Nature for Everyone, Everywhere!
Applications close July 30th • This program won't open again until Spring 2026.
Discover Your Path in Conservation
You care deeply about the environment and feel called to protect it — but figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming. The truth is, many young people share that uncertainty. At CPAWS Ottawa Valley, we know that starting a career in conservation isn’t always straightforward, and that’s exactly why we created this program.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to connect with nature, gain meaningful skills, and be part of something bigger than themselves. This is your opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn directly from experienced conservationists, and take real steps toward an environmental career — all in a welcoming, supportive community.
Applications Close July 30, 2025
Your Year in the Program
12-Month Journey
100% FREE
3-Day Epic Wilderness Adventure
Ages 18-30 Welcome (no experience needed)
Real Graduate Success
“I feel the most alive when out in the wilderness. I love the simplicity of living in the middle of nowhere. Once all the distractions of modern-day life are eliminated, there is room to have great discussions with others – just as we had in the ZEC Dumoine. I’m very grateful that CPAWS selected me to participate in the CWSP this year and I look forward to working on my community service project in the upcoming months.”
-Nathalie
“The most valuable aspect of the program for me personally has been making connections with other young people in the national capital region who come from a variety of educational backgrounds and learning from them while actually being out in nature. The opportunity to discuss ongoing political, environmental, and social issues with like-minded individuals next to the fire and under the stars has been such an amazing experience for me!”
-Maddie
“There is a quote I like from a short story by Marina Keegan that goes: ‘Something about the stillness or my state of mind reminded me of the world’s remarkable capacity to carry on in every place at once.’ As we were sitting on the rocks by the falls on our hike on Sunday morning, I was reminded that the waters have been flowing through this channel for years immemorial. Remembering that this river will continue flowing, even when we are back leading our busy human lives, was a comforting thought.”
-Brett
What You'll Gain
Gain Valuable Skills for a Career in the Environmental Sector
- Mentorship from working professionals at CPAWS Ottawa Valley
- Job references and LinkedIn recommendations
- Portfolio project that shows real impact
- Network access to Canada’s environmental job market
Epic Wilderness Leadership Experience
- 3-day Dumoine River adventure
- Build confidence being outdoors and learning wilderness skills
- All gear included – just show up
Make Real Impact
- Lead a project tackling real environmental challenges
- contribute to CPAWS-OV’s conservation goals
- Help protect Canada’s largest watershed corridor
- Create lasting change through grassroots community work
What To Expect From Your 12-Month Journey
Application Process (July 30th deadline)
- 5–10 minute online application with one question: Why do you want to join?
- Response within 1 week — we know you’re eager to hear back
- Welcome package sent immediately upon acceptance
- Pre-program check-in to answer questions and connect you with mentors
Month 1–2: Begin & Reach Out (July – August)
- Orientation session (virtual option available) — meet your cohort
- Choose your Wilderness trip: August 22–24 or September 12–14, 2025
- Trip prep: gear checklist, safety briefing, and excitement building
- First monthly meeting — program overview and goal setting
Month 3: Immerse (August – September – Wilderness Trip)
- Your 3-day Dumoine River adventure — all transportation, meals, and gear provided you just show up
- Professional guides and safety protocols — beginners fully supported
- Team building and conservation education in a stunning wilderness setting
- Project brainstorming — wilderness experience often sparks new ideas
Month 4–8: Develop Your Skills & Project (October–February)
- Monthly 2–3-hour meetings (flexible scheduling, virtual options)
- Skills workshops — project management, research methods, community engagement
- Individual project development with mentor support (1–2 hours biweekly)
- Peer collaboration opportunities — work with others on similar projects
Month 9–11: Grow Your Network and Start Your Project (March–May)
- Project implementation phase — launch your community conservation project
- Interview skills workshop and career planning sessions
- Peer project showcases — learn from each other’s work
Month 12: Engage for Life (June – Summit & Beyond)
- Project completion and documentation — build your professional portfolio
- End-of-program summit — present your work, celebrate achievements
- Media and recognition opportunities — get your conservation work noticed
- Graduation ceremony with certificate and professional references
- Alumni network integration — ongoing career support and connections
What We Expect From You
Throughout your 10-month journey with Nature for Everyone Everywhere, you’ll commit about 120 hours to a community service project that means something to you. You’ll join monthly meetings and quarterly workshops (virtual options available), take part in a wilderness trip with CPAWS-OV staff, and engage with a supportive cohort of fellow youth. You’re not doing this alone—we’re here to listen and adjust when needed, so honest communication is always welcome.
