AT-RISK YOUTH IN WEST KOOTENAY TO PARTICIPATE IN

VANCOUVER, July 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation is expanding its alternative education program to benefit at-risk youth in the West Kootenay region. Take a Hike is partnering with School District 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to offer its adventure-based learning program for students in grades 10-12, starting in September 2013.

"Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation is thrilled to reach youth in West Kootenay who can benefit from our powerful program," said Sheila Biggers, president and chair, Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation. "We look forward to continuing our work with the school district and community members to ensure the program and students are successful."

The Take a Hike program will enhance existing alternative education programs offered at Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre, building on the adventure-based learning pilot activities it ran last year. The program will introduce students to outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing and snowshoeing, to develop valuable communication, problem-solving, teamwork and other skills. These outdoor activities help the youth deal with deeply rooted personal issues in a supportive environment.

Take a Hike will provide a full-time therapist and a part-time adventure-based learning specialist who will work with the school district's teachers and child and youth care workers to provide a holistic program for the students. Student intake will begin in September with a goal of enrolling 15 youth for the 2013/14 school year.

"Take a Hike is designed to bring selected students back to learning through an exposure to nature, and the challenges and rewards it offers," explained Darrel Ganzert, chair, Board of Education, School District 20. "School District 20's board and staff are very excited to partner with Take a Hike to help reluctant learners become more excited about their futures."

Take a Hike relies on donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to support the program elements that fall outside of standard school district funding, including the outdoor expeditions, adventure-based learning specialist, and full-time therapist. The program at Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre will be supported by a West Kootenay advisory committee, comprised of community champions, which will lead the local fundraising efforts.

Since its inception in 2000, Take a Hike has engaged more than 300 at-risk youth in Vancouver. The program in West Kootenay is the first of several planned expansions as part of Take a Hike's partnership with LIFT Philanthropy Partners . LIFT is a not-for-profit organization that invests in social change by increasing the impact and sustainability of organizations that deliver social impact. In April 2012, LIFT made a three-year commitment to provide Take a Hike with skills, expertise and resources to improve its operations and capacity to expand to communities across B.C. and Canada.

"LIFT Philanthropy Partners has been a key partner in keeping our expansion project moving forward. With the expertise and resources LIFT provides, we are much closer to reaching our goal of expanding the program to multiple communities," said Biggers.

About Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation

Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation offers an alternative education program that engages at-risk youth through a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, therapy, and community involvement. The program is offered in Vancouver and West Kootenay to youth in grades 10-12 who have few remaining options and enables them to positively change their lives.

ATTENTION MEDIA:

Photographs available: Photo 1 ; Photo 2 ; Photo 3 .

Cutline: Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation will launch its adventure-based learning program for youth in West Kootenay this September, expanding the pilot program offered last year at Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre.
 

Jaydeen Williams Executive Director Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation 604.710.1677