Our Cause

$150,000 to kick-start Power To Be Program Expansion in the Lower Mainland!

Power To Be provides a unique and inclusive outdoor education curriculum that promotes physical heath and emotional well-being, advocates for accessibility, develops interpersonal and leadership skills, teaches environmental and social stewardship, offers peer mentorship, and supports vocational opportunities.

Power To Be has proven to be an important education and social service, addressing the key issues facing vulnerable young people, such as disability, school drop-out, social isolation, economic disparity, physical health, obesity, discrimination, and hopelessness.

Since our inception in 1998, it has become abundantly clear that there is a much larger need for our services as anticipated. Researchers have found that youth participation in outdoor education programs can positively affect students’ personal health and social skills, environmental stewardship, and school performance and in return reduce societal costs associated with high-risk behaviours. A number of studies have also found that there are significant benefits for young people living with disabilities who participate in outdoor recreation activities. This includes improved quality of life and health, increased confidence and self-esteem, and increased community participation.

According to Health Canada, the amount of time youth spend outside is plummeting, while the amount of time they spend inside in front of flickering screens is skyrocketing. “This is really the first time in human history that youth and their families are spending so little time in the outdoors,” says Cheryl Charles, President and CEO of the Children & Nature Network. “So programs like Power To Be are very important, especially at a time when so little of that is going on.”