Outdoor classrooms on mountain tops, by rivers or in Nanaimo's back country are helping youth with mental health and other learning challenges get their lives during and after high school off on the right foot. (Take a Hike)

By Alex Rawnsley

TAKE A HIKE

Two years on, outdoor classroom program expands in Nanaimo

Dec 2, 2021 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — Outdoor learning is proving have a sizeable impact for students struggling in a traditional classroom setting.

Take a Hike, an alternative learning program for youth with mental health challenges, has a 20 year history but came to Nanaimo in September 2019.

Charlene Smith, Take a Hike’s manager of philanthropy for Vancouver Island, told NanaimoNewsNOW the program zeros in on students who need additional supports or learning help.

“We know that an education system designed for the majority often leaves the vulnerable behind and for too many young people, stability and safety can be elusive and not available at home or school.”

The private donor-funded program, recently boosted by a $5,000 contribution from Mid Island Co-op, takes as much learning as possible to the great outdoors in order to better connect with students who deal with a variety of challenges.

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Since opening locally two years ago, enrollment has doubled to now welcome up to 30 students every year with crafted curriculum specificly designed for each student in addition to various mental health and social supports.

“We actually had one youth in Nanaimo particularly interested in the ocean and whales,” Smith said. “Our team recognized that and got them out in a kayak with a local marine biologist to learn a little about the ocean and what it takes to be a marine biologist.

Students at Garibaldi Lake work through a variety of lessons out in the wild, part of the Take a Hike program which continues to expand in Nanaimo. (submitted photo/Take a Hike)

Similar programs were also opened in Duncan and Saanich in the last two years.

Students are referred to Take a Hike through their School District or other professionals who feel the alternate pathway could be a benefit. In the 20 years of operation, Take a Hike’s graduation rate is around 97 per cent.

Those enrolled earn their high school course credits through a variety ways. In addition to traditional classwork under the Take a Hike umbrella, credits for electives such as home economics could be obtained through meal planning for a multi-day hike.

Science or math credits can also have direct applications in the wild.

“We’ve had a ton of success teaching science and physics outside in a canoe or kayak or when you’re on a mountain and can talk about elevation, do calculations.”

All students referred to Take a Hike are subject to an intake process, must voluntarily attend the program and agree to be an active participant in their learning.

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley