We believe in the power of youth — and we’re committed to helping the next generation thrive through hands-on, community-based Youth Development Programs across British Columbia and Alberta. Our initiatives are designed to build confidence, resilience, leadership, and life skills in young people through experiential learning, outdoor engagement, cultural education, and career-readiness training.
We proudly serve Indigenous communities, rural municipalities, and underserved regions by delivering programs that reflect local values, cultural identity, and the unique needs of the youth we work with.
Our Youth Development Programs Include:
Land-Based Learning & Outdoor Skills
We take youth out on the land to reconnect with nature, practice survival skills, learn traditional ecological knowledge, and build a deep respect for the environment. Activities may include:
- Wilderness safety & navigation
- Camping, fire-building, and foraging
- Cultural teachings with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Sustainable resource stewardship
Trades Exposure & Job Skills Training
Youth gain real-world skills and hands-on experience in forestry, construction, and environmental fields, including:
- Chainsaw & small equipment operation
- Trail building & maintenance
- Timber falling & bush work observation (under safe conditions)
- Resume building, first aid certification, and worksite readiness
Personal Growth & Leadership Development
We help youth strengthen their communication, teamwork, confidence, and leadership abilities through:
- Group challenges and team-building activities
- Goal setting, self-reflection, and mentorship
- Workshops on mental health, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence
FireSmart & Wildfire Preparedness Programs
Partnering with FireSmart Canada, municipalities, and First Nations, we train youth in:
- Wildfire fuel reduction techniques
- Emergency preparedness
- Community risk assessments
- Fire crew readiness for future seasonal employment
Cultural Reconnection & Indigenous Knowledge
In collaboration with local Knowledge Holders, our programs integrate:
- Language, history, and land-based teachings
- Traditional crafts and medicine harvesting
- Ceremonial practices and storytelling
- Respectful protocols for youth to reconnect with culture and identity
Who We Work With
We partner with:
- Indigenous communities and Nations
- Rural and remote municipalities
- Youth justice & reintegration programs
- Schools, band councils, and employment centers
- Nonprofits and government agencies (e.g., ISC, NRCan, FireSmart, FNESC)
Service Areas
We run youth programs in communities across:
British Columbia:
- Cariboo & Chilcotin (Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Alexis Creek)
- Northern Interior (Prince George, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof)
- Coast & Mountains (Bella Coola, Kitimat, Hazelton)
- Kootenays (Creston, Cranbrook, Invermere)
- Vancouver Island (Port Alberni, Campbell River, Cowichan Valley)
Alberta:
- Treaty 6, 7, and 8 Territories
- Peace Region (High Level, Grande Prairie, Peace River)
- Foothills (Hinton, Rocky Mountain House, Canmore)
- Central & Southern Alberta (Red Deer, Lethbridge, Siksika Nation)
Why Choose Wild Timber?
Community-Led Programming
We work closely with each community to co-develop custom youth programs that reflect local goals, challenges, and values.
Trauma-Informed & Culturally Safe
Our facilitators are trained in trauma-informed approaches, Indigenous cultural safety, and youth mental health first aid.
Hands-On Learning That Builds Futures
We empower youth with practical skills that prepare them for jobs, leadership roles, and life’s challenges.
Strong Mentorship & Support
We create safe, welcoming spaces with peer mentorship, adult support, and long-term follow-up where possible.
Funding-Ready & Scalable
We can support communities in applying for funding (e.g., Jordan’s Principle, New Paths for Education, CRI, Employment and Social Development Canada) and scale programs based on available resources.
Let’s Build a Program Together
If you’re a community, school, First Nation, or agency looking to bring Youth Development Programs to your area, let’s work together to design something meaningful, impactful, and rooted in your land and culture.
Contact us to explore program options, grant support, or schedule delivery
Programs available year-round, in single or multi-week formats
All staff fully insured, background-checked, and trained in youth safety standards Wild Timber for safe, efficient, and regulation-compliant seismic line clearing in BC and Alberta.