Happy International Youth Day!
Students and youth are the lifeblood of our parks — we couldn’t do without them!
To celebrate the incredible people who make our parks what they are, we want you to meet just a few of our dedicated students and youth from around the province:
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Olivia (she/her) and Gwenna (she/her)
This is both Olivia and Gwenna’s second year working in the gatehouse at Murphys Point Provincial Park.
They enjoy getting to meet people from all over the world, especially when visitors are excited to be camping with us for the first time.
And they say meeting so many four-legged camping companions is the cherry on top!
Maintenance team at Pakwash Provincial Park
Ethan (he/him), Quinten (he/him), and Ella (she/her) are three outstanding maintenance students working at Pakwash Provincial Park this summer.
Ella and Quinten are in their first year and Ethan is in his second year at Pakwash. They can often be found working hard around the park keeping the campground beautiful, safe, and welcoming for all our visitors.
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Sarah (she/her)
This is Sarah’s first year with Murphys Point Provincial Park.
Sarah’s favourite part of her position is being a part of conservation education, especially around turtles and snakes.
As part of the Discovery team, Sarah has participated in turtle nest protection efforts, and daily snake programming that educates visitors on the snake species they might find at the park.
Vanessa (she/her)
In her first season with Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park, Vanessa brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to her role. As a Discovery guide, she spends her days crafting and leading engaging discovery Programs that inspire campers of all ages to connect more deeply with the natural world around them.
Vanessa’s passion for environmental education shines through in everything she does!
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Madison (she/her)
Every great park experience starts with a warm welcome — and this summer, that welcome just got brighter at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park thanks to Madison.
As a first year student working in the gatehouse, Madison has quickly made her mark with sharp thinking, a strong sense of independence, and a friendly spirit that makes visitors feel instantly at ease. Whether she’s helping guests navigate their stay or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, Madison handles it all with a cool head and a hardworking attitude.
Her ability to adapt, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere has already earned her admiration from both visitors and the team. Thoughtful and efficient, Madison is a shining example of how dedication and kindness can make a real difference — one camper greeting at a time.
So next time you’re checking in at the gatehouse, say hi to Madison. She’s not just checking you in; she’s helping set the tone for a memorable visit!
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Isabel (she/her)
It’s Isabel’s fourth year at Emily Provincial Park and her first in the role of Discovery lead!
You may have previously seen Isabel working in Emily’s park store when you came in to cool off with some ice cream. Now she puts her enthusiasm and love of nature to great use running the park’s Discovery program!
As the sole member of the Discovery team (with the help of her sidekick Spike the Snapping Turtle), Isabel leads engaging educational programs that help visitors connect with the outdoors and learn about conservation!
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Sean (he/him)
Now in his third season with Ontario Parks, Sean is known at Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park for his strong work ethic, leadership skills, and unwavering enthusiasm.
Whether he’s tackling repairs, keeping the park grounds in top shape, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, Sean is a dependable and friendly presence around Ivanhoe Lake. His positive attitude and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of the team!
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Charles (he/him)
Charles exemplifies dedication and heart in everything he does.
His passion for wildlife and education is matched only by his generosity toward his team — often stepping in to assist even when he’s off the clock.
He brings a spirit of teamwork that uplifts the entire park community, and his natural ability to connect with campers makes every visit more memorable.
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Cole (he/him)
This is Cole’s first year at Sandbanks Provincial Park!
Cole is a very quick learner who already brings plenty of skills to the table. He is very eager to further his career and knowledge and he fits in very well with the park team.
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Kate (she/her)
Now in her second season with Ontario Parks, Kate is a welcoming and knowledgeable presence in the park store at Wakami Lake Provincial Park.
Her friendly demeanor and helpful nature make every visitor feel at ease from the moment they arrive. Whether she’s answering questions, sharing park tips, or ensuring a smooth check-in experience, Kate’s dedication and professionalism help set the tone for a memorable stay!
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Harriett (she/her)
Every great park needs a great team behind the scenes. This season, we’re thrilled to welcome Harriett to Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park!
Harriett began her journey with the park as a co-op student through the local Forestry High Skills Major Program.
From day one, she showed up eager to learn, ready to pitch in, and armed with a sense of humour that could brighten even the muddiest maintenance day.
Now, as a first-year summer maintenance student, Harriett has already become a familiar and friendly face on the trails, in the campground, and wherever a bit of elbow grease is needed. Whether she’s taking on a new task or cracking a joke to lift spirits, her hardworking attitude and positive energy make her an incredible part of the team.
Park staff are lucky to have her, and they can’t wait to see how her park journey grows from here. If you spot Harriett in the field this summer, give her a wave! She’s probably making the park look great and having fun doing it!
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Sarah (she/her)
This is Sarah’s first summer working for Ontario Parks at Bon Echo Provincial Park, and she’s been loving every minute of it!
She especially enjoys leading the boat tours and learning more about the amazing features of the park, like the Mazinaw Rock ecosystem.
Sarah’s passion for nature really shines through in her programs; she loves including her personal interests in birds, flowers, and frogs whenever she can. Her great energy and excitement for the outdoors are felt by both campers and her coworkers, making her a valued part of the Discovery team.
Thank you for all your hard work!
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Rayah (she/her)
Rayah leads with curiosity, courage, and care as the student leader of our newly revived rattlesnake project—its first active season at Grundy Lake Provincial Park since 2019.
Her initiative and deep appreciation for Ontario’s wildlife shine through in everything she does, from educating others to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for working with these fascinating snakes.
Rayah’s leadership is helping shape a new generation of understanding and appreciation for rattlesnakes our parks!
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Wyatt (he/him)
This is Wyatt’s first year with the Murphys Point Provincial Park maintenance department.
His days are busy, and filled with lots of tasks that help keep the park not only looking good, but support our goals of balancing nature recreation and ecosystem protection.
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Trinity (she/her)
Trinity is a very smiley addition to Sandbanks Provincial Park‘s Discovery team. She is innovative and brings new ideas and concepts for programs and activities throughout the park.
She is a key creative mind, and is very enthusiastic with everything she does!
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Nicole (she/her)
Nicole began working at the Pinery Provincial Park gate offices in spring 2020 and joined the Discovery program in 2021, returning each year since.
Her passion for Pinery’s rare ecosystems and wildlife shines through in her engaging interpretive programs, dedicated resource management efforts, and the creation of the beloved Great Savanna Scavenger Hunt, enjoyed by thousands of visitors annually.
Way to go, Nicole!
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