Happy International Youth Day!
Students and youth are the lifeblood of our parks — we couldn’t do without them!
Here are just a few stand-out students and youth from around the province:
Lili (she/her) and Kuljap (he/him)
This is both Kuljap and Lili’s second year with Ontario Parks!
Lili is the head gate attendant at Grundy Lake Provincial Park where she helps facilitate gatehouse and store operations.
Kuljap is one of Grundy Lake’s dedicated gate attendants who helps register campers, answer phone calls, sells merchandise, and responds to camper requests.
Having both worked with Ontario Parks before, Kuljap and Lili kindly lend their knowledge and experience whenever new staff need a hand. Both go the extra mile for park visitors and fellow staff members, and always work with a smile on their face!
Grace (she/her) & Leah (she/her)
This is Grace’s third year at Murphys Point Provincial Park and Leah’s second.
You can find Grace at the park store and Leah helping all departments as their administrative assistant.
Grace and Leah love so many aspects of their jobs, but by far the best is the lasting friendships they have formed working with fellow students from all over Ontario.
Emily (she/her)
Emily brings her love of the visual arts into her original program “Artist in the Park” at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
She teaches visitors young and old how to form a deeper connection with nature by using one’s personal artistic lens. Emily’s own artwork hangs proudly in the park’s Discovery Office.
Jaxon (he/him)
This is Jaxon’s third year as a maintenance student with the Chapleau Cluster.
He show great initiative and loves to help find solution to help better Missinaibi Provincial Park.
With his energetic personality and great work ethic, Jaxon makes every workday a fun and safe adventure for everyone.
Lily (she/her) and Cara (she/her)
Entering her first year in park maintenance at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park, Lily has quickly embraced the challenges and responsibilities of her role.
Her enthusiasm for wildlife and natural spaces is evident in every task she undertakes.
Whether she is maintaining trails, assisting with park projects, or learning the intricacies of environmental conservation, her dedication is both refreshing and inspiring!
We look forward to witnessing her continued growth and the valuable contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the world of Ontario Parks.
A second-year maintenance student at Kap-Kig-Iwan, Cara is already making significant strides in the field, driven by a profound love for parks and an unwavering commitment to their upkeep.
Since stepping into the role, she has demonstrated a remarkable blend of passion and professionalism. Her love for parks is evident in every aspect of her work!
Orria (she/her)
This is Orria’s first year with the Murphys Point Provincial Park Discovery team.
She has an enthusiastic attitude for all things nature, but especially salamanders and Gray Ratsnakes. Drop by a Discovery program this August and say hello!
Katelyn (she/her)
Katelyn is a passionate and hardworking Discovery ranger.
This is her first season working with Bon Echo Provincial Park (first with the park’s paddle centre, now with Discovery) and she works to connect visitors to the amazing wetlands of Bon Echo and educate on both the importance and beauty of pollinators.
Lucas (he/him) and Meredith (she/her)
Lucas has been a maintenance student at Missinaibi Provincial Park for two seasons.
Lucas is a hard worker and takes pride in all the work he does at the park. His dedication to the park shows through his work.
This is Meredith’s first year at Missinaibi Provincial Park as a maintenance student and gate attendant, and she learned her roles very quickly!
She welcomes all campers with a smile and ensures the Park Store is warm and welcoming.
Sam (he/him)
This is Sam’s first season with Ontario Parks where he spends his time as part of the Maintenance team at Grundy Lake Provincial Park!
Sam always greets both park visitors and fellow staff members with a warm and welcoming smile, tackles each task with a “can-do” attitude, provides great customer service, and works hard keep the park in tip-top shape.
Logan (he/him)
This is Logan’s first year with parks. He is creative, friendly, knowledgeable, and a true team player.
Logan proudly and professionally represents Mikisew Provincial Park through the Discovery program as a Discovery ranger.
Kieran (she/her)
Kieran is a dedicated and knowledgeable member of the Sandbanks Provincial Park Discovery team!
From rolling up her sleeves for resource management, to leading Turtle Time in the Discovery Centre, Kieran is always 100% committed to the job at hand.
