Youth Participant

If you’re 18 to 30, not currently working or in school, and unsure what comes next, Outward Bound Canada (OBC)’s Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program could be a powerful reset. This free 26-day experience runs April 19 to May 14 in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, May 31 to June 25 in Alberta or June 27 – July 22 in Ontario. Participants live and learn alongside a diverse group of peers, spending three days building outdoor skills, eight days on an ocean kayak or canoe journey in BC, a backpacking trip in Alberta or a flatwater canoeing trip in Ontario and two weeks in hands-on workshops focused on practical life and employability skills. You’ll learn by doing, not sitting in lectures. Through real-world challenges and guided group work, you’ll build collaboration, adaptability, communication, problem solving, and job readiness skills. Participants receive a training stipend for the in-person portion. After the training, you won’t be left on your own. YCC staff provide one-on-one career coaching, job search and application support, and help connect you to expedited interview opportunities.