This is a space where the ideas, voice, and energy of the County's youth (aged 17 - 24) help shape the future. Whether you’re looking to get involved, learn about local programs, or find opportunities that matter to you, this is your page to connect, explore, and make a difference right here in your own community.

The Youth Leadership program is a free volunteer initiative for youth aged 12 to 19 living in Sturgeon County and surrounding areas. Youth Leadership offers participants a unique opportunity to develop valuable job and life skills through community involvement and hands-on experience. This program runs from September to June annually.

Youth Leadership empowers youth to drive positive changes in their communities through volunteerism and teamwork. Participants gain valuable skills, engage in social activities, attend personal development sessions, building leadership skills for resumes and scholarships. Meetings are held monthly, along with skill-building sessions and volunteer activities.

Throughout the year the youth will pick an initiative that they would like to work towards. This will be planned at the monthly meetings.

Volunteer opportunities take place throughout Sturgeon County. Some may include bussing but many do not. Please take note of this prior to picking the volunteer opportunities that work for you. We have limited spots on some volunteer opportunities so they will be filled in the order the Sturgeon County Community Programming Coordinator receives communications from the youth.

The monthly meetings will take place at the Garrison Community Centre (Building 161, Mons Ave, Lancaster Park).

Applications are now closed.

Applications are closed. Applications open in the spring of each year.

Consider signing up for the Sturgeon County E-Newsletter to ensure you do not miss out on the application deadline for 2026.

Sturgeon County hosts an annual Youth Emergency Services (YES) Academy. This is a unique, immersive experience for youth aged 14 to 17 who are interested in exploring careers in emergency services.

Held over three days (including two overnight stays), YES Academy offers a hands-on introduction to the world of first responders. Participants, referred to as recruits, take part in real-life simulations, physical training, team-building challenges and presentations delivered by professionals from a variety of emergency response disciplines.

Past activities have included:

• Presentations from EMS, STARS Air Ambulance, and other RCMP units.
• Firefighting drills at live training facilities;
• K9 demonstrations with RCMP Police Dog Services;
• Control tactics with local peace officers;
• Demonstrations and exposure to military gear and equipment.

Throughout the program, participants live the full academy experience, sleeping onsite, participating in physical training and learning to work as part of a team. The structured environment encourages discipline, leadership, communication and personal growth, making this an ideal opportunity for youth who are curious about emergency services or eager to challenge themselves in a meaningful way.

YES Academy is more than just a camp—it’s a launchpad for future leaders and a powerful way to build community engagement with the next generation of emergency professionals.

Sturgeon County's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) plays an important role in researching and providing input into policy proposals, programs, and services. The Committee works with Sturgeon County staff to talk about things that are important to young people in the County and establish partnerships to ensure that different perspectives are reflected in the Committee’s initiatives.