Volunteering

Fort George National Historic Site

41st Fife and Drum Corps

The 41st Fife and Drum Corps was raised in 1987 by Gavin A. Watt and Peter Alexander as an animation program for Parks Canada at Fort George National Historic Site. They gathered period music, instruments and created a successful music animation program. Recruiting was achieved by performing at local schools and offering a unique learning environment that included music, self discipline and citizenship. The Corps performs in parades, festivals and hosts an annual muster every third week in August at Fort George. The Corps attends local functions as honour guards and are recognized by visitors as a fixture in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We have been recently recognized by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce as Youth Citizens of the Year' 2002 and by the Ontario Heritage Association with the Youth Heritage Award' 2002. The Corps has also produced an award winning recording.

Joining our program

The Corps has been created for young people between the ages of ten and fourteen. You are welcome to visit any Sunday between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. There are no formal music requirements and your uniform and equipment is provided by Parks Canada. You will receive instruction in drill, music and music ensemble. Once you have memorized and can perform ten fife songs or drum beatings you will be issued with your music equipment and uniform free of charge. When you turn fifteen you can compete for a paid position in the professional Corps. The only requirements are attendance every Sunday and three days a week including Sundays during the summer from July 1st to Labour Day.

Do you need more information?

Peter Alexander
Historic Music Coordinator
Niagara National Historic Sites

Outreach and special event volunteer

Volunteers will help Parks Canada staff deliver activities to the public at our own special events and also at local festivals, celebrations, trade shows, and sporting events in Southwestern Ontario. We are looking for volunteers in the following areas: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Windsor, Amherstburg, or Leamington, Ontario. 

What you will be doing: 

  • Promoting Parks Canada to the public and answering questions. 
  • Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle
  • Learning about Canadian culture, history, and nature.
  • Sharing your passion of Parks Canada places with others.
  • Setting up and taking down portable booths and activities. 
  • Assisting with activities such as airbrush tattoos, scavenger hunts, green screen photo booths, and family crafts.
  • Demonstrating our website using portable tablet devices.
  • Bringing Parka to life, taking pictures with event goers, reading story time with Parka, and performing her “song and dance.”
  • Encouraging others to volunteer for Parks Canada. 

Note:

  • You must be 14 years or older to apply.
  • Prior experience is not required.
  • Good communication skills are an asset.
  • Volunteers will be expected to travel at their own cost. Some meals may be provided or reimbursed.
  • A screening process will follow the application to suitability.
  • Volunteers will be contacted on an as needed basis, based on events going on in their communities. 

How to apply: 

Contact the Southwestern Ontario Field Unit: ugsocommunicationssofu@pc.gc.ca.

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