This year, to get into the holiday spirit, Power To Be staff put a new spin on “Giving Tuesday” and participated in our very own “Give Back Tuesday”, which was a chance to partner with local non-profits and provide volunteer support. In Vancouver, our team partnered up with our friends from Backpack Buddies, while on the Victoria side, our staff team partnered with Soap For Hope Canada.

Our goal with Power To Be is to create that space for our participants, where they feel safe, can be their authentic self, and they feel nurtured and appreciated, going beyond just being accepted and supported. West Van Youth staff and Power To Be collaborated to design and create a unique program that met the needs of the youth, while emphasizing themes of inclusion and empowerment so youth would feel more comfortable accessing outdoor spaces.

One of the most wonderful things about spending time in nature is the sense of imagination it evokes. We are so fortune at Power To Be to have access to wilderness at our Prospect Lake site. A particularly special spot at the site is our Play Forest. This area offers an invitation to simply play, unstructured and exploratory, and encourages curiosity and discovery.

In the relatively short time Power To Be has called Prospect Lake home, the natural space it encompasses has changed dramatically. This patch of wilderness has helped us access the outdoors while we learn and connect with each other. These experiences help us to grow, and as we do, the site grows and changes too.

D’Arcy Mahoney talks about her family’s path with Power To Be and how our programs have created new opportunities for her son Nathan, building a foundation of confidence as he continues to flourish and embrace the magic of nature.