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The first year of our Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council is wrapping up, and the District is very proud of the work done by the Youth Council members. So much has been accomplished over this first year of the Youth Council!
Seven teenagers from four Muskoka area high schools made up the first cohort of the Youth Council. These members ranged from grades 10-12 and brought a variety of experiences and interests to the council. Youth joined the Council to deepen their understanding of our changing climate, take meaningful action to protect the environment, and leave with the knowledge and confidence to inspire others and create positive change in Muskoka and beyond.
Learning in Nature Through Experience
The Youth Council’s first activity was a guided hike through Hardy Lake Provincial Park to better understand and observe firsthand the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems in Muskoka. This was not only a learning activity but also a team-building experience, allowing the Council members to get to know each other and exchange ideas and information.
During monthly meetings, the Youth Council learned about the District’s various projects and programs throughout the watershed, including conservation efforts, water quality monitoring, climate change education, GIS mapping, and other initiatives; Council members were also able to better understand the career paths of varied District staff.
Sometimes, special guests attended Council meetings, including a youth climate activist from Nova Scotia, a representative from the Wahta Mohawks community, and a climate mental health specialist from The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto.
A Youth Perspective
Madden Couperthwaite, a grade 10 student at Rosseau Lake College, says this about his time on the council, "Being on the council allows me to work with like-minded individuals toward a common goal of furthering people's understanding of climate change and the detrimental impacts it poses."
Support from the Community
The Council received a $10,000 grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group through its Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.). This funding has supported guest speakers, team-building activities, and the Council’s first major public event.
Join Us at Muskoka Youth Eco-Fest
On Saturday, June 7, 2026, the Youth Council will host the Muskoka Youth Eco-Fest at Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free family focused event was designed and organized by Youth Council members.
From designing promotional materials to connecting with community partners, the students have led every aspect of the event.
Visitors can enjoy:
- A clothing swap
- Live animal presentations from Scales Nature Park
- Crafts and interactive activities
- Booths from environmental and community organizations across Muskoka
- Opportunities to meet Youth Council members and learn about their experiences
Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 Council
Are you a Muskoka teen who wants to make a difference?
Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council.
The MCYAC is a 10-month volunteer program from September 2026 to June 2027. Members meet monthly to learn about climate science, local initiatives, and practical solutions, while developing and leading projects that benefit youth and the community.
Program Highlights
Participants will:
- Learn about climate science, solutions, adaptation and engagement
- Execute a youth-led climate change program/action project for Muskoka youth
- Build skills, have their voices heard at a municipal level and learn about various municipal/green/conservation-focused careers
- Team building activities in nature
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be between 14 and 18 years old
- Be enrolled in Grades 9 to 12 at one of Muskoka’s five area high schools
- Have an interest in the environment and climate action (no prior experience required)
- Commit at least 40 volunteer hours over the course of the program
Benefits of Joining
Participants will:
- Have your voice heard and be part of a hopeful space for youth to see that you can make a positive impact in the community and take action on climate change.
- Receive training and learning opportunities about municipal careers and skill development
- Volunteer/community service hours awarded for graduation requirements (40-hour minimum commitment)
- Develop programming for your peers on climate change
- Receive Certification recognizing participation in an activity addressing climate change
- Receive potential references and support for future employment and/or academic opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications are open until June 10, 2026. Successful applications will be contacted by June 15, 2026.
If you, or a youth in your life, are interested in joining the Council, complete the application form at: Engage Muskoka – Climate Youth Advisory Council
For more information, contact Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator Lauren Saville at: lauren.saville@muskoka.on.ca
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