This past summer, Power To Be Vancouver’s staff superstar Alanna Ray let me know about a new idea Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) had initiated, MEC Outdoor Nation. Outdoor Nation is a movement aimed to get youth and young adults off the couch and out and immersed in nature’s natural beauty. Alanna had soon convinced me to register as a Power To Be delegate.

As we started driving back down the Island I realized that my cheeks were sore from having had a smile on my face all weekend. I had just spent three laughter-filled days with three amazing families in the crashing waves and salty waters of Tofino for a family surf trip with Power To Be. It was amazing to see everyone push their limits and challenge each other together on this trip. It was truly inspiring to get to see the fathers and their daughters get to share such a powerful experience. 

The day before program was a rainy one, which meant moist air and beautiful calm waters when we hit the water. There's something special about the air that follows a good Victoria down pour. Given the hot summer, rain also meant a program day with Thetis Lake all to ourselves, launching our stand up paddle boards from a nearly empty main beach.  

Strategy, teamwork and a willingness to get dirty were key for the 36 teams who took to Stanley Park Sept. 25 for Power To Play Vancouver. The adventure race, sponsored by Goldcorp, raised $218,000 in support of Power To Be programs. The amazing volunteers, sponsors and teams who came together to help other people access nature made that success possible.

“Belay on,” echoed throughout the gymnasium as Power To Be youth scampered up the rock walls at The Boulders Climbing Gym on Sept. 11. This adaptive recreation climbing program is the first of many sessions to happen this fall.

Last Wednesday's Celebrating the Journey event marked the end of year one and the beginning of year two for youth in Wilderness School. Not wasting any time, the new year twos set out Thursday morning to tackle the highest peak south of Strathcona Park, Mount Arrowsmith. 

Smiles, laughter, and congratulations filled the Mary Winspear Centre on Wednesday evening, where Power To Be hosted the annual graduation and succession ceremony for its Wilderness School youth. Joined by families, friends, volunteers, board members, and Power To Be staff, the youth were recognized for their dedication to positive social development, leadership, and life skills fostered through outdoor adventure and education. 

What an incredible day of philanthropy! With help from some of Canada’s top business, sport and media community, an amazing $242,000 was raised at the 8th annual Power To Golf Charity Classic, presented by Gustavson Capital Corporation. With the huge success of the event, we feel incredibly fortunate to garner this level of support from the community. Proceeds will provide inclusive and accessible nature-based programs for more than 800 youth and families in need of support this year. 

Adam, we at Power To Be are in awe of your story - thank you for writing such an inspirational piece!

Picture the views from Mount Finlayson, on a pristine sunny day without a cloud in the sky…Those views are what I got to experience a couple of weeks ago. Now for some back story:

We are very fortunate to have participants willing to both challenge themselves and support their teammates.. but then to also tell the story and share such fantastic photos?! AWESOME!!

Hi, my name's Adam and this weekend I got to go on the Power To Be overnight trip at Camp Barnard.

What a day of boundless encouragement. Through the mystic trails around Swan Lake and colossal trees at WildPlay, the Mosaic Learning Society embraced the company of nature and each other.