Attracting & Supporting Youth Volunteers

A Practical Guide for Ontario’s Fairs, Festivals & Rural Events

(a special Field Notes article by Ontario Agritourism, presented by FES Tourism)

Across Ontario, agricultural fairs, rural festivals, farmers’ markets, and tourism events rely heavily on volunteers. Yet many organizations are facing an aging volunteer base while operational demands continue to grow.

Engaging youth is no longer optional — it is essential to the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s rural events.

Young volunteers bring energy, creativity, digital fluency, and leadership potential. With the right approach, they also become the next generation of organizers, board members, and community champions.

By Gary McWilliams, President, FES Tourism

Youth Volunteers Are Essential to Longevity

Many Ontario agricultural fairs have operated for more than a century. Their continued success depends on generational renewal.

Youth involvement ensures:

• Leadership succession
• Continued relevance to younger audiences
• Stronger digital outreach
• Preservation of agricultural traditions
• Long-term organizational stability

Young volunteers are not simply helping today’s event — they are safeguarding tomorrow’s.

How to Attract Youth Volunteers

Promote Clear, Meaningful Benefits

Young people and their families want to understand the value of volunteering.

Clearly communicate that your event provides:

• Ontario high school community service hours
• Resume-building experience
• Leadership development
• Mentorship opportunities
• Exposure to agriculture, tourism, and business
• Networking opportunities

Be specific about roles. Titles such as Social Media Assistant, Livestock Support Crew, Visitor Ambassador, or Event Operations Team feel purposeful and professional.

Purpose attracts participation.

Partner with Youth Organizations

Beyond schools, consider partnerships with:

• Local youth clubs
• 4-H groups
• Sports associations
• Service clubs
• Community leadership programs

These organizations already encourage teamwork and responsibility. Group volunteering opportunities also make participation feel social and engaging.

Make Volunteering “Cool”

Perception matters.

Highlight youth volunteers on social media. Share photos and short videos that showcase teamwork, pride, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Consider:

• Branded volunteer apparel
• Youth leadership roles
• Volunteer appreciation posts
• Special recognition during the event

When young people see peers actively involved and enjoying the experience, volunteering becomes aspirational rather than obligatory.

How to Support Youth Volunteers

Treat Youth as Equals

Young volunteers want to be respected.

While supervision is necessary, it is important to:

• Speak to them as capable contributors
• Trust them with meaningful responsibilities
• Invite their ideas and feedback
• Include them in team discussions

When youth are treated as emerging adults rather than “extra help,” their confidence and commitment increase.

Respect builds retention.

Discover Their Interests & Strengths

Young people are not interchangeable helpers — they arrive with unique skills, interests, and abilities.

Some may enjoy:

• Social media and photography
• Working with animals
• Public speaking or announcements
• Hands-on setup and technical tasks
• Organizing and logistics
• Customer interaction
• Creative design

Event leaders should take time — even briefly — to ask volunteers what they enjoy and where they feel confident. This approach should apply to all volunteers, regardless of age.

When roles are aligned with strengths and interests:

• Performance improves
• Confidence grows
• Ownership increases
• Satisfaction rises
• Return participation becomes more likely

A youth interested in marketing may thrive managing Instagram stories.
A future agriculture student may be passionate about livestock support.
A student interested in business may enjoy vendor coordination.

Matching responsibility to interest transforms volunteering from a task into an opportunity — and demonstrates respect for the individual.

Provide Structure & Mentorship

Clear expectations reduce uncertainty.

Offer:

• Brief orientation sessions
• Defined responsibilities
• Identifiable supervisors
• Safety guidelines
• A clear point of contact for questions

Pair youth volunteers with experienced adult mentors whenever possible. Mentorship strengthens skill development and fosters meaningful connections.

Recognition & Scholarships: Investing in Their Future

Strong congratulations and visible appreciation are essential.

Consider:

• Public thank-you announcements
• Certificates of service
• Social media spotlights
• Volunteer appreciation events
• Letters of reference upon request

Recognition validates effort and builds loyalty.

Some organizations may also consider offering small annual scholarships for youth volunteers who demonstrate exceptional commitment or leadership. Even modest awards signal that education, initiative, and long-term engagement are valued.

Scholarships turn short-term service into long-term investment.

Supporting Mental, Physical & Social Well-Being

Event volunteering naturally promotes well-being — and organizers can strengthen this impact.

Encourage:

• Team-based assignments that foster friendships
• Outdoor and active roles
• Scheduled breaks and hydration
• Positive reinforcement

Volunteering provides youth with:

• A sense of purpose
• Belonging
• Increased confidence
• Reduced isolation
• Meaningful face-to-face interaction

In many Ontario communities, fairs and festivals serve as social gathering places. For some youth, volunteering leads to lasting friendships, mentorship relationships, future business partnerships — and occasionally even meeting a future life partner.

While this is not the purpose of volunteering, meaningful relationships often grow naturally from shared service and shared values.

Retention: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Youth engagement should extend beyond a single event.

To build continuity:

• Invite youth back annually
• Offer increasing responsibility over time
• Create youth advisory roles
• Include youth representation on committees
• Actively seek and implement their ideas

When young volunteers feel heard, respected, and valued, they become invested in the organization’s future.

A Long-Term Commitment

Engaging youth volunteers is not about filling temporary gaps. It is about ensuring sustainability.

Young volunteers are:

• Essential to leadership succession
• Vital to rural community strength
• Important to tourism growth
• Key to preserving Ontario’s agricultural traditions

They are not simply assisting your event.

They are ensuring its longevity.

By intentionally attracting, supporting, and celebrating youth volunteers — and by recognizing their unique abilities and interests — organizers strengthen not only their event, but their entire community for generations to come.