Being Young is Hard…

“I don’t know where I would be without Take a Hike. I came to the program with little self-esteem, social anxiety and low motivation for school and life really. Through the program I started to believe in myself. I made friends, found that teachers were actually nice and they cared about you, and learned that counselling is helpful. That you’re not weak for talking to someone about your problems. This year I was able to graduate early and enter a trades program. I never believed I would go to college and here I was going before the school year was even over. Take a Hike helped me achieve more than I ever thought I could. ”

Eli

Take a Hike youth

Take a Hike is a full-time high school program that brings support for mental health, outdoor land-based activities and community to an alternate education classroom. At Take a Hike, youth work towards high school graduation in a caring and supportive environment, build a sense of belonging as part of a small community, and find healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges so they can achieve success – however they define that.

Support for Mental Health

One full-time mental health clinician is with the same group of youth all day, every day. In the classroom and on the land, they support youth to improve their well-being and develop skills and resilience to cope with life’s stressors.

Small Group Size

Most Take a Hike programs are made up of 15-20 youth, a teacher, a youth worker and a mental health clinician. Supportive adults who work together and lots of shared time with these adults and other students create a unique environment for youth to build relationships and a sense of belonging.

Self-Paced Academics

Youth are supported to work at their own pace towards completing academic requirements and graduating. Hands-on learning during land-based activities is part of the work youth do to complete credits.

Land-Based Learning

For one day every week, and 1-2 overnight trips per year, youth learn on and from the land through activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and snowshoeing. Being on the land gives youth unique opportunities to build skills and self-confidence.

Skills that Last a Lifetime

The experiences youth have at Take a Hike have a deep and lasting impact, and support them to overcome life’s challenges and forge their own path after they leave Take a Hike.