Time Commitment Breakdown:
Monthly meetings: about 2–3 hours a month, scheduled flexibly
Your community project: 1–3 hours per week, at your own pace
Quarterly workshops: 1–3 hours every few months, with virtual access
Wilderness trip: one weekend getaway, with all expenses covered
That averages out to about 5–10 hours a month, designed to work around your school, job, and life. This is a commitment, yes—but it’s also an adventure, and we think you’ll find it’s well worth the time.
What This Program Is NOT
A volunteer commitment that takes over your life
Competitive or high-pressure environment
Outdoor adventure program (wilderness is just one component)
Academic course with grades or assignments
Unpaid internship - this is professional development, not free labor
Special Welcome For Newcomers
We don’t just welcome newcomers—we prioritize you. Your cultural perspectives on environmental stewardship strengthen Canadian conservation.
Extra support includes:
- Program materials in French and English
- Career navigation
- Financial support for program related travel
Here's What is Included
What’s Included – FREE
- 12-month mentorship program
- 3-day Dumoine River adventure with all gear and meals
- Monthly skills workshops and career development
- Certificate and recommendations for your resume
Timeline & Your Commitment
- Program dates: August 2025 to August 2026 (Full BRIDGE journey)
- Application deadline: July 30th, 2025
- Time investment: ~10 hours per month (2.5 hours/week)
- Wilderness adventure: Pick one that fits your schedule
- Project phase: October 2025 – June 2026 (At your pace)
- Flexible scheduling: In-person and virtual options available
- Peak commitment: September (adventure) and June (summit)
Pick a Project That Speaks to YOU
You get to choose a conservation project you actually care about. Here’s some examples of projects past program participants have worked on:
Newcomer nature access programs (community organizing experience)
Urban pollinator gardens (environmental science + project management)
Community park or shoreline cleanup events (community engagement + project management)
Trail accessibility improvements (advocacy + stakeholder engagement)
Social media conservation campaigns (digital marketing + environmental communication)
School-conservation partnerships (relationship building + program development)
Climate action community groups (leadership + grassroots organizing)
Or, design your own innovative solution (entrepreneurship + conservation)
Who Should Apply
Ages 18-30 (students, early career, career changers welcome)
- Legal status: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee status
- Newcomer youth prioritized (applications reviewed first)
- Experience level: Complete beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts
- Availability: Must attend one of the wilderness trips
- Commitment: Willing to complete 120-hour project over 10 months
- Location: Ottawa Valley region preferred (support available for local travel)
- Passion: Care about environment and want to make an impact!
Your Questions, Answered
Q: Do I need any outdoor or conservation experience?
A: None at all! We begin where you are. Our most successful graduates include former retail workers, international students, and complete city dwellers. If you care about the environment, you’re qualified.
Q: I’m new to Canada—will I really fit in?
A: You’re exactly who we want! Newcomers get priority application review because diverse perspectives make conservation stronger. Plus, you get extra support: language help and career navigation specific to newcomers in environmental fields.
Q: What if I’m not sure conservation is my career path?
A: Perfect—this program helps you figure that out! You’ll explore different conservation careers and discover opportunities you didn’t know existed. Even if you choose another path, the leadership skills, project management experience, and professional network benefit any career.
Q: How does the program actually work day-to-day?
A: You’ll have one monthly group meeting (2-3 hours), one wilderness weekend, and work on your individual project at your own pace (1-3 hours/week). Everything is scheduled around student/work commitments with virtual options available.
Q: Is the wilderness trip safe for total beginners?
A: Absolutely! Professional guides, comprehensive safety protocols, gradual skill-building, and all equipment provided. Many participants have never been camping—you’ll be amazed how quickly you build confidence and love the experience.
Q: What if life gets in the way and I can’t finish?
A: Life happens! We work with you on flexible project options, timeline adjustments, and provide ongoing support. The program is designed to adapt to your schedule, not take over your life.
Apply now!