Katimavik’s National Experience is an amazing opportunity for any Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed refugees aged 17 – 25 who are looking for 22 weeks of creative learning, community engagement, Truth and Reconciliation, and self-discovery! Youth will live in a group with up to 10 of their peers in two separate communities throughout the course of the program. During the program they engage in 32 valuable volunteer hours a week, learn how to manage a house, make lifelong friends, and gain confidence that they themselves can make an impactful difference in our country. This is a fully funded opportunity where participants’ travel expenses, living accommodations, food costs, and daily needs are covered. All they will need to bring is their dedication, empathy, and commitment to making a better world!

Some of the topics and skills that Participants will be challenged to learn about include:

• The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation;
• The benefits and impact of civic engagement;
• Professional work skills in a variety of sectors, depending on volunteer placements;
• Cooking skills, house maintenance, and practical life skills;
• Conflict resolution, communication, and how to strive within a team environment;
• Environmental protection and sustainable development;
• English or French as an additional language;
• Leadership, advocacy, and project management skills;
• Canada’s cultural, geographic, and linguistic diversity.

Teen Mentors commit to spending consistent weekly time with a child (mentee) being a friend, role model, and confident. Teen mentors meet one-to-one with an assigned mentee and participate in games, activities, crafts, conversation, and goal setting. Teen mentors listen to their mentees, provide support and guidance, help them to build communication and social skills, and develop a friendship based on trust, respect and fun. This is a partnership with BGC North Simcoe.

Youth Justice Committee's (YJC) bring together youth 12-17 who have been involved in the criminal justice system, their parent(s), and trained members of the community. In this role: 
* you would attend YJC meetings to determine appropriate and meaningful ways for the youth to make amends for their actions.  
* ensure that the youth is aware of the purpose of the meeting, and discuss police report information. 
* explore perspectives of all parties, including the youth and others represented at t he meeting, such as community members, community agency representatives, and the parent(s). 
* present and agree upon appropriate sanctions for the youth. 
* provide information and referrals to supportive community agency programs. 
* respect the confidentiality of the youth and other YJC members.