For young people navigating life’s toughest challenges, healing doesn’t always happen in a classroom. That’s why Take a Hike Foundation offers something different: a full-time program that pairs mental health support with the power of the outdoors. By combining counselling with wilderness-based experiential learning, Take a Hike helps youth reconnect—with themselves, with nature, and with their education. It’s a transformative model that’s helping young people build resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Now, with growing demand and a bold vision to scale nationally, Take a Hike has partnered with Capitalize for Kids to design an ambitious roadmap for sustainable impact.
The Problem: Gaps in Youth Mental Health Support
Despite rising awareness around youth mental health in Canada, many services remain fragmented, under-resourced, or inaccessible—especially for young people in vulnerable circumstances. Traditional classrooms are often not equipped to support these students, leading to disengagement and long-term consequences.
Take a Hike’s model addresses this head-on, combining therapeutic support, individualized learning, and outdoor experiential education. It’s a proven approach that helps youth reconnect—with themselves, their learning, and their future.
The Opportunity: Scaling a Proven Model
After years of successful implementation across British Columbia, Take a Hike is setting its sights higher: 25 programs. 500 youth annually. New regions across Canada by 2028.
To bring this vision to life, the organization needed a clear, actionable strategy to ensure it could grow without compromising the quality that defines its impact.
Our Solution: A Strategic Roadmap for Scalable Growth
Capitalize for Kids partnered with Take a Hike to co-develop a four-year operational roadmap aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. Our work was grounded in collaboration—interviews with leadership, workshops with front-line staff, and a shared commitment to the mission.
Together, we delivered 26 tailored recommendations focused on:
- Evolving the support structure for front-line staff
- Developing a robust workforce strategy
- Preparing the organization for change
- Increasing Take a Hike’s national profile and revenue
- Building a centralized shared services model (HR, IT, finance)
We also supported the development of practical tools for change management, knowledge sharing, and long-term sustainability—laying the foundation for Take a Hike to scale confidently and effectively.
Why It Matters
Mental health challenges are among the leading barriers to youth success in Canada. Programs like Take a Hike are filling critical gaps—but to meet growing demand, we need scalable, sustainable models supported by strong operations and strategy.
By helping Take a Hike build this roadmap, we’re not just supporting one organization—we’re investing in a healthier future for youth across the country.
