For Youth

Three youth stand holding a shovel and garden clean-up buckets in the EcoHouse community garden.

Here at Green Venture, we aim to support the eco-journeys of local youth. Our Child and Youth Programs offer an abundance of opportunities for high school students looking to get involved in their communities, young professionals seeking to develop professional skills, budding environmentalists exploring how they can take climate action, and opportunities to get outside. Join us! 

A group of young people sit and stand around a table on a red deck. They are talking, smiling, and doing a gardening activity. Text reads "Green Venture YouthQuake: Eco conversation, stewardship, workshops, and more! Second and fourth Wednesday of the month. youth@greenventure.ca @greenventureyouth." Logos for Hamilton Community Foundation, Conserver Society of Hamilton and District, Green Venture, and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation are along the bottom.

Green Venture YouthQuake

Join our twice monthly, drop-in, virtual and in person YouthQuake meetings for eco conversations open to all Hamilton youth ages 14-24. Meetings are held at EcoHouse from 4:30-6:00pm. Recent topics have included waste, consumerism, fast fashion, food choices, and more. The conversations are youth-led, and guided by Green Venture staff; with the occasional opportunity for guest speakers in the environmental field to share their expertise!

To join, email youth@greenventure.ca with the subject “I want to join Green Venture YouthQuake”.

Youth Stewardship Program

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Send in your application by October 3rd!

Thank you for your interest in our Youth Stewardship & Professional Skills Program! This program is open to youth in the Hamilton Region looking to get involved with issues relating to climate change and environmental stewardship. Over the course of the program you will learn some fundamental skills through the construction of an environmental stewardship project of your choice, and have the opportunity to make your project a reality. This is a great program to build up your resume, connect with like-minded peers interested in environmentalism, and make a difference in your community!

In joining this program, you can:

• earn a minimum of 20 community service / volunteer hours
• gain valuable professional skills and experience
• receive letters of recommendation as needed
• complete a stewardship project that benefits the environment
• meet other high school students who value sustainable living
• earn a certificate to add to your resume
• have fun in nature this summer!

Program Details
Program starts October 7, 2024. Successful applicants will be contacted by email. Please add “heather.govender@greenventure.ca” and “albany.sutherland@greenventure.ca” to your safe lists, and check your spam folders.
Program Schedule:
Monday’s at EcoHouse from October 7 – December 2, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Hybrid Program Structure:
Meetings will be held in-person (at Green Venture’s EcoHouse – 22 Veevers Drive, Hamilton)

There will be an option to join virtually through Google Meet

Program Supported By:
Hamilton Community Foundation

Conserver Society of Hamilton & District
City Enrichment Fund

Eligibility:
Priority is given to youth who self-identify as belonging to an equity-seeking group, and who can make the commitment to actively participate in program activities.
– Student must live in Hamilton and/or go to school in Hamilton.
– Open to high school students, recent high school grads, and students entering high school
– Consent required from Parent/Guardian if you are under 18

 

The final selection will be made from all eligible applicants by random draw.

Testimonials


“I loved that I got to meet new people and develop my public speaking, initiative, and leadership skills. […] I would highly recommend it to others if they want to get more comfortable in their own skin, especially if they have anxiety or low self-confidence, and you get to gain experience in project management while also meeting like-minded students.”

Nature Kids

Nature Kids is an after school program that provides opportunities for children aged 5-11 to get outside, engage with nature, and stay active. Register for the program and find more information here