Take a Hike heads into Ontario!
After decades of measurable success in BC, Take a Hike has expanded nationally! Launching a program in partnership with Simcoe County District School Board at Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie, Ontario. Take a Hike operates in 15 locations across BC, with the Ontario program marking our 16th location.
Ontario youth are facing unprecedented mental health challenges:
“At the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), we believe that positive mental health and well-being are foundational to youth learning and achievement. We are committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming learning environments where every youth and staff member feels a strong sense of belonging, and to fostering a culture that prioritizes and supports mental wellness everyday,” said Dawn Franks, Mental Health Lead for the SCDSB.
“We are excited to partner with Take a Hike to bring this unique program to SCDSB youth. As a school board, we are fortunate to have strong community partnerships and our very own outdoor education facility, which aligns well with the community initiatives and land-based learning elements of the Take a Hike program,” she added.
Gordon Matchett, CEO at Take a Hike, said, “Taking our first step into Ontario has been the focus of Take a Hike’s scaling journey for some time now. I’m thrilled that we are partnering with SCDSB to take this first step, and echo Dawn’s words; the district provides the ideal setting for our program’s unique combination of land-based learning and mental health support. Our program is a proven path to healing, graduation, and a brighter future, a path we are committed to bringing to Ontario youth for the first time.”
Take a Hike’s first Ontario program has been made possible thanks to support from the McCall MacBain Foundation, the Peter Gilgan Foundation, and Jumpstart. Their ongoing belief in our one-of-a-kind program continues to make a difference to youth across Canada.