WHAT
WE DO.
REACH's model adapts experiential learning, positive youth development, ecotherapy, and outdoor education principles to inspire leadership, academic success, and connections among refugee youth.
METHODOLOGY.
Our practice eases the acculturation transition of refugee youth by supporting them to build strong connections to their new homeland, while also providing them with opportunities to fortify their cultural identity and share their experiences with others. With the implementation of contextual learning programs that promote resilience, REACH helps integrate newcomers into the fabric of their new communities. Recurring shifts in refugee and immigrant policies and support make our efforts to address the integration needs of refugee youth and their families even more crucial. Our work focuses on developing social capital, which fosters a shift from the marginal status that is often held by refugee youth and their families.
REACH's model integrates experiential learning, positive youth development, ecotherapy, and outdoor education principles to inspire leadership, academic success, and connections among refugee youth.
REACH, at its core, is about connecting people to a broader network of support. We coordinate partnerships with local professionals in the fields of biology, botany, ecology, environmental conservation, geology, engineering, visual and performing arts, digital media, technology, and more, who share their expertise and facilitate broader connections. REACH participants apply their new skills and knowledge through youth-led community service projects and presentations to peers and the general public.
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS.
Adventure Camps
REACH offers youth between the age of 10 and 18 the opportunity to participate in fun and challenging outdoor adventures during out-of-school time throughout the year. Youth engage in weekly or monthly day-camps, overnight tent camping and extended sleep-away trips with adventure sports and place-based education activities such as: mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, climbing, archery, fishing, forest restora-tion, river clean-ups, and more. Youth participants develop technical skills as well as team building skills throughout the year and get to show off their new learning at our family picnics and award ceremonies.
Discovery Quests
Discovery Quests is an innovative program designed to inspire curiosity and exploration among participants Through a series of engaging activities and challenges, participants will embark on a journey that encourages learning and personal growth. This program aims to foster a sense of adventure, allowing individuals to discover new interests and skills while connecting with others in a collaborative environment. Participants in Discovery Quests will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences that promote teamwork and problem-solving. With a focus on creativity and critical thinking, this program is perfect for those looking to expand their horizons and gain valuable insights. Join us in exploring the exciting possibilities that Discovery Quests has to offer!
Leadership, Service, & Stewardship
Our Service & Stewardship project is designed to encourage refugees to give back to their new communities while also developing leadership skills and understanding environmental stewardship.
Participants engage in service projects such as park cleanups, community gardens, political advocacy, speech-making, and other volunteer opportunities that benefit their new communities. Through this initiative, we aim to instill a sense of ownership and connection to their new homeland, and demonstrate how they can make a difference, both locally & globally.
Family-Focused
Eco-Experiences
REACH families, parents and siblings related to registered youth, engage in monthly ecotherapy and adventure sessions, including age-appropriate experiential learning activities focused on nature, the environment, and exploration. With this framework, REACH youth and their parents and siblings can discover the environment and explore their own play, with both nature and each other, and share information and connect with other parents of children in the refugee community. Parents are introduced to accessible locations where they can take their whole family, as particular emphasis is placed on the power of “exploring our own backyard” by visiting local parks and absorbing the different ecosystems that our local community offers.
Trek-2-Success
(college readiness)
Trek-2-Success is an empowering program designed for older refugee and asylum-seeking youth, providing them essential tools and resources to explore college and career opportunities. Through engaging tours of educational institutions and insightful interviews with REACH alumni and professionals, participants gain valuable insights into various pathways to success. This program not only focuses on academic and career exploration but fosters confidence and leadership skills, ensuring that youth feel supported as they navigate their futures.
Compass
(young adult 18+)
As REACH participants age out of our normal programming, we don't abandon them. Our new Compass program is designed to keep young adults connected to us while providing an open ear and helping hand to ease the transition into adulthood. As REACH participants age out of our normal programming, we don't abandon them. Our new Compass program is designed to keep young adults connected to us while providing an open ear and helping hand to ease the transition into adulthood.
