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:
Patrick Whitten
Patrick’s been with Ontario Parks for six years, in various roles at different parks across the province. He recently became the new Assistant Superintendent for Blue Lake Provincial Park, among the youngest person to hold that position in the province.
Says Patrick: “I am very passionate about the potential young people have and I love working for Ontario Parks. I have decided to make Ontario Parks my career and I always share my passion with others in hopes that they may apply in the future.”
Laurynne Davis
Laurynn is a dedicated third-year maintenance student at Mikisew Provincial Park. Laurynn takes pride in her work, ensuring the campground is clean and well-kept for all campers and day users to enjoy.
Mary Hadwen, Ivan Trinier and Chelsea Bangs
Mary, Ivan and Chelsea are incredibly dedicated Discovery Guides at Marten River Provincial Park. This team is full of energy, an eagerness to learn, and a passion to engage. They are amazing bug-catching, critter-searching, exploration-motivating memory-makers.
Leslie Hamilton
Leslie is in her third year as a maintenance student at Earl Rowe Provincial Park, demonstrating strong leadership within her team. Leslie’s caring, infectious smile and commitment to detail, complement her continued studies in nursing.
Sarah McCauley
Sarah is an awesome third-year gate attendant at Bonnechere Provincial Park. She works extremely hard and is always busy, making sure park visitors have their permits and everything they need to know for a comfortable stay.
Alexandre Frappier
Alex has been a student with the water chestnut team at Voyageur Provincial Park for three summers, and he is the hardest working staff there is! Alex is always smiling and happy to complete any task put forward. He helps other students and is a great example to them all on a daily basis.
Sarah Kireo-Otto & Christianne Legaspi
Sarah and Christianne work together as second-year Northwest Zone Stewardship students. They assist with our water-crossing inventory of bridges and culverts, and collect information for public safety and ecological integrity.
William Chapman
Will is a first-year maintenance student at Rideau River Provincial Park near Ottawa. Will’s impressive work ethic and contagious personality set a great example among his colleagues.
Morgan Racz
Morgan has been at Port Burwell Provincial Park for two years. She is always smiling and she works very hard to maintain the facilities at the park, while leaving a lasting impression both on campers, as well as her fellow staff. Those flowers she’s holding were a gift from three grateful young park guests.
Ryan Recoskie
Ryan is back at Bonnechere Provincial Park for a second season. He started as a maintenance student, but thought he’d give interpreting a try this summer! Here he is pictured helping fix up a picnic table for our theatre.
Lindsay Oliveri
Lindsay is a first-year student working at Darlington Provincial Park. She is always cheerful, punctual and willing to assist our campers with any question or concerns they may have. Her work ethic and keen eye for detail have truly been assets to the park this season.
Chee Lai
Chee works hard at main office designing park signs and sourcing images for park publications. In this photo, Chee hikes the Sleeping Giant to get the perfect shot.
Abigail Reid
Abigail is a third-year Discovery Program student with a bubbly, positive and friendly demeanour. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about the unique natural environments at Port Burwell Provincial Park and inspires park visitors with her enthusiasm.
Emma Montgomery
You can find our personable and pleasant student Emma at Emily Provincial Park‘s Store. As enthusiastic as she is youthful, Emma loves to talk to campers about both their adventures and mishaps. She is eager to meet any challenge with a positive attitude, working hard to find solutions for our campers!
Dylan Rogerson
Always ready to welcome visitors with a smile, Dylan is one of the first staff members campers meet when they arrive at Emily Provincial Park. As one of our returning staff members you can ask him anything and he will have an answer!
Shantel Kaczmarek
This is Shantel’s first year as a Cleaner but her third year at Emily Provincial Park. She is incredibly hard-working team player, and loves the satisfaction of getting the park nice and clean for all the campers.