Youth Leadership

Outdoor Adventure Program

Our Outdoor Adventure program is offered to youth in Grades 6 to 8 at our Metchosin Club which sit on a beautiful 98 acre property. Youth will learn valuable outdoor skills that will deepen their connection with nature, increase their comfort in “wild” settings and test their physical and mental abilities. Some of the equipment we use may be new to participants, so we strive to create an open and accepting environment that fosters learning, not competition. We as a group, will form a community that will grow our skills together. Therefore many of the activities revolve around the principles of self-care, leadership and teamwork. Activities that youth participate in include:

• Basic Outdoor Survival Skills
• Environmental Stewardship & Community Outreach
• Wild Food Foraging
• Native Plants and Animals
• Canoeing and Water Safety
• Rock Climbing
• Archery
• Leadership and Team Building

ROOTS Environmental Education and Stewardship Program

Grades 4 and 5 in Saseenos Elementary & Westmont Montessori School Victoria BC.

W.I.L.D. Wilderness Immersion & Leadership Development

Wilderness Immersion and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) is a program for youth in grades 9–12 who are interested in challenging themselves to become leaders in their community and leaders in the natural environment. We seek to provide youth with tangible skills that they can carry forward as they enter the academic and professional world past high school. W.I.L.D. facilitators will support youth through various stages of outdoor leadership, professional and life skill development. Youth will be provided the opportunity to take on challenges such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program, First Aid certification and training, resume writing, cooking classes, wilderness expedition training and more.

Keystone

Keystone Leadership is a youth-driven program designed for youth ages 13-17 who are ready to take on a leadership role in their community.  The program focuses on increasing job readiness, developing life skills and service to the community. Keystone participants have the opportunity to volunteer in their community, at special events, and at their local club, as well as create their own community legacy and impact projects and participate in certification courses like First Aid and Food Safe. Each program is based on the core components, but specific activities and events are based on the interests of the youth.  

Core Components: Learning for Life, Leadership, Teamwork, Healthy Choices, and Service to Club and Community

Keystone program participants also have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award; the core areas of which are Physical Activity, Skill Building, Service to the Community, and an Adventurous Journey. Successful completion of the three Award levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) provides youth with school credit and an internationally recognized achievement. In this program, youth have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, archery, low ropes, disc golf, slacklining, swimming, and more.  Youth will also have the opportunity to learn wilderness survival and backcountry camping skills for their Adventurous Journey; youth will participate in the preparation and planning of a multi-day expedition and have the opportunity to earn certificates in canoeing.

Programs for Female Identifying Youth

Sometimes being a young, female identifying person is tough. The t(w)eenage years are a time of uncertainty, big questions and self-discovery. At the Boys and Girls Club we understand the importance of providing open minded, welcoming and safe spaces for female identifying youth to feel empowered to be themselves. Our programs are led by passionate and dedicated female staff who encourage youth to push their own boundaries, make new friends and learn new skills.    

Fearless Females

Fearless Females is a program for female identifying youth ages 13–18. Fearless Females provides youth a positive, fun and safe place to be on a Friday night. Under the mentorship of dedicated female staff, an emphasis is placed on self-reflection, goal setting, and building positive relationships. Activities center on confidence, friendship and community building. Our Fearless Females partake in activities such as rock climbing, team building, hiking, cooking and positive socialization at out Wale Road and Metchosin Club. Youth are dropped off at our Wale Road Club and transportation to program locations where healthy snacks are provided.

Wilderness Outdoor Leadership For Female Identifying Youth W.O.L.F.

Wilderness Outdoor Leadership for Female Identifying Youth (W.O.L.F.) is a program for female identifying youth in grades 6–8 that focuses on nature based learning and self-empowerment. Run primarily out of our Metchosin Club, this program provides incredible opportunities for youth to enhance their environmental knowledge and outdoor leadership skills. Our leaders act as positive female role models for youth, and work hard to provide safe and inclusive spaces for self-discovery. We use nature as a tool for building personal and interpersonal relationships and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Tweeny but Mighty

Tweeny but Mighty is a program for female identifying youth ages 9–12. Tweeny but Mighty is a fun, supportive and inclusive space for youth to be on a Friday night. Our program focuses on self–esteem development through friendship, fun and laughter. Participants enjoy activities such as hiking, crafts, cooking, rock climbing and more at our Wale Road and Metchosin Club. Youth are dropped off at our Wale Road Club and transportation to program locations where healthy snacks are provided.  

Girl Groups

Girls Groups are fun and empowering groups for girls ONLY, Grades 6 – 8. The programs are offered from October – December and January – May each year and girls do fun activities, meet new friends and develop life skills in a safe and welcoming environment with our amazing staff and volunteers! The programming reflects the interests of the girls; however, typical activities include baking, spa nights, yoga, dance, active games both inside and out, crafts, swimming, fun out-trips, and so much more!