{"id":631,"date":"2023-08-18T11:49:21","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:49:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/katimavik.org\/programmes\/experience-nationale\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:13:19","slug":"national-experience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/katimavik.org\/en\/youth-programs\/national-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"National Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”block1″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1741192386482{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Welcome to the National Experience!<\/span><\/h1>\n

For 22 weeks share a Katimavik<\/a> house and volunteer with organizations contributing to the development of the communities where you are hosted.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1731706049184{padding-bottom: 60px !important;}”]JOIN THE INTEREST LIST<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column]

\r\n
\"Katimavik<\/div>\r\n\t
\r\n \t\t
\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column]
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

22 weeks That Will Change Your Life<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You will be one of up to 11 people living under the same roof. Together, you will undergo a truly
\nunique experience.<\/p>\n

Your journey won't just last a week or two, but for over 22 weeks in two different communities.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

\r\n
\r\n <\/p>\n

Join one of the groups to experience the National Experience and contribute to the development of the two communities that will welcome you.<\/p>\n

These 22 weeks will be so enriching that when you return to your old life (which will no longer feel quite the same as before), you’ll wonder how you could have gained ‘all of this’ any other way.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column]

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

So, What Exactly Is the National Experience?<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Here are the key elements of the program.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

\r\n
\r\n <\/p>\n

Two communities<\/h3>\n

Somewhere in Canada, up to 11 youth from different parts of the country will live in a large house accompanied by a Project Leader who will mentor them during their stay. Aided by Katimavik\u2019s staff, the Leader is always there to support them on their journey.<\/p>\n

All members participate in group activities as well as doing volunteer work for a non-profit organization in the community. This will last for 11 weeks. Then they\u2019ll move to another community for the same amount of time.<\/p>\n

Two aims: personal and community-oriented<\/h3>\n

The Katimavik concept may seem simple, but there are good reasons why 40 000 youth across Canada have participated in this immersive program since 1977: it encourages personal development, and it brings tangible help to communities. In other words: it works.<\/p>\n

On a human level, each group member is called upon to exercise their skills, resourcefulness and personal experience by taking on new challenges. Everyone will learn, build self-reliance, hone their leadership abilities and acquire new skills.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s a real bonus: Since this immersive program lasts several months, it\u2019s the perfect opportunity to learn and become proficient in French!<\/p>\n

Also, the National Experience prepares participants for future employment or to pursue post-secondary studies. Without a doubt, the program will give them a tremendous boost in building their future.<\/p>\n

Host communities, in which participants will be living, also stand to benefit. They obtain valuable help and get to interact in a meaningful way with young people from across the country.<\/p> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n \"National\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n \r\n

National
Experience<\/h4>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Katimavik participant, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada<\/p> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n \"National\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n \r\n

National
Experience<\/h4>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Katimavik group at Hopewell Rock, New Brunswick, Canada.<\/p> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
\r\n \"National\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n \r\n

National
Experience<\/h4>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n

National Experience participants canoeing in the Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick, Canada.<\/p> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”module-pad module-bg-color bg-blanc” css=”.vc_custom_1730468297727{background-color: #175c2e !important;border-color: #175c2e !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”7\/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1730468190483{background-color: #175c2e !important;border-color: #175c2e !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Volunteer work<\/span><\/h3>\n

From Monday to Thursday each week, participants dedicate approximately 30 hours to volunteer work. This is real, hands-on experience that helps them to acquire new skills and a better understanding of how structured organizations work.<\/span><\/p>\n

The community groups participating in the program also benefit from it, of course.\u00a0 But in return, they have an obligation to offer Katimavik volunteers every possible opportunity to learn the skills related to their placement and give them a positive experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Truth and Reconciliation<\/span><\/h3>\n

Katimavik has formally made a 50-year pledge to demonstrate its support of Truth and Reconciliation through its programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every Friday, program participants take part in Indigenous community-related activities. This is one of Katimavik\u2019s key missions: to strengthen relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

We recognize that Indigenous peoples have been living on and protecting the land for thousands of years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experience and skills<\/span><\/h3>\n

The National Experience program uses experiential and participatory learning techniques in its activities, group discussions and workshops. The educational aspect is a central facet of the program and participants must take part in it.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text]

\r\n
\r\n

\r\n