Katimavik and VIA Rail have partnered to offer youth the opportunity to discover more of Canada during the National Experience! Katimavik Volunteers will travel between their two host communities by train, viewing the vast landscape on their journey across the country. Thanks to VIA Rail, Katimavik Volunteers will discover a fun, adventurous, and eco-friendly means of travel.
The advantage of the National Experience is that volunteers 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 volunteer is provided with the support they need to have a positive experience.
Once accepted to the National Experience, participants receive a volunteer guide to help prepare for their departure, and upon arrival in the community, the group participates in an orientation session. Support is provided throughout the experience by the Project Leader and all Katimavik staff.
Katimavik Volunteers 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 Volunteers are expected to play an active role in the learning process.
Some of the topics and skills that you will 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.
Volunteers will be encouraged to 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 registration fee or 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.
