Useful Links * click on titles to see web page
Disclaimer: Any and all activity descriptions in this 'Links page' are for informational purposes only. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Young Canadians Challenge makes no representations about such activities and does not endorse, in any way, any particular activity provider. Each participant or, where applicable, his or her parent or guardian, should make such further inquiries of the activity provider regarding the activity and the activity provider in order to make an informed decision about whether to take part in such activity.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Biography of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award co-founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
Kurt Hahn
Information on Kurt Hahn, co-founder of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and leader in experiential education.
Honourable David C. Onley, OOnt, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
We are delighted to announce that the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has agreed to be Chairman of the Ontario Council of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Our appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of our Volunteer development, support and recognition programme.
Town Youth Participation Strategies (TYPS)
TYPS works to encourage, support, and provide information and training to youth and youth groups in rural areas, towns and small cities in Canada. TYPS recognizes youth as citizens with rights, responsibilities, able to make contributions through active community involvement, participation, partnerships, and meaningful decision-making that affects their lives.
Community Service Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization, which builds simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter.
Ontario Conservation Authorities
This site has a listing of all of the conservation in Ontario. Find the Authority in your area. Often volunteer opportunities are listed on their site. This is often a great way to get your volunteer hours and be outside!
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is a place where participants can find volunteer opportunities. It is a partnership organization committed to protecting, restoring and celebrating the natural environment in the Toronto region through the development and application of watershed plans, innovative environmental science and education programs.
- Volunteer Action Centre of Kitchener/Waterloo
- Volunteer Centre of Halton
- Volunteer Centre of Newmarket/York North
- Volunteer Centre of North Bay
- Volunteer Centre of Toronto
- Volunteer Centre of Ottawa
- Volunteer Resource Centre for the Durham Region
YouCan
A resource for finding volunteer opportunities in the Ottawa and Toronto areas.
Expedition Information and Opportunities
6 Rivers Wilderness Programme
6-Rivers Wilderness Adventures in Ontario Canada is a specialized program that combines Canadian outdoor expeditions and group learning. It was initially conceived to service youth at risk by utilizing outdoor, adventure-based activities that challenged participants to learn skills that are transferable to their work, home and everyday life. Please contact Russ Howe at 519.852.1278, or by e-mail to rhowe@6rivers.on.ca.
ALIVE Outdoors
Based in Toronto. For participants wishing to go on a canoe trip for their expedition. For more information, please email: info@aliveoutdoors.com or call: 416-429-8082.
The Bruce Trail Association
This web site is an excellent resource for those looking to do an expedition on the Bruce trail, with maps and recommended hikes.
Camp Kawartha
Camp Kawartha & The Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre offers canoe expeditions, as well as Leadership Programs suitable for Residential Projects.
Canoe Ontario
Canoe Ontario is a provincial sport organization with the purpose of promoting and supporting canoeing and kayaking in Ontario.
Chocpaw Expeditions - Dogsledding
Chocpaw has been 30 years in the dogsledding business with 15 years experience running expeditions in Algonquin and Temagami. They are the largest in North America with over 250 Alaskans bred for speed, endurance and temperament. Their expertise with youth, scout and outdoor education groups enables them to provide an unforgettable learning adventure to all. For more information, please contact Kate Reid at 705 386 0344 or by email at chocpaw@on.aibn.com.
Hike Ontario
Hike Ontario is a non-profit organization which represents the interests of walkers and hikers in the province of Ontario, Canada with twenty-four hiking clubs and over 13,000 individuals. Their mission is to provide support, education and representation while promoting hiking and walking in Ontario. *For more information about volunteer opportunities or hiking leader certification, please visit http://www.hikeontario.com/services/younghikersprogram.htm.
Inner City Outtripping Centre
Great for beginners who live in downtown Toronto to complete their Bronze training, practice and qualifying trips. Contact: Al Crawford: (416) 392-6928 or fax (416) 392-0308.
Kinark Outdoor Centre
Providing Outdoor Education, Skill Development and Adventure-Based Programming for schools, agencies and faith communities since 1985. Please contact Tina Newman phone: 705-286-3555 or
fax: 705-286-6184.
Madawaska Kanu Centre
Canoe and Kayak courses run every weekend and week from the beginning of May
until Labour Day weekend. Courses are held onsite near Algonquin Park.
Northern Edge Algonquin
Provides meaningful memorable Outdoor Education experiences at Algonquin Park. Join us on a journey of discovery for yourself, your school, the planet.
Outward Bound
Outward Bound courses are challenging, exhilarating journeys that take place in Canada's most beautiful wilderness. For more information, call 1-800-OUTWARD
Overhang Adventures Inc.
