Credit: Sherry Prenevost
Who can participate?
Camp Suzuki participants must live, work or play within the proposed park boundaries. The Foundation will accept applications from individuals as well as two- or three-person teams. All participants must be 18 years of age or older. If you don't live, work or play in the area but still want to help out, please contact us. There may be select roles for folks outside the park boundaries.
How long does the program last?
The program runs from early April until the end of September — successful applicants must commit for the entire period. The program begins with the Camp Suzuki leadership training workshop on April 6th and 7th.
Homegrown National Park events will take place throughout the summer and a closing event will close out the season in late September.
Our hope is for the community to take ownership of its Homegrown National Park and continue enriching its local green spaces for years to come!
What is the time commitment?
Following the training workshop, Neighbourhood Park Rangers should expect to dedicate between 5 to 10 hours per week to the project, including participation in community events. Time investment will vary based on the nature of activities chosen.
Can you give me an example of activities that Park Rangers will be supporting?
The goal of this program is to get people outside creating and restoring urban green space and connecting with the nature and people in their neighborhoods. From experience, we know that participants in Camp Suzuki will dream up amazing projects that engage their communities in meaningful ways.
Here are some examples of potential community projects:
- A business or institution can plant an employee garden on its property
- A group of neighbours can create a pollinator corridor by adding native plants and flowers to each property on their block
- A group of students can recruit volunteers to clean up a local park or plant trees
- Restaurant staff can use locally grown produce to create a "homegrown" special for their seasonal menu
- A team of Park Rangers can rally condo residents to plant balcony gardens or create a rooftop garden or green roof
Don't forget...Foundation staff and local partners will work with Neighbourhood Park Rangers to reach out to members of the community and spur activities throughout the corridor.
What are the selection criteria for participating teams?
Because space is limited, we need to ensure selected participants can commit to the full program. Here's what we'll be looking for:
- Connection to your neighbourhood and community
- Creativity and enthusiasm
- Leadership and communications abilities
- Ability to inspire residents to take action
- A commitment to connecting with nature
Does the program cost anything for participants?
No. The David Suzuki Foundation is hosting Camp Suzuki thanks to the support of generous donors and funders.
What are the benefits of participating?
- Be a part of an exclusive and cutting edge leadership program
- Gain extensive and valuable training in community organizing, urban nature restoration and environmental activism
- Expand your networks and develop meaningful roots in your community
- Learn about native plants and wildlife and the diverse benefits access to green space can provide
- Receive the Camp Suzuki training manual and planning guide, a copy of Richard Louv's The Nature Principle book and resources from local community organizations
- An official David Suzuki Foundation Neighbourhood Park Ranger t-shirt!
- Meet like-minded people, be a force for good, and most importantly, have fun!
When will I find out if I'm selected?
The application deadline for Camp Suzuki is March 18, 2013. Staff will consider applications carefully as they are received so apply early. Leaders may be contacted by telephone for an informal interview.
All applicants will receive notification as to the status of their application by March 25, 2013.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the program?
Please email Aryne Sheppard, Senior Public Engagement Specialist at asheppard@davidsuzuki.org.
