Mia
Before Mia joined the Take a Hike program halfway through last year, she was weighed down by disappointment from her old school. Skipping classes turned into missing full school days. Each morning became harder than the last, because school felt like a place she didn’t belong.
Too many absences piled up and it felt impossible for Mia to catch up. That’s when she was referred to Take a Hike.
Even though the Take a Hike program was a 40-minute bus ride away, she gave it a chance. From her first week, things felt different. Instead of being invisible, she felt seen. The youth and family worker greeted her each morning, her teacher invited her into group activities, and the counsellor checked in at the end of each day. Slowly, she began to believe: “Maybe these people actually care if I show up.”
Her attendance improved, she was making new friends, and she loved the weekly out days in nature. But when the big 3-night Spirit of Exploration trip to Pitt Lake approached, Mia grew anxious. She had never camped overnight before, especially without cell phone service, and she wasn’t the only one who expressed concerns about the unknown.
The Take a Hike team met the youth with empathy and a responsive plan. They helped the group of youth feel more prepared by offering skills training like canoe paddling practice days and learning how to pack their gear. Flexible reduced trip options were also provided: one, two, or three nights where any of the youth could choose what felt comfortable for them. No pressure… just support. The staff knew that even just one night away in nature would be an impactful experience and spark change.
With the support of the Take a Hike team, Mia was willing to step outside of her comfort zone and chose the one-night trip option.
Her evening around the campfire and sleeping in the tent went well. The next day, Mia packed up her gear and got back in the canoe for her pre-arranged return trip. She was joined by another youth to keep her company on the two-hour journey paddling back to the boat launch. Andrea Krakan, the Program Manager for six of the Take a Hike programs in the Lower Mainland, was waiting on the other side and would drive Mia back home.
Mia was tired from paddling and happy to be reunited with her cell phone, so the car ride back was on the quieter side, but she did share “The trip was fun! I probably could have stayed another night.”
When they arrived back at the school parking lot, Mia’s mother was waiting with flowers. She was so proud of Mia for challenging herself on this outdoor adventure and wanted to celebrate the big effort that she made, telling Andrea “You have no idea how much it means to have her away from her phone for 1 day and 1 night. She’s always on it. This is a big deal”.
For someone who used to struggle with attendance, Mia has made impressive strides in taking charge of her academic success and has shown up in big ways. The longer commute to school is worth it to her, because of the supportive environment and the group of people who are excited to see her each school morning.
Now in Grade 11, Mia’s back in the Take a Hike program and is already talking about the group’s next multi-day trip!