YouthToSea is designed to offer youth (15-18 years old) in the Lower Mainland an opportunity to build their personal leadership, problem-solving and life skills. Youth in the program will participate in outdoor excursions, skills building workshops, and create their own ocean service project. Youth who join the program will expand their social networks, increase their marine conservation knowledge, connect with their community, and gain employment skills. In addition to our regular program, this year we are offering 5 different Work Experience streams for students completing their Work Experience course in school.

Our updated WEX Program offers the following streams:

• Marine Survey: Students will get a hands-on experience conducting a scientific monitoring project. They will learn how to set up a research project, conduct environmental surveys and identify a variety of marine invertebrates.
• Wetland Survey: Students will get a hands-on experience conducting a scientific monitoring project. They will learn how to set up a research project, conduct environmental surveys and identify a variety of freshwater invertebrates, plants, and birds.

• Camps Placement: In collaboration with Sea Smart, this placement will give students the opportunity to work in a day camp setting. The placement includes a 2-week placement with a day camp, where students will get the opportunity to create and lead their own activities (with support from staff). 
• Communications: Students will get hands on experience with content creation through photography, videography, editing and blog writing. Students will attend YouthToSea events and excursions creating material for online forums.
• Shoreline Cleanup: Students will get hands on experience working in a non-profit ocean conservation environment. This placement includes creating a research plan, attending, and organizing cleanups, sorting material, and analyzing data. Students will also work with our Plastic Research team to develop new plastic interventions.

There is limited space in the program. We are offering 30 spots in our Classic Program and 54 spots in across our 5 Work Experience streams. Check out the Teacher’s Guide for exact dates.

Youth that complete the Leadership Program will receive:

• 120+ hours of volunteer service
• Access to Ocean Wise mentorship, resources, and grant funding
• A 3-day, 2-night immersive learning journey May 13-15, 2022
• Opportunity to take part in several outdoor excursions (ex. Kayaking, Sailing)

• Skill building workshops to help with resume building and employment skills
• Valuable work experience and professional contacts

We are closely following all COVID-19 developments and the YouthToSea Program is built to work within pandemic measures. However, please be aware there may be a change in dates and opportunities for this program as the provincial and national pandemic response changes.