Canada

Canada is a land of astonishing beauty from the old world charm of Quebec to the rugged Rocky Mountains.  Spanning six time zones and bordering three major oceans, it is the world’s second largest country.  The combination of a rich volunteer network and outdoor lifestyle offers many opportunities to help others, either at large outdoor camps, in schools or through a well-established local caring organisation.

Placement locations

Placements are located throughout Canada, click here to view a map.

Is it for me?

If living in the wilderness, working in a team and inspiring young people sounds exciting, then camp life is for you!  As an Outdoor Activities Instructor, you will work within stunning scenery assisting young people to learn and develop their outdoor skills, some of whom may have a disability.  Alternatively as a Caring Assistant, you will join like minded people through the L’Arche network to support and help disabled residents to live more independent lives.  Enriching placements are also available in schools to befriend and mentor students at a crucial stage in their education. 

Placements explained

Outdoor Activities placements are usually based in permanent camps run by the YMCA/YWCA that are situated in beautiful locations in the Canadian outdoors.  Volunteer duties are quite varied, ranging from leading groups in activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, orienteering and fencing to life saving skills, first aid, counselling and general camp maintenance.  Some camps cater specifically for disadvantaged youth, or for young people with mental or physical disabilities.  The environment and activities are the same at these camps, but there is also an additional caring component to the role.  Basic caring could range from one-on-one time with disadvantaged or disabled children to assisting with personal needs. 

Caring Assistant placements are available with L’Arche, an organisation that assists mentally disadvantaged people by allowing them to live in small groups in a home environment rather than in large impersonal institutions. Volunteers assist with resident’s personal needs and undertake a range of activities, such as shopping, swimming and gardening.

Schools Assistant placements offer the chance to be a mentor, tutor and friend at boarding schools around Canada.  Volunteers may also be asked to assist in the classroom as well as with after school sports, music or drama, depending on individual skills and abilities.

A small amount of pocket money is paid for placements in Canada.

Accommodation & food

Accommodation is provided by the host organisation, whether that be in the staff quarters in a residential home through the L’Arche organisation, your own room in a school boarding house or shared accommodation in an outdoor camp.  Accommodation in some camps is quite basic, but generally comprises a shared house, cabin or tepee.  While some placements provide food, others set up a system of self-catering for volunteers.

Need to know

• Pre departure briefing - all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
• Some Outdoor Activities placements require a bronze medallion life saving certificate and a current first aid qualification (with CPR) to be obtained prior to arrival
• On arrival - volunteers travel straight to their placement for an onsite orientation

Support provided

Before you go:

• We interview each volunteer in order to find out their strengths, skills and interests, as well as identifying what they are hoping to achieve while away. This helps us select the right people to be Lattitude volunteers and after a second interview with the In Country Programme Manager (often via Skype or e-mail), we match them to a placement that is right for them.
• Once you have been accepted by the in Country Programme Manager you will be looked after by a specialised Volunteer Coordinator based in the Palmerston North office, who is responsible for all volunteers going to a particular country. They provide briefing materials, support with logistics such as flights and visas and are there to answer any questions.
• Everyone attends a pre-departure briefing to meet other volunteers and Lattitude staff, and other professionals such as our travel agent, travel doctors and insurance company representatives as well as hearing from returned volunteers.
• All volunteers sign our Term and Conditions to ensure that Lattitude's expectations of each volunteer are agreed and clear from the outset.

When you're overseas:

• We have paid staff based in each country.  Our Country Managers oversee the program and work with a team of Local Representatives who provide support in the local areas and develop close relationships with placement hosts.
• Each volunteer attends orientation on arrival and where needed, other courses such as a local language or teaching skills course.
• Each volunteer is visited at their placement soon after arrival by an in-country staff member to check how things are and provide additional support if needed.
• We work with Embassies and High Commissions to ensure we can respond to any situation and provide 24/7 emergency support from the Lattitude office in Palmerston North.
  

When you're back:

• We recognise that coming home can be difficult and provide one-to-one support, with onward referrals for further professional support if needed.  Volunteers are invited to debriefing events and become part of our network of alumni.

Costs

These costs are for Lattitude placements in Canada in 2013

Lattitude fees (exact costs):

You will also need to budget for the following (approx costs):

Travel

The main opportunity for travel will be at the end of your placement.  If based in the wilderness at an outdoor camp, you may be ready for the buzz of a big city afterwards and can take your pick from the multicultural and festival-packed cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Quebec.  But if the great outdoors is your priority, there is nowhere better to hike, bike, ski, kayak, whale watch and surf than this awe-inspiring country.  Whatever kind of travel experience you would like, you will not be disappointed in Canada.