Youth Engagement
Image: Lii Michif Otipemisiwak
We see a future where youth will be actively involved in outdoor recreation across B.C. not only as participants, but as leaders, volunteers, and decision makers. By giving opportunities for meaningful engagement, we hope to create a more inclusive and connected outdoor recreation community that reflects the experiences, perspectives, and ideas of the next generation of leaders.
Why it matters
Across British Columbia, one big question keeps coming up: How do we get more youth involved? Many youth related programs are good at getting youth involved in outdoor recreation, but there are few programs that give real opportunities for youth to have a say in decisions, shape programs, or take on leadership roles. At the same time, many youth are looking for ways to get more involved, connect with others, and build skills they can use in school, work, and everyday life. Our Youth Engagement Program is creating pathways for youth to share their voices, take on leadership roles, and help shape the future of outdoor recreation B.C.
Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective (YORAC)
ORCBC is launching B.C.’s first-ever Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective (YORAC). The YORAC is designed to help connect the next generation of outdoor recreation leaders across the Province with opportunities to not only get outside, but build leadership skills, meet other youth who share similar 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 for the outdoor recreation sector.
Why join yorac?
As a YORAC member, you will have opportunities to:
Connect with youth from communities across British Columbia.
Develop leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
Learn from experienced leaders in the outdoor recreation sector.
Contribute to projects, discussions, and decision-making processes.
Build professional and community networks.
Explore pathways into volunteering, governance, and careers.
Help influence how organizations engage and support youth.
Get outside!
The YORAC will be supported by ORCBC staff and board of directors and will actively shape the future of our Youth Engagement Program.
Responsibilities
Commit a minimum of 5 hours a month for a 1 year term from September 2026 to September 2027.
Attend monthly online meetings
Participate in work streams in small groups
Identify and organize at least one youth outdoor recreation activity in your community, based on your interest
Are you:
Between the ages of 15 and 25
Interested and/or already engaged in outdoor recreation (e.g., hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, paddling, dirt biking, fishing, etc.)
A strong communicator (oral and written)
Able to act as both a leader and team player
Then we would love to hear from you! This is your chance to grow as a leader, shape the outdoor recreation sector, and make a lasting difference in your community.
Timeline
June 23 - July 26, 2026: Applications open
August 2026: Selection of YORAC members. All 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 - August 2027: YORAC meets monthly and works on identified themes.
Optional Information sessions
Learn more about YORAC, what participation could look like, and ask any questions about the opportunity. Choose one of:
Interested?
Join an info session, reach out, or just 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
Partners
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
