About The Pine Project 

The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization. We offer year-round nature connection programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature in a way that is hard to achieve in more conventional learning environments. By helping children connect to nature and teaching adults to do the same, we inspire children to respect, cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem solvers and leaders. Check out our website – pineproject.org – for more information. 

 Why Volunteer? 

Volunteers at the Pine Project earn valuable experience in our unique mentoring approach, develop their wilderness skills and proficiency, and gain opportunities to learn new in-depth naturalist skills from our experienced staff. Our staff are a community of mentors and avid learners. If you’re looking to learn new skills and knowledge about nature, education and working with youth, there is no better place! 

 Key Volunteer Responsibilities

• Assist in providing positive learning and recreational experiences for children and youth ages 4-16 and their families 
•  Assist in the supervision of educational and recreational activities Assist Pine instructors with program set-up and delivery 
• Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions 
•  Be available for at least one program (programs run from 3.75 to 8 hours) each week 

 Why you should apply 

 What you bring: 

•  16 + years of age as of December 31, 2023 
•  Enthusiastic, outgoing, and flexible 
• Positive approach to working with children 
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team 
• Good communication, time management, and organizational skills 
• Identify with our mission statement and core values 
• Desire to further your own naturalist and crafting skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature connection through professional development opportunities with Pine staff members. 
• Willingness to submit a Vulnerable Sector police check (or offence declaration if <18) 

 The following are preferred, but not mandatory: 

•  Outdoor and environmental education 
• Naturalist knowledge Survival/wilderness skills 
• Experience working in camp settings Experience with Pine or affiliate organizations around North America 

What we bring: 

• A community of learners pushing each other to grow our knowledge and experience Weekly experiences in the outdoors and in-depth knowledge of Toronto parks and ravines 
•  Training in topics related to nature, wilderness travel, wilderness skill development, program planning and design 
•  Work with purpose: make a difference for nature and people 
•  Casual and welcoming volunteer environment 

 The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment that is increasingly representative of the communities we live and work in, and where all team members are able to express ideas, opinions and experiences. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals with an interest in advancing our mission, vision and values, and assisting us in deepening our commitment to Anti-racism/Anti-oppression. 

We especially encourage applications from members of historically disadvantaged and under-represented groups, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and/or LGBTQ2S+. 

If contacted for a volunteer opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.