This is a free program is for youth (aged 15-30) who are:

• Curious about food, farming, sustainability, or community work

• Interested in jobs, volunteering, internships, or school projects related to food systems

• Wanting real-world experience and connections

• No previous experience is required!

Participants will:

• Tour key food system sites (farms, food hubs, redistribution centres)

• Take part in fun hands-on learning activities at some sites

• Meet people working in food and agriculture

• Join a resume and application workshop focused on food-system roles

• Learn about real opportunities for:

  • summer jobs

  • volunteering

  • internships

  • student projects

Youth Spark Fellowship Spring Program Dates:

• March 13th: Victoria Food Hub Tour 

  Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM

  Location: The Mustard Seed Food Security Distribution Centre, 808 Viewfield Rd B, Victoria, BC V9A 4V1

  
  Program Notes: This day will begin with a brief program kick-off discussion, followed by a tour of all of the organizations that operate out of this The Mustard Seed Warehouse. So you'll get to learn not just about the work done by The Mustard Seed but also Flourish! School Food Society, South Island Farm Hub, and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiative Roundtable.

• March 26th: Learning on the Land with PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱(Enrolment Dependent)

  Time: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

  Location: SṈIDȻEȽ 
  Program Notes: Join the crew at PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ doing healing work on the land in combination with learning cultural and ecological teachings. 
  As we will be guests on this land it is extremely important that we show up respectfully for our gracious hosts. Part of preparing to do this will include familiarizing yourself with the following links:
  - PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Protocols for Engagement
  - First Nations Health Authority page on Cultural Safety and Humility

  *This is a proposed date that is pending on attendee numbers.
  Please remember to fill out the Activity Sign Up Form ASAP  
  

• April 11th: Compost Education Centre Sustainability Site Tour

  Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

  Location: Compost Education Centre, 1216 N Park St, Victoria, BC V8T 1C9

  
  Program Notes: Dive deep into the world of composting, native plants and pollinators, veggie gardens, aquaponics, and more with a guided tour of our Teaching Gardens and Demonstration Site. The tour offers a look into real life applications of sustainability practices and encourages discussion, critical thinking and reflection.

• April 24th: Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture Site Tour

  Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM

  Location: Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture, 1810 Glamorgan Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5S9

  
  Program Notes: Join us for a site tour, learn about the history of the land, as well as Sandown's Regenerative Farmer Program. 
  

• April 30th: Welland Orchard Tour with LifeCycles (Enrolment Dependent)

  Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM

  Location: Welland Orchard, 1215 Stancil Ln, Victoria, BC V8Z 1R6

  
  Program Notes: Join us for a tour of the beautiful Welland Orchard and learn about LifeCycles many programs and initiatives. 
  *This is a proposed date that is pending on attendee numbers.
  Please remember to fill out the Activity Sign Up Form ASAP
  

• May 6th: Application Materials Workshop + Opportunity to attend a Victoria Urban Food Table Meeting 

  The Application Materials Workshop: (Enrolment Dependent)
  Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM

  Location: The Dock
  722 Cormorant Street 1st and 3rd Floors, Victoria, BC V8W 1P8

  
  Program Notes:The Application Materials Workshop will cover how to approach and structure Food and Agriculture Sector related application paperwork, such as cover letters and resumes.
  *This is a proposed date that is pending on attendee numbers.
  Please remember to fill out the Activity Sign Up Form ASAP
  
  Victoria Urban Food Table (UFT) Meeting:Time:  4:00PM - 6:00PM 
  Location: City Hall — in the Songhees Room
  1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6

  Program Notes: UFT Meeting

  Opportunity to sit in and observe Victoria UFT's monthly meeting. UFT is a volunteer advisory committee dedicated to providing informed support to Victoria City Council in matters related to food security policy and decision making. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other like minded folks who work and volunteer within our local food justice space.
  *Option to join the meeting virtually, please reach out to me for a meeting link. 

Check out the calendar graphic below!

• One introduction session

• 4–6 site visits (45–60 minutes each)

• One final workshop (resume & pathways)

• Small group experience (to support real connection)
  

You are encouraged to attend the full series, but drop-in participation may be possible upon request. Certification for completion is to attend at least three sessions.

By the end of the program, you will:

• Have a better understand of the regional food system and efforts to support regenerative, equitable and health oriented approaches
  

• Know which organizations align with your interests

• Have direct contacts in the sector
  

• Gain clarity on next steps toward:

  • work

  • volunteering

  • Internships

  • Work experience positions

  • education pathways

• Learn from food sector organizations what they look for in employees or for working as volunteers, internships or collaborating on student projects

• Tips on creating your resume and application processes 

• Receive a certificate of participation (attendance-based)
  
  

We aim to make this program accessible. Supports may include:

• Flexible attendance

• Clear schedules in advance

• Transit considerations

• Snacks at group sessions
  
  

If you have access needs, you’ll be able to share them during registration.

• Q: Where is this program taking place?

  A: This program is based out of Southern Vancouver Island. The sites and spaces that are included in the program’s calendar range around the Greater Victoria Area, extending out from ‘Victoria’ out to Esquimalt and North Saanich.

  For more details on where each program date will occur check out the “When & Where” section above.

• Q: Do I need to attend all the program dates?

  A: No! The more program dates you attend that more connections you will make in out food system. But we encourage you to attend where you can, even if you can only make it to one date!

• Q: How much does it cost?

  A: The program is free for folks aged 15-30.

• Q: Can I join the program after the start date?

  A: Yes! However, if you register after March 13th, please email youthprogramcoordinator@crfair.ca to inquire about available spaces at each tour.