The Robson Valley Youth Initiative

The Robson Valley Youth Initiative (TRVYI) is a federally incorporated, BC-registered non-profit organization based in the Robson Valley, British Columbia. Founded by the Gabert family, TRVYI was created from a deep belief that some of the most meaningful growth, connection, and transformation happens outdoors.

After years of working with youth in the Robson Valley, the team recognized a growing need among young people facing isolation, anxiety, disconnection, and limited access to healthy community and supportive mentorship. In response, TRVYI began creating opportunities for youth to experience adventure, belonging, and encouragement through outdoor programming.

What started with simple outdoor activities and mentorship opportunities has grown into a thriving youth initiative focused on building confidence, resilience, leadership, and healthy relationships through outdoor experiences and consistent mentorship.

TRVYI exists to improve outcomes for youth by creating consistent access to mentorship, outdoor experiences, leadership development, and safe, welcoming community spaces.

Their programs are designed to provide youth ages 10–19 with opportunities to grow through challenge, connection, and positive community. Through activities such as mountain biking, hiking, climbing, camping, backpacking, and outdoor exploration, youth are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones while building trust with mentors and peers.

TRVYI believes that many young people simply need:

• Healthy community
• Encouragement and support
• Safe spaces to belong
• Positive role models
• Opportunities to be challenged and grow

Whether on the trail, around a campfire, climbing a wall, or navigating difficult terrain, youth are developing practical life skills such as perseverance, communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence, and resilience.

TRVYI currently delivers active, community-supported programming throughout the Robson Valley that is already demonstrating strong engagement and meaningful impact among youth.

Adventure-Based Mentorship Programs

Youth participate in outdoor activities such as:

• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Rock climbing
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Outdoor exploration

These experiences are intentionally paired with consistent adult mentorship to foster trust, confidence, and personal growth.

Leadership & Life Skills Development

TRVYI also provides programming focused on:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Responsibility
• Problem-solving
• Leadership development

These skills extend beyond recreation and contribute to long-term personal development and healthy community involvement.

Safe Community Spaces

In addition to outdoor programming, TRVYI creates supervised, low-barrier drop-in environments where youth can gather in spaces that prioritize:

• Belonging
• Connection
• Positive peer interaction
• Safety and support

These programs are already running successfully and are currently well-attended and at or near capacity, demonstrating both the relevance of the programs and the growing need within the community.

TRVYI has reached a critical stage of growth as participation and demand for programming continue to expand across the Robson Valley.

Programs are currently operating at or near capacity, demonstrating both the effectiveness of the model and the significant need for accessible youth programming within the community. Without additional support, there is a real risk that opportunities may need to be limited for youth who are already engaged, as well as those hoping to participate.

This is no longer a question of whether the programming works — it is a question of scaling responsibly to meet the growing demand.

With sustainable funding and increased support, TRVYI is positioned to:

• Expand mentorship opportunities
• Increase program accessibility
• Reach more youth throughout the region
• Strengthen long-term impact within the community

TRVYI plans to expand its Summer 2026 programming to serve even more youth throughout the Robson Valley.

This expansion will include:

• Additional outdoor adventure days
• Increased mentorship capacity
• Enhanced program coordination
• Improved safety infrastructure
• Greater accessibility for participating youth

At the heart of this expansion is a commitment to maintaining a “no youth turned away” approach wherever possible, ensuring that financial or logistical barriers do not prevent young people from accessing support, community, and meaningful opportunities for growth.