The Gift: Co-founding Take a Hike Foundation in Vancouver
The Reason: To help at-risk youth
A few years ago teachers Tim Gale and Conrad Cone were playing basketball in Vancouver with some students when they hit upon an idea. Both had worked in special education programs for years and they noticed that some of their best interactions with students occurred outside the classroom.
They decided it was time for new approach to teaching at-risk youth. They started researching various programs and also looked at their own experiences growing up, comparing stories about summer camps and sports activities. In 2000 with the help of some friends, they launched Take a Hike, a program that combines teaching and outdoor education.
"We needed to get these kids out of school," Mr. Gale said. "We needed to give them more than they are getting now."
Take a Hike is now a full-fledged alternative high school in Vancouver with about 40 students. The program includes a regular school curriculum, weekly hikes and several camping trips. It's aimed at students who have dropped out or had difficulty in regular schools. The results have been impressive with more than 80 per cent of students graduating.
The provincial government pays for two teachers and two social workers while Mr. Gale and his team (Mr. Cone has gone off to the business world) raise money through a private foundation to cover the rest, including two therapists and equipment for the outdoor programs. "We have to raise about $275,000 every year," he said. "It's a hand-to-mouth operation."
The school got a boost during the Vancouver Olympics when speed skater Clara Hughes donated her $10,000 bronze medal bonus to Take a Hike. Ms. Hughes also visited the school a few days after the Olympics.
Mr. Gale, 50, said he is excited about the success of Take a Hike and hopes to expand it to other Canadian cities.
"When students are having success, when they are achieving their goals, how can you not be happy?" he asks.