who participates
Students in the Take a Hike program struggle with personal issues that have inhibited their success in the mainstream school system. Their backgrounds can include drug and alcohol addiction, physical and mental abuse, low self-esteem, depression, and/or trauma.
Take a Hike students choose to be in the program through an application process. Most students are referred to the program by school counsellors or social workers for an opportunity to make lasting change in their lives.
inside take a hike
The ultimate goal of the Take a Hike alternative education program is that barriers to learning are minimized, personal issues are addressed, and students achieve a greater level of success. The program combines the following four aspects:
Adventure-Based Learning (ABL): An ABL Specialist guides students through outdoor day trips and multi-day expeditions. ABL uses physical activities to help youth develop self-directed goals, trust, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a safe, supportive environment. More...
Therapy: Students meet with a program therapist on a regular basis to work through their issues. Therapists also work with students' families and conduct addiction counselling for those in need.
Academics: At the beginning of the year, teachers meet with each student to assess their academic level and work with them to plan a path that leads to graduation. Since September 2000, 84% of the students enrolled in Take a Hike have graduated, some having been out of school for up to two years. More results...
Community Involvement: Every student in the Take a Hike program performs a minimum of 60 hours of community service a year. The goal is to encourage youth to realize that, as members of a community, their help is needed and appreciated.
This unique, alternative education program has been very successful in helping at-risk Vancouver youth work through their emotional issues and addictions, and to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, and graduate. View youth testimonials