Growing up: A Home of our own

After 20 years of growth. 1000’s of youth served. It’s time for a home of our own.

Help us move to a permanent space that allows us to offer the growing number of youth who come through our doors the very best. After years of planning, we are launching a capital campaign to purchase a commercial building in 2027 that will become the new home of Elevation Outdoors—providing dedicated space for our offices, equipment, programs and storage.

The Okanagan is a beautiful place to grow up, but for many local youth, the mountains, trails, and lakes that define this region are out of reach.

For 20 years, Elevation Outdoors has been changing that. As demand grew, we grew. To continue helping the growing number of youth who come through our door, we need a home of our own.

A Growing Crisis

Youth across Canada are facing a mental health crisis. Screen time is up. Time outdoors is down. Community connection is fading. The consequences are severe.

• 1 in 6 BC youth engage in self harm
• the 2nd leading cause of death in youth 15-24 in Canada is suicide
• 95% of teens get below the daily recommended amount of daily activity

Outdoor physical activity is directly linked to reduced anxiety, lower depression, and improved mental health in adolescents (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2025). Yet Canadian youth are spending less time outside than ever.

How We Help

Since 2007, Elevation Outdoors has been providing fully funded outdoor recreation and mentorship programs to Okanagan youth facing financial, social, or personal barriers. Every program includes equipment, transportation, instruction, and mentorship, removing the barriers between a young person and the outdoors.

Through programs like snowboarding and mountain biking, youth build skills, confidence, resilience, and find belonging in their community.

“It has been amazing for my mental health… always had something to look forward to… amazing seeing what I can do if I actually try”

• ~20 years of programs
• 1000’s of youth served
• 9 CORE programs
• 100% free to eligible youth

A Home of Our Own is not just about needing more space. It is about having the foundation to serve more youth, run more programs, and operate as the organization this community deserves for the next 20 years and beyond!

“This program has allowed me to get out of my head and into the world, it has given me the chance to grow.”