Sydney (she/her)
This is Sydney’s first season working with the maintenance team at Bon Echo Provincial Park.
She works very hard to keep Bon Echo clean and enjoys seeing all facets of the park during the workday. You might also see her at the woodlot, assisting visitors with their wood purchases.
Justin (he/him) and Neve (she/her)
This is both Justin and Neve’s third year with Ontario Parks! Justin is joining the Grundy Lake Discovery team for his second season and Neve for her first.
If a park visitor or fellow staff member needs a helping hand, Justin is there! Justin’s curiosity for the natural word is infectious. He is always solving problems (either his own, park visitors, or fellow staff-members) through collaboration and encouragement.
On-top of her stellar Discovery programs at Grundy Lake, Neve has played a vital role in bringing interactive Discovery programs to Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park. Neve does a fabulous job at tailoring each program to what makes Sturgeon Bay so special – both the park itself and its visitors!
John (he/him)
From his first day on the job at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park, John has shown remarkable loyalty and eagerness to help.
He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that every visitor feels welcomed and informed. As a second-year gate attendant, John exemplifies what it means to be hardworking, dedicated, and passionate about both people and parks.
His role demands a blend of responsibility and interpersonal skills, and he excels in both areas. He approaches each day with a positive attitude, ready to assist visitors with a smile, offer helpful information, and handle any challenges that arise.
His dedication to the role not only enhances the park’s reputation but also sets a high standard for excellence in customer experience and park stewardship!
Jake (he/him)
Jake has been a maintenance student at Missinaibi Provincial Park for two seasons.
Growing up in the area, Jake is familiar with many local spots.
Paired with his knowledge of fishing, Jake provides excellent fishing tips that customers and staff always appreciate.
Tianna (she/her)
This is Tianna’s first year as a Discovery ranger at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and her second working for Ontario Parks.
Her cheerful and friendly attitude at Discovery programs and in the Visitor Centre brightens the day of anyone who talks to her!
She loves seeing butterflies around the park and recommends that visitors hike the Top of the Giant Trail (22 km return).
Carley (she/her)
From Story Hour to Guided Hikes, Carley brings joy and enthusiasm to her Discovery programs at Sandbanks Provincial Park!
Discovery Student Carley is particularly proud of her collection of insect specimens, which she shares with visitors at her Incredible Insects exploration station!
Ethan (he/him)
This is Ethan’s first year as a park ranger at Pakwash Provincial Park, and he is already demonstrating leadership in his care for Pakwash.
He strives to do high-quality maintenance work, supports his peers when working in a team, and asks questions on how he can improve.
Ethan, your dedication and contributions do not go unnoticed. Pakwash staff are very grateful to have you on the team!
Madison (she/her)
This is Maddy’s fourth year with Ontario Parks as a Discovery ranger at Bonnechere Provincial Park.
If you can’t find her reading or working, she is often paddling the Bonnechere River or taking photos in local areas or for the park’s social media.
Maddy’s favourite thing about her job is meeting all the different people, especially the dogs (she is a self-proclaimed professional dog petter).
Allen (he/him)
This is Allen’s second year at Missinaibi Provincial Park. Allen works hard to provide excellent customer service to all campers and is always happy to lend a hand to visitors and other staff when needed.
Customers love to see Allen in the gate house, with his “Energy Bunny” personality and helpfulness, he is loved by all.
Katie (she/her)
This is Katie’s first year working for Fitzroy Provincial Park.
She has been an asset when it comes to checking in campers and helping resolve any campsite issues.
Katie is always optimistic and intrigued by her environment. With aspirations of becoming an entomologist, she has identified many species of insects in and around the office.
Otis (he/him)
First year student Otis is learning all about being a maintenance student at Missinaibi Provincial Park.
He loves being in nature and takes every opportunity possible to learn about the park and the area.
Tola (she/her)
Tola is an integral part of the office team at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Well versed in customer service, she answers phone calls, assists with reservations, and keeps the park running smoothly—ensuring visitors have a great time at Sandbanks!
