“Take a Hike kept me alive.”
Many young people come to Take a Hike affected by what researchers call Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including family instability, loss, exposure to violence, or ongoing anxiety. These challenging experiences can make it hard for youth to feel safe, focused, or hopeful about the future.
Youth experiencing vulnerabilities need a place where they can rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and discover their own potential.
For Sienna, that place was Take a Hike.
When Sienna first joined the program, she was also involved in a high-profile human trafficking court case. The weight of testifying publicly left her feeling exposed, vulnerable, and unsure of how to navigate her previous, traumatic experiences.
At Take a Hike, Sienna was met with care, consistency, and understanding. She found something she had been missing for a long time: a place where she could simply be herself.
Through the program’s unique combination of personalized academics, clinical counselling, and land-based learning, Sienna began to rebuild her sense of safety and belonging. Counselling sessions helped her process the pain and confusion she carried, while learning on the land gave her a sense of freedom and strength.
“I needed to go on those hikes,” she said. “I couldn’t miss them. I just wanted to be me.”
Sienna did not want special attention. She wanted normalcy and to be seen as a young person with dreams and agency – not a victim. Within Take a Hike’s small, supportive community, she was able to reconnect with that part of herself. On the trails, she was part of a team. The weekly outdoor trips gave her space to breathe, connect, and rediscover who she was.
Andrea, one of Take a Hike’s Program Managers, first met Sienna years ago while working at another youth mental health organization. When Sienna shared how being in Take a Hike helped her survive one of the hardest times in her life, Andrea was deeply moved. It was her first time hearing about the program and the impact it had on young people. After that conversation, Andrea knew she wanted to be part of Take a Hike and the meaningful work that made such a difference in Sienna’s life.
Sienna’s story is just one inspiring example of what’s possible when Take a Hike youth are given a safe place and emotional support to heal and grow. Through connection, consistency, and compassion, youth like Sienna gain stability and hope while building the skills to change the trajectory of their lives.
You can help ensure more youth like Sienna have access to that kind of support and belonging.