Family Roots

Through family bonding, adventure, play, and immersion in an accessible, barrier-free outdoor environment, Family Roots uses outdoor recreation and connection with the natural world to strengthen family systems and increase the well-being and resiliency of youth and their families.

In addition to participating in a range of nature-based activities and environmental stewardship initiatives, families expand their support networks and enhance self-esteem and social skills, while improving self-awareness and self-regulation skills. Outdoor activity days/weekends for participants are supported by a clinical counsellor from Human Nature Counselling Society, as well as Power To Be staff and volunteers.

“It really is hard to wrap up how much fun, how much bonding, talking, thinking, introspection, discussion and quiet times affected us so profoundly. So much so that it continues to be present in our everyday lives months after the program is finished.”
— Father, Family Roots participant

FAQs

  • The program is offered to solo-parent (single parent) families living in the Greater Victoria region who:

    1. Have children between the ages of 7 to 14

    2. Are not currently involved in family counselling and not requiring crisis intervention supports

    3. Open to participation in a multi-family therapy group. 

  • Dates
    May 24th& 25th, June 22, July 19-20 (overnight) & Aug 24

    Times
    Weekends: 10am -3:30pm & Tuesdays 5-7pm

  • A group of 4-5 families will meet twice per month to share in play and adventure over the course of 4 months. The adventure days will include activities such as:

    • Kayaking and canoeing

    • Hiking

    • Games and team initiatives

    • Nature connection

    • Bonding and community building

    • Communication and conflict resolution skills

    • Trust and leadership

    • Emotional literacy

    • Self-regulation skills

    • Tapping into our personal resources and strengths

  • To apply for the Family Roots program fill out a referral form. All interested families will need to participate in an intake interview to confirm registration, and commit to attending all program dates.  

    We offer a limited number of spaces in our program each year. Families will be selected for the program based on their Need, Fit and Desire for the program. Priority will be given to families who meet the eligibility criteria and are able to commit to full attendance of program dates.

    The intake screening process includes:

    1. Intake Screening Form – Families apply by submitting the form.

    2. Short-listed families will be invited to an in-person intake interview late February into early March 2025

    3. Families will be notified by mid-March if they are accepted into the program.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Session of Family Roots!

To let us know you are interested, please fill out the registration interest form below. For more information please contact Sylvia at sstorry@powertobe.ca

REGISTRATION FORM

Human Nature Counselling

This program is in partnership and collaboration with Human Nature Counselling.

A family of four holding hands and walking through a grassy field in autumn or early winter, wearing warm clothing and hats.
A logo featuring a green leaf, a hand, and the text 'HumanNature'.
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“The Family Roots program gave our family the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way and face many of our challenges. It was such a gift to be supported by such an open and giving group of people. I can not recommend this program enough.”
– mother, Family Roots participant, 2014