“Take a Hike made me feel like I mattered.”
Take a Hike provides Avery and each youth at the program with all the necessary gear for their outings, ranging from rain jackets to hiking boots, ensuring everyone can join in confidently and feel fully included. The program is always free, which removes barriers and makes it easier for young people and families to focus on connection and growth.
Avery’s four years in the Cowichan program transformed his life; he rebuilt connections with his family, created healthier routines, and secured a job. And this year, Avery graduated! For someone who once spent most days isolated at home, never attending school, and uncertain about his future, these are incredible milestones worth celebrating. When graduation day arrived, Avery got to take part in one of Cowichan’s most joyful traditions: ringing the school’s old brass bell. After everything he had overcome, it was an incredible moment to see him ring that bell as many times as loudly as he wanted, cheered on by his classmates and the entire school community.
271 YOUTH PARTICIPATED IN OUR PROGRAM THIS YEAR!
2024/2025 Annual Report
This year’s report gives an insider look into the Cowichan program, where no two days are exactly the same, but each one offers essential structure, support, and meaningful connection. The highlight is the weekly Out Day, a hands-on learning day that blends social-emotional growth with activities like hiking, kayaking, or preparing lunch together, with the program providing all necessary gear to remove barriers for youth. Read stories about how this structure transformed the lives of youth like Avery, who graduated, and Nevada, who overcame severe anxiety, and discover how your support is turning hope into possibility!
Audited Financial Statement
2023/2024 Annual Report
This year’s report highlights the incredible journey of Rachel, a Take a Hike alum whose life was transformed through the program. Her story exemplifies the resilience and success that Take a Hike empowers youth to achieve. We also celebrate our partnership with Coast Capital, whose unwavering support has helped Take a Hike expand its reach and impact.
Audited Financial Statement
2022/2023 Annual Report
This year’s report highlights Sasha, a first-generation youth who faced immense challenges growing up in a new country. Struggling at home and making choices he later regretted, he found himself on a path he didn’t want to take. When he joined Take a Hike, everything changed. His journey reflects the power of second chances and the impact of a community that believes in every young person’s potential.
Audited Financial Statement
2021/2022 Annual Report
This report highlights one of the biggest achievements at Take a Hike supporting 143 youth experiencing vulnerabilities across the province to envision their futures, dream big, and build belief in themselves and their potential. As well, we realized our goal of growing to 8 programs in BC.
Audited Financial Statement
2020/2021 Annual Report
The report reflects on the incredible support and resilience of our community. Despite challenges, we continued delivering life-changing programs to the youth who need them most. This also marked 20 years of Take a Hike empowering young people, a milestone made possible by the generosity and dedication of supporters like you.
Audited Financial Statement
2019/2020 Annual Report
This year’s report highlights the expansion milestone in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools to open our first program on Vancouver Island. We also saw growth in our West Kootenay program, supporting 15 new youth in the Kootenay-Columbia School District.
