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, 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 and Power To Be staff and volunteers. In addition, Parent Together sessions are offered monthly along with an opportunity to access additional family resources as needed.

Who can attend the program?

Solo-parent families living in the Greater Victoria region who:
• Have children ages 8 to 14
• Are not currently involved in family counselling

Solo-parent families who are looking for support in coping with:
• Parent-child conflict and power struggles
• Feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
• Difficulties functioning in school, social skills
• Grief and loss, past trauma
• Families in transition (e.g., separation/divorce, loss of family member, etc).

What activities are offered?

A group of 4-5 families will meet once per month to share in play and adventure over the course of 6 months. The adventure days will include activities such as:
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Hiking
• Games and team initiatives
• Nature connection

Each month will also include a “Parents Together” support session hosted virtually. These meetings will provide an opportunity to build a community of support, provide information on various mental health and wellness topics, allow a safe space for discussing the adventure of parenting, and expand resources.

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
Program Dates
  • Adventure Program Dates (2023) TBA
  • Applications for the program will open up in April and the first Session will occur in the last week of April (dates TBD)

The Family Roots program is FULL for 2023. Click below to add your name to the Waitlist.

2023 WAITLIST

“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