VIMHS
VIMHS
Take a Hike! An alternative, outdoor oriented education program for vulnerable youth
Take a Hike! An alternative, outdoor oriented education program for vulnerable youth
Take a Hike! An alternative, outdoor oriented education program for vulnerable youth
Sunday 14th August 2022
Explore 'Take a Hike!', an education program combining classroom learning with outdoor activities and mental health support for vulnerable youth.
18 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
230 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Take a Hike! Blending Nature and Learning for At-Risk Youth
For many of the youth this is the first time they've either had an experience with therapy or a positive experience with therapy.
What if education could be more than just textbooks and classrooms? The 'Take a Hike!' program is turning that idea into reality for vulnerable youth. In this episode of People First Radio, Charlene Smith, Manager of Philanthropy for Vancouver Island at the Take a Hike Foundation, shares how this innovative initiative is making waves. Designed for high school students grappling with mental health issues, addiction, or homelessness, the program offers a unique blend of academic learning and outdoor activities.
Students spend four days a week in the classroom and one day out in nature, providing a refreshing balance that promotes overall well-being. But that's not all—each student has access to a full-time registered clinical counsellor, ensuring mental health support is always within reach. Smith delves into the program's partnerships with school districts, which allow for personalized approaches tailored to each student's needs and goals.
She also highlights how the program tracks progress through journaling and surveys, focusing on mental health, emotional development, and academic achievement. With success stories that boast graduation rates comparable to mainstream schools, 'Take a Hike!' is proving to be a game-changer. However, the program faces financial hurdles, relying heavily on community donations. Smith encourages listeners to support this impactful initiative by contributing to the Take a Hike Foundation.
This episode is a testament to how blending education with nature and mental health support can create resilient and capable young adults.