Paper Excellence recently has expressed delight in the significant impact their support has made on the lives of young people through the Take a Hike (TAH) Foundation. Their funding has played a crucial role in empowering youth through mental well-being initiatives and land-based learning. Participants in the TAH programs have gained confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
The TAH Foundation’s 13 programs have recently concluded their Spring expeditions, and students are preparing for the end of the school year. Some participants are getting ready for graduation, while others are completing their coursework in anticipation of the summer break.
Among the accomplishments of the TAH Foundation in the past six months, they have finalized agreements to expand their program offerings. Starting this September, new programs will launch in Coquitlam, Mission, and Penticton, providing up to 300 youth with opportunities for personal growth both in the classroom and on the trails.
The success of the program is evident in the positive feedback from participants. One participant shared: “I lost hope in the school system. I thought I was a lost cause. Coming to Take a Hike gave me so much trust in school and gave me hope that people like me can get help. Take a Hike gave me purpose”.
The program’s impact extends to helping youth overcome personal challenges, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and discover a passion for the outdoors. The contributions from Paper Excellence have been pivotal in transforming lives.
Looking ahead, the TAH Foundation plans to continue innovating and expanding their reach. They are currently engaged in a multi-year study examining the long-term outcomes of Take a Hike alumni compared to youth with similar experiences who did not participate in the program. This study aims to improve their programs, launch new initiatives, and support more young people in need.
