The Youth Water Council connects youth to their local watershed and empowers them to protect it. By joining the council, high school students gain a platform to collaborate, voice their opinions, and lead positive change for the future of their watershed.
"My favourite part of the YWC program was being able to meet like-minded people who were passionate about creating change in our watershed. The program brought us together and helped give us the power to express our opinions and ideas in a way that mattered.”
The 2025 Council
The 2025 Youth Water Council featured 12 high school students who shared a common passion for their local environment. The council wrapped up on June 7th, 2025 following completion of their project: Watershed Keepers - Education Kits for Young Explorers.
Together, the 12 high school students created 120 educations kits, complete with a 23-page activity guide, corresponding worksheets, and a native plant ID guide.
ELIGIBILITY
Collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from leaders and professionals in the environmental sector!
The YWC aims to form a diverse team of students ready to spark change in their watershed.
Applicants need only:
- Live, attend school, or recreate in the North Saskatchewan River watershed
- Be able to attend all in-person and virtual sessions
- Apply and showcase why you’re interested in participating (no previous experience or prerequisites required!)
Interested students and teachers - please send any inquiries or questions about this program to youthwatercouncil@nswa.ab.ca
The 2024 Council
The 2024 Youth Water Council featured a group of 9 passionate high-school students living in the North Saskatchewan River watershed. Together, they embarked on a journey of discovery, through virtual learning sessions, weekend camps, and the creation of their own Innovative Project.
Inside the Program
LEARNING AND DISCOVERY
The program kicks off with an in-person workshop, where council members explore strategies for effective team building, align shared values and expectations, and learn from guest speakers. The council then meets bi-weekly for Virtual Discovery sessions, led by NSWA team members and environmental knowledge experts.
- Watershed 101 - NSWA team members
- Environmental Engineering - University of Alberta
- Water Quality Management - City of St. Albert
- Wetland & Riparian Health in Our Watershed - Cows & Fish
- Climate Change and Land Use Simulation Activity - Alberta Tomorrow
- Lake Management, Aquatic Plant ID, and Careers in the Water Sector - Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS)
- Indigenous knowledge, reconciliation & holistic health - Azure Johnson
INNOVATIVE PROJECT
Next, YWC council members are guided through the creation of their Innovative Project during scheduled virtual sessions and a weekend camp! The team will have the opportunity to work on an environmental cause that speaks to them while learning project management skills along the way.
The YWC Weekend camp is a highlight of the program! The Battle Lake 4H Center provides the perfect refuge for 3 days of experiential learning, group bonding, and project planning.
The camp allows council members to deliberate on the objectives, timeline and vision for their Innovative Project in-person.
All food and accommodations are included.
Thank you to our generous supporters for supporting this program.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Sherritt International, Enbridge Fueling Futures, Imperial Oil, and Trans Alta