Throughout 2023 Power To Be marked its 25th year of empowering individuals through nature. With 15 years of dedicated service, Jason Cole led as Director of Programs and has since taken the helm as Co-CEO, becoming on of the leaders steering this incredible journey to the next 25 years.

Volunteers help us create a welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environment for participants to build positive relationships, learn about self-care, and push out their comfort zones through dynamic nature-based programming. Today, we’d like to express our deep appreciation for Nicole Gaul, a program volunteer who continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of Wilderness School participants.

In Adam's own words, "be a human being, not a human doing" has become his guiding philosophy. Nature has a unique way of reconnecting us to our natural roots, and Power To Be plays a significant role in helping people of all abilities realize this. Through outdoor experiences and the tight-knit community Adam has found, he is helping Power To Be prove that with a little support and a lot of adventure, everyone can thrive.

In the bustling summer months of programs and services at Power To Be, when the needs of our community can sometimes seem overwhelming and answers sometimes elusive, there emerges a guiding light, a beacon of wisdom and warmth that goes by the name Carinna.

Power To Be’s programs would not be possible without our wonderful volunteers who bring their spirit, skills, and smiles on every adventure. Among this dedicated group of volunteers is Josée McGeough, whose personal journey with Power To Be began decades ago when a chance encounter with a stranger changed the course of her life.

Tēnā Koutou, Nau Mai Koutou, Kia Ora Tātou Katoa! (A warm and generous welcome, greeting and acknowledgement to all of you reading this post) Ko Tangata Māori ahau (I am a Māori Person ‘visiting’ here on these Indigenous lands and waters of Vancouver Island)

Meet Graham, a multi-talented adventurer, experienced outdoor guide, instructor, and passionate advocate for accessible outdoor experiences. In his role as Training and Facilitation Lead, Graham finds immense fulfillment in sharing his skills with others.

As I reflect on the milestones in my life, 2023 holds a special place. It marks Power To Be's 25th anniversary and also 20 years since a car crash that altered the course of my existence. Little did I know that these seemingly unrelated events would intertwine and lead me to discover resilience, hope, and a renewed zest for life.

Em is a passionate and multi-talented member of our team who is making a difference in the lives of others through her work as Power To Be’s Program Lead. Her commitment to spreading joy, stepping out of her comfort zone, and embracing who she is, is truly moving the inclusion movement forward. Em is living the vision that everyone belongs in nature.

From day one of meeting Kendal she brings you into her heart and mind with true authenticity and care. She has a drive, genuine interest, and incredible creativity in the work we do. Thank you Kendal for all that you are to Power To Be! 

Thanks to Power To Be's collaboration with the Ted Rogers Foundation, Eva Yang received a $10,000 scholarship. Eva went on to graduate from our Wilderness School in 2020, where she wanted to seek discomfort and try new activities. The scholarship is sending Eva on many new wild ventures and we couldn't be more proud.

Matthias has been coming on our programs for over six years. He not only loves to challenge himself by climbing a rock wall or while paddling on Prospect Lake. Even during the pandemic, when our programs were virtual, he stuck with us and has continued to share valuable insight and feedback with us.

Rahul is one of our Board Directors here at Power To Be. Like the stern in the big canoe, our Board of Directors strategically guides our organization forward with passion and expertise. As a leader at his firm in the environmental field, Rahul brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his volunteer work with Power To Be.

As Power To Be’s Advancement Lead, Liz is truly connected to the Power To Be vision. She is always seeking new funding opportunities to elevate our program impact and making connections between people, places, and our purpose. Always up for a new challenge, Liz models living life to the fullest and saying YES to new adventures.

From participant parent to event volunteer, to Power To Summit racer and monthly donor, Christie knows what Power To Be is all about! Christie first joined the Power To Be community four years ago when her youngest son became involved in the Wilderness School program.

Alyssa is described as extremely dependable, creative, and deeply caring. She first started with us as a program volunteer in 2016, and since then has been an exceptional supporter of Power To Be in a number of different ways.

Pāora Tangira truly has a way with words, and with people. Pāora joined the Power To Be team in 2016 and has made his mark at Prospect Lake and within the organization. Pāora is incredibly calm and compassionate with participants, and ALWAYS takes the time to be sure they are comfortable (physically and mentally) before beginning a program.

Known for his keenness, friendly energy, and versatility, Alex is praised for contributing to the success of some of our biggest fundraising projects this year. As a placement volunteer with our Advancement department, Alex has been hands on from day one with a “bring it on” kind of attitude!

Tim says that Power To Be reduces the risk so he doesn’t have to second guess what’s going on which allows him to feel a sense of security. He also loves the company during Power To Be programs, fellow participants talk about what is going on around him and he always feels connected to his surroundings.