Overhang Adventure Inc. aims to develop strong leaders in the community by exposing individuals to the dynamics of leading in the wilderness. Through friendly competition and team building initiatives, supervised by our Outdoor Adventure Specialists, participants begin developing and perfecting their own personal style of leading.
Paddlers' Cooperative - Palmer Rapids, Ontario
For those who want to use white-water kayaking for their expeditions. Paddlers' Co-op, located in Palmer Rapids, does both instruction courses (training and practice trips) as well as amazing international excursions to places like Nepal and Mexico. For more information, please call
613-758-2772 or email paddler@mv.igs.net.
Paddling Ontario
Ontario Canada's preferred canoe and kayak companies form the Paddling Ontario Alliance. Together, we offer an incredible variety of vacation experiences, from weekend getaways to wilderness expeditions. We live and work these waterways and are committed to providing safe outdoor experiences that will exhilarate and inspire.
Rideau Outdoor Centre
The Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to safe, enjoyable paddling for all people regardless of their abilities and age. The Rideau Outdoor Centre offers a variety of courses and programs for everyone.
Seneca College
Located in King City, Seneca is an excellent source for preliminary training, practice trips and qualifying trips for all levels. For more information please contact Heather Cotie at (416) 491-5050 or 905-833-3333, ext. 5042, or email heather.cotie@senecac.on.ca.
Temagami Wilderness Centre
A world renowned outdoor education and recreation facility, the Temagami Wilderness Centre has been engaged in wilderness outfitting since 1965. 905-632-9458 or info@temagami.com
Toronto Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak School
The Toronto Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak School runs many evening, day and weekend trips right in Toronto Harbour. They also offer many extended trips in wilderness and exotic area. Contact: Dave Corrigan: (416) 203-2277 or (800) 960-8886. Email:
dave@paddletoronto.com
Voyageur Quest
416-486-3605 or 800-794-9660
World Challenge
World Challenge designs and delivers outdoor educational programmes for school groups. We go everywhere, from one-off, one-day Canadian adventures to six-week expeditions across the world and progressive programmes through the years. Young people achieve personal and team goals to develop valuable skills for later life such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication; we truly provide a life changing experience!
YMCA of London
Adam Jarrett - Camp Director, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth: (519) 455 3135 ext. 467 or ajarrett@londony.ca. For more information on the YMCA of London, please go to http://www.londony.ca/
Residential Project Opportunities
Canada World Youth
Canada World Youth is a leader in developing international educational programs where young people learn through experience. If you’re between the ages of 17 and 29, Canada World Youth offers you the opportunity to become an active player in community development in Canada and overseas.
CIVICUS Youth Assembly - The World Alliance for Citizen Participation
CIVICUS is an international alliance of an estimate 1000 members in about 100 countries that has worked for over a decade to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened.
Exchanges Canada
Exchanges Canada is a new Government of Canada initiative which gives you access to lots of information on participating in or creating an exchange.
Peacekeeper Park Adventure Camp
PKP offers summer Adventure Camps and camp counsellor volunteer positions that fulfill the residential project requirement.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
World Challenge
World Challenge designs and delivers outdoor educational programmes for school groups. We go everywhere, from one-off, one-day Canadian adventures to six-week expeditions across the world and progressive programmes through the years. Young people achieve personal and team goals to develop valuable skills for later life such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication; we truly provide a life changing experience!
Youth Challenge International
Youth Challenge International builds the skills, experience and confidence of young people by involving them in substantive overseas development projects in partnership with local youth-serving organizations. YCI has active programs impacting youth in Canada, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Over 2,500 Canadian youth have had life changing experiences with YCI since 1989. And our alumni have become Canada's talented and engaged new leaders.
Organizations whose programs compliment the Award Program
4-H Ontario
The Ontario 4-H Program is about Opportunities, personal development, making friends, and having fun. 4-H helps young people (10-21 years of age) learn self-confidence and new skills.
Girl Guides of Canada
Girl Guides of Canada help girls and young women become responsible citizens, able to give leadership and service to the community, whether local, national, or global.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is an international not-for-profit organization that brings together business leaders, educators, parents and the community to help prepare youth for their future. The organization was founded in 1919 when a need for practical economic education among city students was recognized. JA of Canada remains the nation's largest developer of business education programs for students aged 10-19.
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national youth organization of close to 25,000 young men and women from 12 through 18 years of age.
Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada contributes to the education of young people to help build a better world where people are self fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
Vision Youth
The Vision Youth Leadership Program was founded by a group of volunteers in the year of 2001. The intention was to complement the regular school academic curriculum to help our youth to develop life skills, which would help them to have a successful and rewarding future. Creativity and innovation are very important in this fast-changing world. The program provides an environment to bring out the imagination, passion and energy of the participants.