Dear CCC Applicants,
The CCC program will begin our next round of cohorts in the Fall of 2024.
We are continuing to accept applications and when we have more information about our next cohort dates, we will be in touch.
Please feel free to explore our Education Page and Nature Connection page on the CWF website to find out about other programming opportunities you might be interested in.
Thank you,
CCC Staff Team & the Canadian Wildlife Federation
Join the program that allows you to have a meaningful impact on Canadian conservation.
Here is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Canada in a unique way while having a real impact on conservation. The Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) connects youth ages 18 to 30 to field placements with conservation partners across the country, along with leadership skills training and adventure travel opportunities designed to inspire and challenge your personal development. You’ll then develop your own idea into a meaningful service project in your home community. It’s a service learning journey that leaves you with new skills, experience in conservation, and new perspectives on the importance of volunteer service. Are you ready for what could be the greatest adventure of your life? Change your life. Change the world.
Apply NowWho is Eligible for the Program
The CCC program supports diversity at every level. Registration and participation are open to all Canadians ages 18 to 30 including Indigenous youth, new Canadians, and those speaking either of Canada’s official languages. No matter the community or background from which you come, you’re invited to join the hundreds of previous CCC participants who have already experienced this unique opportunity to serve Canada. There are no educational requirements; the CCC program provides an exciting new opportunity for young Canadians looking for meaningful skills training, experience, and service opportunities designed to help improve their chances for success in the future. When you’re ready for meaningful experiences, travel, adventure, and delivering impactful service in your home community, this is the program for you!
Eligibility: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada
Apply Now
The Canadian Conservation Corp is a program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
CCC FLEX
Interested in the CCC program but can’t be away from home for a long time? Lucky for you, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is preparing to launch its new flexible version of the Canadian Conservation Corps – CCC Flex! If you are 18-30, interested in the environment, and craving adventure and community, then this program is for you! CCC Flex is a drop-in program that will allow you to meet like-minded peers in your community as you participate in amazing outdoor adventures and meaningful conservation service projects that benefit wildlife. Find the joys of the great outdoors in your community, make a positive impact on the environment, and gain volunteer experience that will look great on your resume. It’s also a great way to gain valuable life skills and make new friends interested in the outdoors.
CCC Flex is intended to be entirely volunteer operated, so we are looking for people who are eager to make CCC happen in their community, either through participating in or leading events.
Stage 1: Service Training, Skills Building, and Team Adventure Learning
The first phase of your CCC experience will focus on personal development. This will include a variety of skills training, from First Aid to CWF WILD Education certification. In addition, you will join your fellow CCC participants in an exciting wilderness travel adventure that will involve introspective activities, physical challenges, and team-building exercises. This stage is all about self-discovery, whether it’s learning about conservation or finding out more about yourself and what it means to be part of a successful team. The expeditions will be designed and led in collaboration with Outward Bound Canada, which has been leading inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world since 1969.
Stage 2: Immersive Field Learning
In this stage, CCC participants will be immersed in exciting hands-on conservation and environmental field learning, collaborating with experts in a variety of opportunities that may include areas such as:
- Habitat creation and restoration,
- Wildlife management and/or environmental science,
- Public awareness and environmental education.
CCC members will have a chance to complete meaningful service learning placements to deepen the lessons learned in the first stage of the program. During this stage, participants will also begin to develop outreach and service projects they can deliver during stage three of the program.
The Canadian Conservation Corps is a collaborative program that has engaged our CWF partners in conservation across the country. Each organization has provided invaluable field learning experiences for CCC members to learn, grow and make a significant contribution to the work being done by each organization.
We'd Like to Thank Stage 2 Partners:
- Lake Huron Coastal Centre
- The Huron Stewardship Council
- Kawartha Land Trust
- CWF Aquatic Barriers
- Souris & Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation (SAB)
- Calgary Zoo
- Falls Brook Centre
- Ducks Unlimited Canada
- Wild North
- BC Wildlife Federation
- Cowichan Green Community
- BC Parks Foundation
- Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada
- The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
- Algonquin Wildlife Research Station
- The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA)
- Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
- The Elk River Alliance
- The Redberry Lake Biosphere Region
- Nature Conservancy of Canada – Goderich + Pelee Island
- Parks Canada (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
- The Canadian Wildlife Federation Turtle Team
- Prairie Originals
- Assiniboine Park Zoo
- Nature Conservancy of Canada – Bruce Peninsula
- Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society
- Nature Conservancy of Canada Alberta
- Medicine Hat Interpretive Programs
- Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
- Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
- The UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere
- The rare Charitable Research Reserve
- McGill University - The Gault Nature Reserve
- Friends of the Kouchibouguacis
- Galiano Island Conservancy
- Nature Conservancy of Canada – Norfolk County
- The Raptors
- Nature Trust of New Brunswick
- Ducks Unlimited’s Wetland Interpretive Centre at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
- Shediac Bay Watershed Association (SBWA)
- Ducks Unlimited – Newfoundland
- Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group
- The Clean Foundation
- Hope For Wildlife
- Atlantic Coastal Action Project (ACAP)
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative/UPEI Bat Box Project
- Parks Canada (Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)
- Scales Nature Park
- Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
- Toronto Wildlife Centre
- Le Nichoir
- Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance
- The Marine Animal Response Society (MARS)
Stage 3: Outreach, Service and Community Impact Development
In this stage, CCC participants will be able to take what they’ve learned in the first two stages and incorporate that knowledge into meaningful community outreach and impactful service projects. From developing pollinator education programs for the classroom to hosting informative podcasts that expose new audiences to discussions on the top environmental issues of the day, these projects are developed and delivered by CCC participants with the goal of having a positive impact on both their home communities and Canada. Explore every completed CCC project here to see the impact our program is having across Canada and to get inspiration for how you can better your community and local wildlife.
