Youth Leadership in Outdoor Recreation
A province-wide opportunity for young people to connect, lead, and help shape the future of outdoor recreation in BC.
.Image: Lii Michif Otipemisiwak
We see a future where youth are actively involved in outdoor recreation across BC, not only as participants, but as leaders, volunteers, and decision-makers. By creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, we hope to support a more inclusive and connected outdoor recreation community that reflects the experiences, perspectives, and ideas of the next generation.
Why youth leadership matters
Across British Columbia, one big question keeps coming up: how do we get more youth involved?
Many youth programs do a great job of introducing young people to outdoor recreation, but fewer create opportunities for youth to help shape decisions, influence programs, or take on leadership roles. At the same time, many young people are looking for ways to get more involved, connect with others, and build skills they can use in school, work, and everyday life.
ORCBC’s Youth Engagement Program is creating pathways for youth to share their voices, take on leadership roles, and help shape the future of outdoor recreation in BC.
Join the Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective
ORCBC is launching BC’s first Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective (YORAC). YORAC is designed to connect the next generation of outdoor recreation leaders across the province with opportunities to get outside, build leadership skills, meet other youth with shared interests, and actively shape the outdoor recreation sector.
Through mentorship, collaboration, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning, youth will gain valuable skills, grow their confidence, and contribute their ideas to projects, programs, and conversations with real impact.
What You’ll Do
As a YORAC member, you will have opportunities to:
Build leadership skills
Develop your communication, collaboration, facilitation, and project skills with support from experienced outdoor recreation leaders.
Connect with youth across BC
Meet other young people who care about outdoor recreation, stewardship, access, and community.
Contribute to real projects and decisions
Share your ideas, take part in discussions, and help shape projects that influence the future of outdoor recreation in BC.
Get outside and lead locally
Organize at least one outdoor recreation activity in your community based on your interests.
YORAC will be supported by ORCBC staff and board members and will help shape the future of ORCBC’s Youth Engagement Program.
commitment
YORAC members are asked to:
Commit a minimum of 5 hours a month for a one-year term from September 2026 to August 2027.
Attend monthly online meetings.
Participate in small-group work streams.
Identify and organize at least one outdoor recreation activity for youth in their community based on their interests.
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for youth who are:
Between the ages of 15 and 25.
Interested in or already involved in outdoor recreation, such as hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities, paddling, dirt biking, fishing, or other outdoor activities.
Strong communicators, both orally and in writing.
Able to act as both a leader and a team player.
This is your chance to grow as a leader, shape the outdoor recreation sector, and make a lasting difference in your community.
Key Dates
June 23 to July 26, 2026: Applications open.
August 2026: Selection of YORAC members. Everyone who applied will hear back from us in August.
September 2026: Kick-off event, online or hybrid. A date will be announced soon.
September 2026 to August 2027: YORAC meets monthly and works on identified themes.
Optional sessions
Learn more about YORAC, what participation could look like, and ask any questions about the opportunity. Choose one of:
ready to apply?
Join an info session, reach out, or hit “apply” below. We look forward to learning more about you.
If access to technology is a barrier, please reach out to Nathan Wilson, Youth Engagement Coordinator, youth@orcbc.ca
Deadline to apply: Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Image: UBC Varsity Outdoor Club
Image: Sam Cutcliffe, BC Marine Trails
Program partner
We are grateful for the support of Stormtech Performance Apparel.
Interested in Partnering with us?
Reach out to discuss opportunities to get your brand involved in this important initiative:
Nathan Wilson, Youth Engagement Coordinator, youth@orcbc.ca
