Through family bonding, adventure, play, and immersion in an accessible, barrier-free outdoor environment, Family Roots uses outdoor recreation and connection with the natural world to strengthen family systems and increase the well-being and resiliency of youth and their families.

In addition to participating in a range of nature-based activities and environmental stewardship initiatives, families expand their support networks and enhance self-esteem and social skills, while improving self-awareness and self-regulation skills. Outdoor activity days/weekends for participants are supported by a clinical counsellor from Human Nature Counselling Society, as well as Power To Be staff and volunteers.

For more information please contact Sylvia at sstorry@powertobe.ca

*Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for the 2025 Session of Family Roots.

Who can attend the program?

The program is offered to solo-parent (single parent) families living in the Greater Victoria region who:
1. Have children between the ages of 7 to 14
2. Are not currently involved in family counselling and not requiring crisis intervention supports
3. Open to participation in a multi-family therapy group. 

What activities are offered?

A group of 4-5 families will meet twice per month to share in play and adventure over the course of 4 months. The adventure days will include activities such as:
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Hiking
• Games and team initiatives
• Nature connection

What will our family learn?
  • Bonding and community building
  • Communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Trust and leadership
  • Emotional literacy
  • Self-regulation skills
  • Tapping into our personal resources and strengths

“It really is hard to wrap up how much fun, how much bonding, talking, thinking, introspection, discussion and quiet times affected us so profoundly. So much so that it continues to be present in our everyday lives months after the program is finished.”

Father, Family Roots participant