Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council

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High school students across Muskoka are coming together to take action on climate change, and you can be part of it!

The Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council (MCYAC) is a new initiative that gives young people the chance to build leadership skills and have their voices heard in decision-making. Climate change will shape the future of today’s youth, and the MCYAC ensures Muskoka students are part of the conversation. This 10-month volunteer program (September–June) brings youth together each month to learn about local climate initiatives, share ideas, and take action through a project that makes a real impact. The application period is now open. Learn more below!

Application deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025

Who can apply:

  • You’re in Grades 9–12 at a Muskoka-area high school (or live in Muskoka).

  • You care about the environment and climate action. No experience needed.

  • You can commit to approx. 4–5 hours a month from October 2025 to June 2026.

What you’ll do:

  • Learn the basics of climate science, local solutions, and how the District is taking action.

  • Create a youth-led project for Muskoka (e.g., workshop series, toolkit, or community event).

  • Collaborate with District staff and community partners.

  • Share your ideas with Council committees.

Time & commitment:

  • Program dates: October 8, 2025 – June 30, 2026

  • Meetings: Monthly team meeting (1.5–2 hours) + small-group project time as needed (outside of regular school hours)

  • Kickoff: Half-day hike + lunch team-builder in early October.

  • Estimated time: 40+ volunteer hours total (meets graduation requirement).

What you get:

  • Volunteer hours toward graduation (minimum 40 hours).

  • Real experience designing and running a youth project.

  • Training on climate action and municipal careers (planning, watershed & environment, GIS, waste).

  • A voice at the municipal level (opportunity to present to the District’s Community & Planning Services Committee).

  • Recognition: Participation certificate and staff references for jobs or school.

If you have any questions or want to know more about the council, please reach out to our Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator, Lauren Saville.

High school students across Muskoka are coming together to take action on climate change, and you can be part of it!

The Muskoka Climate Youth Advisory Council (MCYAC) is a new initiative that gives young people the chance to build leadership skills and have their voices heard in decision-making. Climate change will shape the future of today’s youth, and the MCYAC ensures Muskoka students are part of the conversation. This 10-month volunteer program (September–June) brings youth together each month to learn about local climate initiatives, share ideas, and take action through a project that makes a real impact. The application period is now open. Learn more below!

Application deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025

Who can apply:

  • You’re in Grades 9–12 at a Muskoka-area high school (or live in Muskoka).

  • You care about the environment and climate action. No experience needed.

  • You can commit to approx. 4–5 hours a month from October 2025 to June 2026.

What you’ll do:

  • Learn the basics of climate science, local solutions, and how the District is taking action.

  • Create a youth-led project for Muskoka (e.g., workshop series, toolkit, or community event).

  • Collaborate with District staff and community partners.

  • Share your ideas with Council committees.

Time & commitment:

  • Program dates: October 8, 2025 – June 30, 2026

  • Meetings: Monthly team meeting (1.5–2 hours) + small-group project time as needed (outside of regular school hours)

  • Kickoff: Half-day hike + lunch team-builder in early October.

  • Estimated time: 40+ volunteer hours total (meets graduation requirement).

What you get:

  • Volunteer hours toward graduation (minimum 40 hours).

  • Real experience designing and running a youth project.

  • Training on climate action and municipal careers (planning, watershed & environment, GIS, waste).

  • A voice at the municipal level (opportunity to present to the District’s Community & Planning Services Committee).

  • Recognition: Participation certificate and staff references for jobs or school.

If you have any questions or want to know more about the council, please reach out to our Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator, Lauren Saville.

  • MCYAC 2025-2026 Application

    Please complete this application form to indicate your interest in joining the District of Muskoka's Climate Youth Advisory Council (CYAC). You must be a high school student in Muskoka to apply.  We will get back to you by October 6th 2025 to let you know next steps. The information provided in this application will only be seen by District staff and will not be made public.  

    Collection of Personal Information: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990 and Municipal Act 2001 for the purposes of applying to the MCYAC. Personal information will be used and disclosed only for these purposes. By providing personal information, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure. Contact: Clerk for the District Municipality of Muskoka, clerk@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2100 ext.4253

    Inclusion Statement: We are here to help and are committed to ensuring that everyone can participate, contribute, and be heard. If you require assistance or need a different survey format, please contact Lauren Saville at 705-645-2100 ext. 4388 or lauren.saville@muskoka.on.ca

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 12 Sep 2025, 04:25 PM