Has one of our park staff ever made your day? You know: gone that extra yard to make your vacation that much more enjoyable?
If this has happened to you, it has most likely involved one of the 1,500+ student staff we hire each summer.
And we’d love your help in giving them some well-deserved recognition and support.
The lifeblood of our provincial parks
Our provincial parks simply could not operate without summer workers.
Front gate staff greet you with a smile and provide comforting directions. Maintenance staff stay on top of park signage, roads, and paint picnic tables. Backcountry rangers maintain wilderness campsites, and make sure everyone follows the rules.
Their duties range from routine tasks like cleaning privies and cutting grass to finding lost children and rendering lifesaving First Aid.
Our student bursary program
If one of our student workers made your stay at a park just a little bit better, there is a way you can show your appreciation!
Submit an Ontario Parks partners bursary nomination!
Each year, our amazing partners donate up to 40 bursaries of $500 each to support deserving student employees who are continuing their post-secondary education.
Nominations are received from parks across the province and awarded in the fall. Check out last year’s winners here.
How to nominate a student
Know a student who consistently goes the extra mile to brighten your day?
Stop by the park office and ask for a student bursary nomination form.
Explain how our staff member has delivered excellent customer service and has brightened your day. Please complete the nomination form and submit it to the park superintendent or office manager by Labour Day.
It’s a great way to say thanks!
Big thanks to the partners of our bursary program, including Coleman Canada, Bush’s Beans, Pepsi, Wayfarer, ZIP, Friends of Sandbanks, Friends of Rushing River, and Mark’s. Our bursary program wouldn’t be possible without your support!