Belonging is Prevention
Inside you’ll learn why belonging is the real catalyst for change, what the data tells us about the youth we serve, and how a full-time clinician, teacher, and youth worker working together in one small cohort create the conditions that change young lives.
Belonging Changes Everything: Jordyn’s Story
When Jordyn came to Take a Hike, she hadn’t been to school regularly in years. Bullying, multiple school transitions, and the feeling of never quite fitting had worn her down. She spent most of her time at home, alone, and had stopped believing school was something she could do. Although she was growing more depressed and isolated, she didn’t feel able to share anything with her parents. She had a dream of becoming a veterinarian one day, but she had learned that isolation was the safest place to be.
Then she found Take a Hike. What happened next is something we’d love for you to read in our newest report, Belonging is Prevention.
Take a Hike Turns 25
This year marks 25 years of Take a Hike. That means we’ve been supporting youth with our one-of-a-kind program for a quarter of a century!
It’s a huge milestone for us, one that honors our past, the youth we serve, and our community of dedicated supporters. It’s a milestone we couldn’t have reached without the generosity of our supporters, who we share this celebration with. This commitment was recently recognized by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade at the 2025 Business Distinction Awards, where the organization was named Non-Profit of the Year.
How We Help
25
years of empowering youth
16
programs across Canada
2,000+
lives transformed
Take a Hike Ontario
After 25 years of measurable success in BC, Take a Hike Foundation is proud to expand our services to Ontario, beginning with a partnership with one of the province’s largest education systems, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). Take a Hike connects with young people who are most in need and who have been pushed to the margins — those struggling with trauma, mental health challenges, poverty, or instability. Many are leaning on corrosive behaviours like isolation, acting out, or substance use. They recognize that something needs to change, but they cannot do it on their own.
Our Stories
$300K in grants open to make a difference in North Okanagan
Take a Hike Vernon is a barrier-free, full-time program that brings mental health support, academics, and land-based learning together in a safe
A Day in the Life: Take a Hike Cowichan
No two days look exactly the same in a Take a Hike program, but each one offers structure, support, and meaningful connection.
Take A Hike On A Tall Ship
During our spring sailing season this year, a significant challenge turned into a beautiful opportunity to grow a bursary partnership with a local organization: