In summer 2025, we asked individuals living in the Sea to Sky area to complete a short survey, not just to share their thoughts – but to step into a role as changemaker in their community. Leading with youth voices and influencing conservation and climate action in the area that they live.
AWARE’s Young Voices report, based on feedback from youth across the Sea to Sky, clearly showed that young people are eager to be part of the environmental solutions shaping their communities.
Read the report here
In response, we launched the Young Voices, Big Impact Program. In 2025, the program focused on opportunities for High School students, to commit volunteer hours, gaining leadership experience and insight in AWARE’s local environmental campaigns. Discover the Young Voices, Big Impact 2025 Program here and read the reflections and learnings here.
Young Voices, Big Impact Program (Spring – Summer 2026)
This year, we recruited youth environmentalists aged 14 – 29 in the Sea To Sky that would like to participate in experiential learning, advocacy and volunteering between April to June 2026, gaining leadership experience and insight into AWARE’s local environmental campaigns. The core schedule included a commitment of around 20 hours with opportunity for additional hours based on the participants interests.
Any High School student received a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
The spring program has now concluded, read the reflections here. Below is the engagement schedule that was rolled out.
Core Engagement Schedule
Wednesday, April 1 2026 | | 1 Hour | 6 – 7 PM
Meet & Greet: Kick Off Session
In-person session to meet the program participants, run through questions and additional engagement schedule sign ups
HI Whistler
Sunday, 19 April 2026 | 4 Hours | 10 AM – 2 PM
GROW: Season Preparations
Assist our GROW volunteer team to set up the gardens and greenhouses ready for the summer season
GROW Locations (Alpha Lake, Spruce Grove & Myrtle Philip). Meet Spruce Grove Greenhouses 7328 Kirkpatrick Way 10 AM.
Saturday, May 23 2026 | 3 Hours | 10 AM – 12.30 PM
Whistler Blackcomb Zero Waste Systems Tour
Go behind the scenes to witness sustainability in action on the mountain and discover the systems in place to reach 2030 net zero goals. Meet at ECBC Patio 10AM for upload Whistler Gondola 10.15AM.
Whistler Blackcomb, Roundhouse & Rendezvous
Tuesday, May 26 2026 | 2 Hours | 5.30 – 7.30 PM
Advocacy: Attend A Council Meeting
Attend a Council meeting when environmental topics are on the agenda
Maury Arts Centre
May 30 – June 5 2026 | 1 – 2 Hours | Cycle Minimum 5KMs
Active Transportation: Go By Bike
Participate in GoByBike week and win prizes! Create your own team or ride solo
Valley Trail
Wednesday, June 10 2026 | 2 Hours | 6 – 8 PM
Advocacy: Policy & Business Leaders Roundtable
An opportunity to be in front of local policy leaders for an open roundtable, ask any questions you would like about the environmental issues that concern you most and hear from the leaders how they are being addresses. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Whistler Public Library
Additional Engagement Schedule
These additional opportunities have a more limited capacity and will be allocated during the kick off session on a first-come first-served basis. We encourage participants to participate in at least two of the below opportunities; including one Circular Economy Event and one GROW session.
Saturday, April 18 2026 | 2.5 Hour Slots | 11 AM – 4 PM
Circular Economy: Repair Café
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our Earth Week Repair Café
Whistler Public Library
Tuesday, April 21 2026 | 3 Hours | 5 – 8 PM
Circular Economy: Clothing Swap
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our Earth Week Clothing Swap
Nita Lake Lodge, Nita Room
Thursday, April 23 2026 | 2 Hours | 6 – 8 PM
Earth Week: Speaker Event
Attend our Earth Week speaker event for free
Chateau Fairmont Whistler
Saturday, April 25 2026 | 4 Hours | 8.30 AM – 12.30 PM
Earth Week: Pitch In Day & BBQ
Join the AWARE team to help clean up the local neighbourhoods, followed by free BBQ
Nesters & Spruce Grove Area
Sunday, May 10 2026 | 3 Hour Slots | 8 AM – 2 PM
Circular Economy: Community Garage Sale
Volunteer for the on the day running of the popular Spring Garage sale
Creekside Underground Parking
Sunday, May 17 2026 | 3 Hours | 11 AM – 2 PM
Zero Waste Heroes at the Whistler Farmers Market
Learn how we run our Zero Waste Heroes stands and interact with the public on zero waste
Whistler Farmers Market
Thursday, May 28 2026 | 2.5 Hours Slots | 2 – 7 PM
Circular Economy: Repair Café
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our Spring Repair Café
Whistler Public Library
The Young Voices, Big Impact Program is made possible through generous support of our partners GFL and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).
