“I have learned an incredible amount and I truly feel that this has changed my life. I feel so confident and capable and inspired and especially hopeful. . . . I didn’t realize that there were so many people as passionate about the things I’m passionate about.”
The application deadline has been extended to Wednesday, May 16th! If you are a BC resident, between the ages of 14 and 18, and willing and able to participate in all 3 phases of the project (see below), then you can apply! It is an all-expenses-paid project -- so travel, accommodations, etc. are all free! Fill out the application form and send it back to Elyse at getoutsidebc@cpawsbc.org by 6 pm on Wednesday, May 16th. If you have any questions about the application form or the project, just e-mail Elyse or give her a call at 604 685 7445 ext. 25.
Get Outside BC is a collaborative youth leadership project that aims to strengthen youth attachment to British Columbia’s parks by empowering young leaders across the province. 2011 was Get Outside BC's first year and it was a great success so we are holding the project again this year (2012). This year's project is a collaborative effort between CPAWS-BC, BC Parks, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
The purpose of the project is to connect youth to the outdoors in a meaningful and sustainable way by giving them a sense of purpose and the capacity to inspire others to spend more time in the outdoors. The goal of the 3-phased project is to provide both a gateway experience for youth engagement with BC's outdoors and subsequent opportunities for engagement through youth-led follow-up events and the creation of a supportive youth network of natural leaders. Rather than providing a one-time experience, Get Outside BC aims to provide youth with the tools and resources to develop an enduring connection to the outdoors and a lifelong identity as a natural leader.
“The wonderful hope and connection I gained from this event was irreplaceable. I now know that I am not alone in this effort and that we will work together for a long time.”
40 youth from across the province will come to Squamish from July 3rd - 7th to plan their own outdoor events, meet green job mentors, learn outdoor and leadership skills, and meet new friends with a common passion for the outdoors from all over the province. Check out photos from last year's summit here!
Participants will plan and host their own outdoor events in their communities in honour of International Youth Day in August. The overarching goal of these events will be to inspire others in their communities to get outside!
In October, regional reunions will be held around the province where participants will reunite to discuss the successes and challenges of their events and plan for the future. Each location will be connected via videoconferencing. Each participant will be able to share their event story and reconnect with their fellow natural leaders.
We want to ensure participants from every corner of BC are able to attend the summit free-of-charge. Last year we used Air Canada, Central Mountain Air and Harbour Air to transport participants who lived in areas far from Squamish. Please consider sponsoring a participant by donating some of your points! Contact Elyse at getoutsidebc@cpawsbc.org if you're interested.
Get Outside BC 2012 Application Form - due May 16, 2012!
Get Outside BC 2012 Poster - check it out!
Get Outside BC 2011 Final Report
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