General Questions

What is the difference between the Take a Hike program and Foundation?

When we refer to the Take a Hike Program, this is the operation of the program itself at John Oliver Secondary School, with all youth and staff. When referring to the Foundation, this is a non-profit organization that raises $275,000 a year to support the program’s activities. The Foundation has a volunteer board of directors that contribute their valuable time, money and resources to fundraise and support the Take a Hike program.

When was Take a Hike founded?

The Take a Hike program was founded in 2000 by two teachers who understood the impact and benefit that outdoor experiential learning could have on youth that were struggling in a traditional classroom. In order to fund the adventure-based learning and therapy components of the program, the Take a Hike Foundation was created shortly afterwards to support the Take a Hike program.

Where is Take a Hike located?

The two Take a Hike classrooms (with 40 youth and 7 staff members) are located at John Oliver Secondary School at 41st and Fraser in Vancouver. The Take a Hike Foundation, with its lone administrator, has an office in downtown Vancouver.

How is the program structured and how does the partnership work?

The Take a Hike Foundation and the Vancouver School Board (VSB) have formed a unique public-private partnership, with both parties bringing valuable resources to make Take a Hike such a success. The VSB provides resources such as space at John Oliver Secondary School, two Teachers, two Youth & Family Workers, an Adventure-Based Learning Specialist and basic school supplies. The Take a Hike Foundation funds all adventure-based learning activities (weekly trips, multi-day expeditions and all the outdoor equipment), two full-time clinical therapists, breakfast/lunch program.
Find more Take a Hike information on the VSB’s website.

Foundation Questions

Is Take a Hike a registered charity?

Yes, our charitable number is 89139 4611 RC0001

How can I make a donation?

There are various ways to give to Take a Hike: Donations can be made via credit card online (one-time donations or monthly), by cheque or gift of shares. Other ways to give to Take a Hike are through in-kind donation for our annual snowshoe event or outdoor gear for the youth; hosting a dinner/fundraising event for Take a Hike; or raising pledges for our snowshoe event. Please visit our donation page for further details.

How does the Foundation raise funds?

The Foundation raises $275,000 a year to fund the adventure-based learning program (weekly activities, multi-day expeditions and outdoor equipment); two full-time therapists and a breakfast/lunch program. We raise funds from the following sources: individuals, foundations, corporations, and annual snowshoe event. 100% of our directors makes an annual donation, which covers the Foundation’s administrative expenses.

Can I volunteer with Take a Hike?

Yes, we have plenty of volunteer opportunities and rely on the community's support to enrich the program and experience for the youth. There are two distinct areas to volunteer: A) in the classroom and on outdoor trips with the youth and B) with the Foundation on external communications, fundraising, event management, strategic planning, etc. Please visit our volunteer page for application forms and more details.

Does TAH Foundation accept grant proposals for funding?

No, the Take a Hike Foundation does not accept grant proposals for funding. All funds raised by the Foundation supports the operations of the Take a Hike program at John Oliver Secondary School.

Can Take a Hike do a presentation for my company?

Yes, we have an excellent 20 minute presentation that can be customized to suit the needs of your organization. The presentation can be customized for its audience and can include the following: Information on Take a Hike, volunteer opportunities, philanthropy, Giving in Canada, issues faced by youth today, and more.  The presentation would be made by Take a Hike’s  Executive Director. Please contact Michelle for details.

Program Questions

I’d like to inquire about having someone enroll at Take a Hike, who do I contact?

Our Youth & Family Workers can answer all questions relating to enrollment with Take a Hike. For grade 10, please contact Nini Samra at 604-713-8255, For grade 11/12, please contact Liane Langton at 604-713-8243.

Who participates in the program?

Take a Hike youth are in grades 10-12, between 15-18 years old. Participants in Take a Hike struggle with personal issues that inhibit their success in the mainstream school system. Their issues may include drug and alcohol dependencies, legal troubles, and behaviors that often result in suspensions and/or long absences from the school system. Their backgrounds can include addiction, physical and mental abuse, low self-esteem, depression, and/or trauma. Students are typically referred to Take a Hike by school counselors, principals, teachers or social workers for a chance to make lasting change.

Is there a cost to join the program?

Youth who join the program will pay regular John Oliver Secondary Fees ($50), and the rest is covered by the Take a Hike Foundation, including all outdoor activity costs, equipment and clothing.

What’s a typical week like at Take a Hike?

In a typical five-day school week, the students will spend three days in the classroom on academics in a self-paced learning environment, and a full day outside (hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, etc.). Every Wednesday afternoon, the students are dismissed at noon to complete their volunteer hours in the afternoon (each student is required to do 60 volunteer hours per year).