Nevada

My name is Natasha and I’m Nevada’s mother. This is our Take a Hike story.

Each morning felt like a battle. My daughter Nevada would cry herself sick at the thought of going to school, and as a single mom, I felt exhausted and helpless. I had tried everything—asking for extra support at her school, medication for her anxiety—but nothing seemed to help.

It wasn’t until we found the Take a Hike program that everything began to change for our family. Initially, I was hesitant to switch her school halfway through the year, but I was desperate for something that could make a difference. Take a Hike’s smaller class size, time spent in nature, and steady emotional support felt like the perfect fit for Nevada’s needs.

From the moment Nevada started at Take a Hike, the transformation was immediate. Instead of dreading each day, Nevada was eager to get up in the morning. I no longer had to fight with her to go to school. She even started taking public transit on her own—a huge milestone for someone who had once been terrified to leave the house.

At home, things improved dramatically as well. Nevada became more engaged, helping with chores and spending quality time with her sister and me. Our relationship strengthened, and the sense of anxiety that once loomed over her every day started to fade. She smiled more, laughed more, and began to reconnect with activities she had once avoided, like hanging out with friends and even exploring new interests like acting. The changes were not just emotional; they were also academic. Nevada’s confidence grew, and she became more willing to take on new challenges. Looking back, I can honestly say that Take a Hike changed our lives.

Today, Nevada is happier, healthier, and more independent than ever before. The program gave her not just the support she needed but also a chance to thrive in ways I never thought possible. As a parent, that’s all I could ask for.

Natasha
Parent of Take a Hike Youth, Nevada, Central Okanagan