Climate Corner September 2025 - Climate Youth Advisory Council

The District of Muskoka is excited to announce the launch of our inaugural Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council (MCYAC). Are you a youth living in Muskoka in grades 9-12 interested in climate change and making a positive impact in your community? Then this new Youth Council is for you! 

Youth Councils are vital for fostering civic engagement and leadership skills among young people, while also providing a platform for their voices to be heard in decision-making processes. They empower youth to become active citizens, contributing to their communities and shaping policies that affect their lives.  

As the generation who will live longest with the impacts of climate change, like hotter summers, changing wildlife patterns, and more frequent storms, youth have a unique perspective. Having your voices and ideas heard will allow youth in Muskoka to be part of the conversation and develop climate action programs for your friends, classmates, teammates, and other peers. 

The MCYAC will be an approximately 10-month volunteer program starting in September 2025 and ending in June 2026. The MCYAC will meet monthly to learn about District climate initiatives, to share ideas/concerns, and to identify and take impactful actions. 

Program at a Glance: 

• Learn about climate science, solutions, adaption 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  
• Teaming building activities in nature 

About you: 

• In grades 9-12 in one of the five Muskoka Area High Schools  
• A resident in the District of Muskoka 
• Passionate about our environment and climate action (no experience necessary) 
• You can commit to at least 40 hours of your time and attend monthly meetings from October 2025 to June 2026 

Benefits of Joining the Council: 

• 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 activity addressing climate change   
• Receive potential references and support for future employment and/or academic opportunities.