In the News
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Night out for Nature aims to honour legacy of Angela Rehhorn
September 25, 2023, OrilliaMatters Staff
Learn about Conservation in our Community at the BWG Public Library
March 11, 2024, Bradfordtoday.com – The Canadian Wildlife Federation's (CWF) program, the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC), is dedicated to inspiring and connecting youth aged 18 to 30 with conservation opportunities across Canada....
Night out for Nature aims to honour legacy of Angela Rehhorn
September 25, 2023, OrilliaMatters Staff
The moths are coming back to Peterborough and area
March 26, 2022, The Peterborough Examiner – Area residents had a chance Saturday to learn about the coming season’s infestation of spongy moths. Hannah Brown, a member of the Canadian Conservation Corps, held the session at Mark S. Burnham Park on Highway 7 east of the city.
Canadian Conservation Corps volunteers virtually present projects
December 1, 2020, Toronto Star – Volunteers with the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) gave a virtual presentation of projects they completed while working alongside the Flood Mitigation Office on Thursday, November 26.
Basin Head's unique Irish moss seeing growth thanks to restoration efforts
November 5, 2020, CBC – Moss has grown to 100 square metres, up from 2 square metres in 2012
The Adventure Begins!
Join us online as we follow the Canadian Conservation Corps groups. These conservation-minded youth tackle a wilderness journey, followed by immersive experiential learning followed by giving back to their communities, with the ultimate goal of furthering conservation in Canada.
#CCCAdventure #CanadaServiceCorps #Leaders Today
This Could Be You!
Blog
Read about the Canadian Conservation Corps from the participants’ perspectives as they travel through their nine-month journey.
FAQ
Is a high school diploma required to participate?
There is no educational requirement to be a participant. No diploma or high school certification is required to register. You must be in the age bracket of 18 to 30.
What is the time commitment required to participate in the CCC program? How long will I be away from home during my time with the CCC?
The CCC is a program that takes place in three distinct stages. The first two stages of the program require you to be away from home for approximately four months, participating in training, a wilderness journey, and then fieldwork with one of our partners in conservation. For the third stage of the program, you will return to your home community where you will be able to work or attend school while completing your required conservation project. This stage should be completed within three to four months after returning home.
Can I work/have a job while I participate in the CCC program?
The first two stages of the CCC require a full-time commitment to the program, often in another province away from your home community. As a result, having a job that requires your physical presence may be difficult. We can provide you with a letter for your employer if you need to take a leave of absence. Upon returning to your home community to complete the third stage community project, you can work and/or attend school.
What expenses are covered for me while I participate in the CCC program and what must I pay for?
If you are accepted as a participant in the CCC we will cover your travel costs to and from each stage of the program. Your room and board/living expenses during the first two stages of the program will also be covered by the program. You will receive branded clothing suitable for the environment in which you’re experiencing the program. If you need any further support, we can arrange to help you as best we can.
I’m over 30, can I still be involved?
The CCC is funded by the Government of Canada, which means admittance to the program is restricted to individuals age 18 to 30 as indicated in the guidelines set by the Canada Service Corps. For individuals looking for other opportunities to have an impact on conservation in Canada, we suggest the following:
Check out the Canada Service Corps page for our program partners and affiliate organizations.
Check out CWF’s other Education Programs for additional professional development opportunities.
Those ages 15 to 18 can participate in CWF’s WILD Outside program.
What type of courses will the program have?
While participating in the CCC you will receive Standard First Aid–C training from the Life Saving Society of Canada. You will also receive training in delivering and facilitating our Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Wild Education programs, as well as the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) Field Leader 1 training. We also expect you’ll experience personal skill building through our training weeks and participating in the program.
The Canadian Conservation Corp is a program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.