Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation announces exciting new conservation work experience program for youth

Saskatchewanis brimming with young, talented outdoors enthusiasts keen on making conservation part of their career, and yet there are limited opportunities for youth over the age of 15 to engage in conservation programming.

That is why the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is eager to unveil one of the most exciting work experience opportunities available in the province to date: The Youth Conservation Leadership (YCL) initiative.

The YCL initiative provides opportunities to students ages 15 to 18 from all across the province to expand their resumes, gain industry knowledge, develop key skills, and explore different conservation career opportunities through partnering with experts in the industry.

“We identified a gap period in the late teens and early twenties,” said Laurel Waldner, Education Coordinator, “Right around the time they are considering the work force, the programming options seem to drop off.”

Starting in Spring 2019, this initiative takes part in three stages including an outdoor adventure and education component, field experience and leadership training component and a component focusing on community engagement. Participants will get the chance to gain leadership skills and work with SWF partners in the field, getting hands on experience in research, fieldwork, visiting habitats or taking part in ongoing conservation projects, all while learning how to administer an SWF program of their choosing to a classroom in their community.

“We are coming up on our 90th year as an organization,” said Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director. “We hope that this initiative will help build