With your support, we successfully piloted an expansion program in the West Kootenays, allowing us to help more youth from grades 8 to 12 who were struggling in the mainstream system, but not yet ready for the full-time, intensive Take a Hike program.  

Chris Gibson, our clinical counsellor in the West Kootenays, began working with youth referred by our school district partners because they were showing early signs of mental health issues or were disengaged from their mainstream academic program. These youth are now engaged in outdoor activities and group counselling at Take a Hike, focused on social, emotional and mental well-being. 

Chris has been working with youth in the West Kootenay program for seven years now and has witnessed the demand for mental health support continue to grow. Many of these young people have faced and overcome difficulties Chris says he can’t imagine persevering through. “The word ‘difficulties’ barely captures what I want to express - seeing these youth come to school, set goals, and have success, is truly inspiring.”  

West Kootenay Take a Hike has completely transformed recent graduate Michael’s life. He believes he may not have had a future at all without the support of Chris and the program: “I definitely wouldn't be here if not for Take a Hike. I wouldn't be able to graduate, I wouldn't be able to move on with my life. Chris helped me let my emotions out in a healthy way that wasn't smoking or drinking. And it's nice that we're not in a classroom, we're having actual conversations.”  

Healey, a grade 11 youth who struggled with debilitating depression said Take a Hike West Kootenay also turned her life around: “It gave me something to live for, and it gave me goals and motivation.” Healey talked about how clinical counselling with Chris empowered her with the skills she needed to support herself: “Sometimes I would have some kind of dilemma and I would have no idea what was going on or what to do, and Chris would help me, but he would mostly help me help myself, and near the end of the session I’ve already worked through all of it in my own head. When I came to Take a Hike I had no coping mechanisms whatsoever for anything, except for various unhealthy ones. He’s helped me a lot to deal with various things.” 

Growth in the West Kootenays means we’re reaching more vulnerable youth who are not finding success in the mainstream school system, and connecting them with the support, resources, and community they need to believe in their potential. After seven years witnessing youth succeed at Take a Hike, Chris believes in every young person who walks through his door and is confident they will find their way. “Being able to facilitate spaces that give youth the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and cared for, and where their voices are valued - this is what keeps me motivated in doing what I do. Seeing youth make deeply meaningful connections, and witnessing them encourage each other to smile and experience joy as they come out of darker places - that is what inspires me.”