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.

At Power To Be, we are always looking for new community partners to work with that share our passion for connecting people with nature. And often we seek out those who can help to offer a new or unique way of making those connections. Perched high atop the Saanich Inlet, a breathtaking 250m above sea level, sits a relatively new feature to the forested and mountainous skyline of south-eastern Vancouver Island – the Malahat SkyWalk.

Sylvia’s role is the heartbeat of our programs. She pumps life, perspective, talent, and practice into all areas she connects to and makes us stronger as a whole. She is the Youth and Families Adventure Lead and is the go to for many in our programs and in our organization.

We believe that spending time in nature fuels the body, guides the heart, and mends the soul. With the addition of a welcoming community, a safe place, and a large dash of playfulness we believe Power To Be programs can have a positive impact on the mental and emotional health of our participants, volunteers and staff.

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.

What a summer it was! At Power To Be, our team was incredibly excited to deliver an array of programming to our community and spend some time paddling, hiking, camping, and soaking up the sun. With volunteers jumping back in to support in person, exciting new partnerships taking place, and another amazing event, this summer was one to remember!

Our Family Roots volunteers are an incredible group of individuals that radiate the warmth and connection at the heart of this program. Through immersion in the outdoors, our dedicated group of Family Roots volunteers adventure, play, and grow alongside families to strengthen bonds, increase well-being, and promote resiliency.  

In 2020, Power To Be formed a new partnership with Foundry. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centres for young people ages 12-24. As we all adapted to life through a virtual platform, the idea came to run an “Educational Workshop Series” that Foundry staff could attend from anywhere in BC.

At Power To Be, we believe everyone belongs in nature, without barriers and without limitations. We are thrilled with the progress being made on our new Prospect Lake build, which will provide a permanent home for our participants, volunteers, and staff to thrive in an accessible and welcoming environment.

At Power To Be, one of our Theory of Change program outcomes is “Social Skills”. This acknowledges the importance of creating space and opportunity through our programs for participants, staff and volunteers to connect with each other. We strive to have a safe space that allows folks to practice social interactions, learn, teach, grow and develop healthy relationships.

As the hype continues after the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo this is the time to enjoy the strength and ability of the Paralympic athletes. Locally in BC we have some phenomenal organizations who work with Para- athletes year round. Through coaching one on one to fostering groups of athletes these organizations become part of the fabric of the athletes’ lives and a part of their community.

What can I say about Ashleigh that hasn’t already been said? Well in a word… Wow! Ashleigh’s unwavering commitment to the team, volunteers, participants and the entire Power To Be community is incredible!

At Power To Be we often refer to nature as a “co-facilitator” to our programs. The natural environment we explore provides not only the setting, but the lessons, the adventure, the playfulness, and the space to heal or ground ourselves.

Who doesn’t love spending the morning in a forest? Especially with a group of inspiring people working towards a common goal! This was my experience at my 1st  Power To Be  work party!

Are you looking for an easy, accessible, and fun-filled activity? Nature is providing us with a free show this week.  Stargazers are in for a treat this week as the Perseid meteor shower is expected to dazzle the night’s sky.

Pick a beach, any beach, and see what there is to discover during low tide. There is always something to find wonderful. For me, the negative tides Victoria experiences in our spring and summer months is an event I look forward to every year.

If you’ve been on a Power To Be program in Vancouver over the past three years, there’s a good chance you have had the pleasure of hanging out with this month’s participant spotlight, Chris. Chris got his start with Power To Be as he was looking for something to get him moving and into the outdoors.

Power To Be’s partnership model centers on engaging other sectors and industries, including tourism partners such as the Sea To Sky Gondola. When we first met the amazing team at the Gondola, we were taking our participants to their site and their staff were so excited to meet us and welcomed us with true authenticity.

It was an action-packed spring at Power To Be, and we ramped up our programs and offered new opportunities to experience the magic of the outdoors. We are excited to continue offering adventures that bring our community together in the spirit of nature and inclusion. Check out all the excitement that happened during Q2, and learn more about our programs, our events, our supporters, and our impact!

A volunteer with Power To Be since 2014, Nate has supported the organization in many capacities. When the opportunity presented itself to join Power To Be's Marketing & Communications team as a volunteer practicum student as a requirement for school, Nate was all in. Read more about his experience contributing and learning at Power To Be.