Zackery (he/him)
This is Zackery’s third year with the Chapleau Cluster, where he worked at Wakami Lake Provincial Park for one season, then moved to Missinaibi Provincial Park for two seasons.
Zackery has been an important part of many big projects over the years to help improve both parks.
Zackery’s sense of humour keeps all his co-workers laughing and “on their toes.”
Jack (he/him) and Rudy (he/him)
Jack and Rudy are both in their second year as maintenance rangers at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
They are enthusiastic, dedicated, and hardworking park employees and their kind and respectful attitudes make them a joy to work with!
They enjoy and take pride in keeping the park’s campground clean.
Carson (he/him)
As a student of conservation biology, Carson is the “go-to” for local wildflower identification within the Discovery department at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
This year, he hand-crafted model wildflowers from paper for his “WOW Wildflowers” exploration station.
Sasha (she/her)
This is Sasha’s first year as a gate attendant at Fitzroy Provincial Park. Sasha is extremely hardworking and can often be seen juggling multiple tasks like cleaning, checking in campers, and selling wood or ice.
Sasha provides a positive attitude about all her tasks, towards her peers, and motivates the staff around her. With goals of studying science once she graduates high school, Sasha has been a great asset to the Fitzroy Team.
Sebastian (he/him)
Sebastian is a Discovery student at Driftwood Provincial Park.
Sebastian enjoys the time he gets to interact with people when connecting to nature and seeing the smiles on their faces afterwards. He is currently studying Environmental Management and hopes to do his Master’s in Aquatic Ecology.
Sarah (she/her)
It’s Sarah’s first year working in the Park Store at Emily Provincial Park.
Sarah’s bubbly personality is one of the many reasons she excels in customer service. One of her favourite parts of working in the Park Store is interacting with customers — she loves chatting with all the visitors and seeing their excitement to be camping!
Sarah enjoys interacting with the young kids who come to the store for ice cream and hearing all about their adventures from the day. She feels very lucky to play a role in helping people make lasting memories.
Emma (she/her)
This is Emma’s first year with Ontario Parks and from day one she has played a key role in helping to deliver the best camping experience possible at Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park.
Emma’s passion for nature, positive attitude, and consistent hard work can be seen from her shifts in the gate house to her shifts helping with park maintenance.
Patrick (he/him)
This is Patrick’s second year working at Fitzroy Provincial Park as part of their maintenance team.
Patrick is known by park staff as extremely hardworking and is responsible for a variety of maintenance tasks like cleaning and repairs around the park.
Quetico Provincial Park‘s maintenance team
Some heroes wear high-vis!
When darkness falls over the campground, Quetico’s super students have proven time and time again that they are exceptionally “cape-able” at answering any call.
They “plunge” into action without hesitation.
No road goes unbrushed. No camper unattended. No toil too great.
Their Dawson Trail Campground fandom and grows with every weekend. They are so legendary at keeping the park’s facilities and campsites clean, roads and beaches maintained, and firewood stocked that you’d swear Sheryl-Lyn, Layla, Megan, Ben, and Sophia truly do have superpowers.
Abby (she/her)
This is Abby’s second year with Ontario Parks!
For the 2024 season Abby is splitting her time between Grundy Lake Provincial Park‘s maintenance and administrative teams.
Abby is a wiz at tending to park visitors needs within the gatehouse, and no maintenance task is too small as she completes every job with a smile.
Abby is a hard worker, willing to help wherever she is needed, and overall jack of all trades making her an asset to the Ontario Parks team. She never fails to brighten up the room with her infectious positive attitude!
Lexi (she/her) and Roan (he/him)
Lexi and Roan are both in their third season working at Fitzroy Provincial Park’s Park Store.
Lexi welcomes customers with her friendly personality and is known for her contagious smile around the park. She is a canoe and kayak rental expert and vital member of the Fitzroy team.
Roan’s upbeat and lighthearted demeanor makes every park store visit a good one. Roan provides strength to the team by scooping the perfect ice cream every time and stacking hundreds of bags of wood each week!
