The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program

Clockwise from top left: Participants at Tadoule Lake, Manitoba (Mira Oberman); Winter Hiking in Gatineau Park, Québec (Karine Bourgeau); Paddling the Restigouche River, New Brunswick (Clare Stone)

The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) is an educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada by connecting youth to nature and their local communities.

The three core components of the program are:

  1. A CPAWS-led expedition of a regional watershed in need of protection;
  2. Participant-led, volunteer community service projects focused on conservation or education; and
  3. A summit where participants share knowledge and develop skills in civic engagement, conservation, leadership, and advocacy.

The expeditions are led by CPAWS chapter staff and knowledgeable guiding companies, and include opportunities for hiking and/or paddling in the participant’s local region. CPAWS’ staff also provide guidance to participants in developing their community service projects. The program culminates in a summit, where participants have the opportunity to meet one another, share their projects, and develop skills to further their conservation work. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we plan to offer a regional in-person summit and a virtual national summit.

The CWSP is funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps program.

*Please note that all program activities for the 2022-2023 season are subject to COVID-19 restrictions. In the event that certain activities must be cancelled, they will be replaced and/or supplemented with virtual or other alternatives. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be between 18-30 years old
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status in Canada
  • Must reside in your program region of interest
  • Must be able to commit 120 hours to the program
  • Must demonstrate an interest in wilderness conservation
  • Must have access to a computer and an internet connection

2022-2023 Program Regions and Expedition Sites

Read our education package to learn more.

Gallery
Testimonials
Past Projects
FAQ

Testimonials

u003cemu003eA great experience that really helped me apply some of the things I learned in university in a more practical real-world setting.u003c/emu003e

Ottawa Valley Participant, 2020-2021

u003cemu003eMy experience in the CWSP was exceptional. My love of nature and my curiosity about the outdoors were nurtured and I was encouraged to explore new ways to share my passion with the public. The environment fostered by CWSP resulted in a fun and fulfilling project that helped me to cultivate a community around our shared interest in urban wildlife. Through this program, I was able to meet brilliant new people, explore the rich natural landscapes, and rejuvenate my zest for environmental public engagement. Thank you to CPAWS and Lisa for the amazing experience.u003c/emu003e

Southern Alberta Participant, 2020-2021

u003cemu003eThe CWSP program was an amazing experience that gave me the confidence to start my own citizen science project. I met great people who all shared a passion for environmental stewardship, awareness and activism. Together we had a supportive supervisor that encouraged us with our projects and connected us to other people with similar goals. I am so glad to have been part of the program and was able to learn more about our province. Most importantly it was great knowing that I was not alone and that there are others that also care about the nature that makes up our home. Thanks to the CWSP program I am still involved with my community and my citizen science project.u003c/emu003e

Southern Alberta Participant, 2020-2021

u003cemu003eA supportive community-oriented approach to engaging with and experiencing nature.u003c/emu003e

New Brunswick Participant, 2020-2021

u003cemu003eWhen it comes to experiential learning, the immersive design of the CWSP is unmatched. From a backcountry trip with incredibly knowledgeable guides, to monthly exclusive webinars on various topics, intimate time spent on the land with Indigenous leaders, opportunities to rally my community and connect with others working in this space, and inspire those who are conservation-curious – I truly cannot pick a favourite aspect of this experience. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and vow to keep celebrating our beautiful Earth through conversation efforts and education – thank you CPAWS! am forever grateful for this opportunity and vow to keep celebrating our beautiful Earth through conversation efforts and education – thank you CPAWS!u003c/emu003e

Southern Alberta Participant, 2021-2022

Past Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for the program?

In order to be eligible to apply for the program, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Must be between 18-30 years old
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status in Canada
  • Must reside in your program region of interest
  • Must be able to commit 120 hours to the program
  • Must demonstrate an interest in wilderness conservation
  • Must have access to a computer and an internet connection

What is the duration of the program?

All three components of the program, the expedition, community service project, and summit, will be completed from July 2022 to February 2023.

Why do I have to live in one of the program regions to apply?

Our program participants are recruited through four of CPAWS’ chapters: Southern Alberta, Manitoba, Ottawa Valley, and New Brunswick. Our chapter staff lead the regional expedition trips and continue mentoring participants online and in-person throughout the duration of the program.

Do I need to be studying or have studied conservation in a post-secondary program to apply?

Nope! We do not expect you to have an educational background in conservation. Prior knowledge of conservation – especially in Canada – would be helpful, but all you need to get the most out of the program is a passion for protecting natural areas.

Do I need to have work or volunteer experience in conservation to apply?

Nope! While prior volunteer experience would be helpful for the community service component of the program, it is not required. We do not expect you to have work experience in conservation. 

What are the physical requirements for the expeditions? How long are the trips?

The length of the expedition trips vary from one region to another, but you can expect to spend 2-3 days exploring a watershed in your region. You should be comfortable with camping for multiple days and nights, as well as hiking and/or canoeing. Please let us know if you require accommodation.

Do I need to pay for anything or bring anything?

Camping equipment and group travel expenses are covered for the expedition and summit. You will be required to supply your own personal items (a detailed packing list will be provided to participants prior to departure). If you require equipment or other resources to complete your community service project, you will be reimbursed for eligible, pre-approved expenses.

What kind of community service project am I expected to do?

You have the creative freedom to develop and execute your own idea for a community service project. However, the project must make use of the knowledge you acquired during the program  expedition and aim to educate your local community on issues impacting the area and/or make a direct impact on the area through conservation efforts.

Where and when will the summit take place?

Currently, we are planning to offer an in-person summit within each program region (to be confirmed depending on COVID-19 restrictions) and a virtual national summit for all program participants. These summits will take place in February 2023. Participants will be provided with more information about the summit as it becomes available.

Will COVID-19 impact the program this year?

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions on a situational basis. Should there be a change in mandates we will adapt to the situation as necessary. All participants will be notified of any program changes. Wherever an activity is cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, whether it be the expedition, summit, etc., it will be replaced with a virtual alternative. Participants will be provided with more information as it becomes available.

Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Contact [email protected] for more information.

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