experience Program?
The Ocean Wise Leadership Program can be used to fulfill the B.C. Curriculum Work Experience program. You can use the hours and experience gained at Ocean Wise to fulfill all the Work Experience requirements and our team will fill out all the employer sheets for you.
How many participants are accepted for each placement?
There will be 80 participants in the 2021-2022 YouthToSea Cohort.
What is the cost to participate?
This is a fully funded volunteer program and there is no cost to the participant. For all training the program covers offsite travel, food, accommodation, and certification expenses.
What kind of experience do I need?
This program is about giving youth professional work experience and development opportunities, so we do not have any pre-requisites to be part of the program. We hope students come with a desire to learn more about marine biology, education, leadership, as well as a passion for learning new skills.
What is the Ocean Service Project aspect?
As part of this program, we encourage students to create their own ocean service project to address a conservation issue they see in their own community. In the past students have run shoreline cleanups, led waste-free workshops, held film screenings, and campaigned to make their schools single-use plastic free to name a few. The ocean service project can be whatever the student is interested in. Examples from the 2020/2021 cohort can be found at www.youthtoseablog/com/y2sshowcase
Youth in the program will have access to professional mentors to help develop their own projects.
What is the YouthToSea Service Showcase?
The YouthToSea Service Showcase is a celebration event in March 2022. The event will invite youth that have participated in the program to share their experiences and service projects on a multi-day retreat (location TBD). This event will have networking opportunities, outdoor experiences, and presentations.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to us at youth@ocean.org
