ABOUT PEAK YOUTH

PEAK YOUTH

Peak Youth is a registered non-profit based in the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia. We support youth and young adults aged 12–21 who are struggling with mental health challenges, digital overload, and low self-confidence.

Through outdoor adventure, fitness coaching, mentorship, and creative storytelling, we help young people reconnect with themselves, their peers, and the natural world.

Our Mission

To empower youth to find balance between the digital world and the real one by combining movement, mentorship, and the mountains.

Our Vision

A generation of young people who feel grounded, connected, and confident—supported by community, nature, and meaningful adult mentors.

The Need

Youth mental health has been in steady decline across Canada. In British Columbia, the percentage of young people who rate their mental health as “good” or “excellent” has fallen from over 80% in 2013 to around 60% in 2023. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are increasingly common, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for youth.

At the same time, research consistently shows that:

  • Time outdoors

  • Regular physical activity

  • Strong, supportive relationships

are powerful protective factors against mental health struggles.

Peak Youth exists at the intersection of these protective factors, offering young people structured, supportive ways to move their bodies, tell their stories, and build meaningful connections.

Our Programs

Balance in Motion: Youth Short Film Competition & Outdoor Wellness Event

An annual short film competition and outdoor event for youth aged 12–18 that centers on mental health, digital wellness, and reconnection with nature. Youth create short films exploring their lived experiences and vision for a more balanced life. Finalists are celebrated at a community event that includes outdoor activities, movement sessions, and mental health resources.

Mentorship + Coaching Program

A 3‑month program where youth are matched with experienced mentors and coaches. Participants receive:

  • Individual or small-group fitness and movement coaching

  • Guided outdoor activities such as rock climbing, biking, and hiking

  • Digital wellness and life coaching focused on building healthy habits and self-awareness

We collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to identify youth who would benefit from additional support.

Who We Serve

  • Youth and young adults aged 12–21 in Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, and nearby communities

  • Young people experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, digital addiction, or low self-esteem

  • Schools and community organizations seeking accessible, strengths-based mental health supports that integrate movement and nature

We aim to prioritize youth who face barriers related to income, identity, access to nature, or limited support systems.

Impact and Evaluation

Peak Youth is building a simple but meaningful evaluation framework to understand and improve our impact. We track:

  • Number of youth engaged in programs and events

  • Number of films submitted to the Balance in Motion competition

  • Youth self-reported changes in:

    • Feelings of connection and belonging

    • Confidence and self-efficacy

    • Time spent outdoors vs. on screens

We collect feedback from youth, caregivers, and partners to refine our programs and ensure they are culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and accessible.

Funding Priorities

Current funding priorities include:

  • Program delivery

    Coaching, guiding, and mentorship honoraria; outdoor access costs; film and creative support; mental health and digital literacy workshops.

  • Participant access

    Subsidies and bursaries for youth who cannot afford gear, transportation, or program fees.

  • Equipment and gear

    Outdoor gear, gym access, filming equipment, and technology supports for youth to participate safely and creatively.

  • Evaluation and capacity

    Basic data collection, program coordination, and administrative support to sustain and grow the initiative.

Ways to Partner

We welcome partnership with:

  • Foundations and grantmakers interested in youth mental health, outdoor education, and digital wellness

  • Local businesses and outdoor brands that can provide sponsorship, gear, or in‑kind support

  • Schools and community organizations seeking collaborative programming for their students

Together, we can help youth move, create, and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with the land.

Contact

For funding, partnership, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact:

Peak Youth

Email: peakyouthinfo@gmail.com

We would be grateful to discuss alignment with your funding priorities and explore how we can work together to support youth in the Sea to Sky region.