Katimavik Participants are currently in the following six communities across Canada :
With 11 youth in each Katimavik house, there are 66 Katimavik Participants across Canada, all working to make a difference in the communities they are living in.
1. Will the program still take place, despite coronavirus restrictions?
Yes! Charities and non-profits need the help of volunteers now more than ever. It is undeniable that these are challenging times for everyone. The good news is that YOU can still make a difference! Joining our program means participating in an educational and meaningful experience while proactively helping communities face the challenges of the pandemic.
2. Will the volunteer placements still be in person?
Mostly. Part of what makes the National Experience so special is its fully immersive aspect. For this reason, we prefer on-site assignments. However, to adapt to the current reality, part of the work may be done online to address the needs and characteristics of each placement.
3. Am I at risk of contracting the coronavirus by participating? How will you ensure the safety of participants during the National Experience?
Yes, volunteering comes with risks and we do not take this fact lightly. The National Experience is a community service learning program and as such you and/or members of your group will be engaging in frontline work. All our partners will follow the best practices of COVID-19 safety procedures, such as providing masks, other protective equipment, and social distancing. Moreover, as part of your orientation your group will create a group contract for communal living, which will include COVID-19 safety procedures. We all have different comfort-levels and risk-appetites, as well as our individual physical and mental health needs so reflect on whether this is the right time for you to be taking part in the National Experience. If you have concerns or questions about this, please make sure to discuss these with the Katimavik office. We recognize the immeasurable value of our volunteers, and your safety is our top priority. We will do everything we can to make the Katimavik Experience a memorable one.
4. What will a typical placement look like?
Every Katimavik experience is unique! Here is a sneak peek of what your day-to-day might look like:
5. What support is in place for me during the National Experience?
The National Experience is an immersive full-time program during which you will be guided by a Project Leader. However, Katimavik’s National Experience is a personal development program and Participants are expected to be autonomous, without reliance on the Project Leader to meet personal needs. As part of the onboarding process, a medical disclosure form will be completed and accommodations will be made where possible, but please bear in mind that the National Experience is not a care program. Because Katimavik proposes a different way of socializing and interacting, we have chosen, as a general principle, for the National Experience houses across Canada to be dry houses. This means that it is prohibited to consume intoxicants in the house and anywhere else on the property. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please reach out to the Katimavik office.
The advantage of the National Experience is that participants are not alone. The success of the program is based on working together and supporting each other as a team. Through exchange and discussions, participants learn from each other, explore problem solving, and provide a supportive environment where everyone is accepted and valued.
Katimavik has a proven track record of providing positive youth development programming. The Project Leader and the partner community organizations are trained to ensure that each participant is provided with the opportunities they need to have a positive experience.
Once accepted to the National Experience, participants receive a participant guide to help prepare for their departure, and upon arrival in the community, the group attends an orientation session. Support is provided throughout the experience by the Project Leader and all Katimavik staff.
*Please note that this is just an example and that weekly schedules may vary depending on house location, availability of mentors, etc.
Katimavik Participants will have the opportunity to learn about many topics and to gain various new skills. This is done through experiential learning, group discussions, fun activities, workshops, and more. The program’s educational aspect is fundamental and all participants are expected to play an active role in the learning process.
Some of the topics and skills that you will be challenged to learn about include:
All expenses related to participation in the program are covered, including transportation to and from the communities, group activities, housing, and meals.
Participants fundraise $1000 prior to the program start date in order to contribute to the costs of their participation. Recognizing that this can be a barrier for some young people in Canada, Katimavik will provide tools and resources to assist with fundraising efforts.
In order to ensure that this opportunity is available to all youth across Canada, Katimavik will work on an individual basis with anyone who may feel that the fundraising is a barrier to their participation.
The National Experience is open to all youth aged 17-25 years old. Participants must be a Canadian citizen or be able to demonstrate that they are legally residing in Canada.
Katimavik is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, respectful environment and encourages applications from young adults of all backgrounds, genders, religions, and cultures.
The National Experience aims to prepare youth for future employment opportunities and/or post-secondary learning. Previous work experience or studies is not required.
