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How It Works
The youth apply to our program on their own initiative. Next, they’re paired up in a group of 6 with kids their own age and 3 volunteer mentors. The group then spends one day on the weekend getting outside. They also spend one night during the week working on what’s going on inside with workshops on communication and life skills.
We provide these opportunities for growth at no charge. Zip. Zilch. And the best part? If the BYEP’er has perfect attendance they can keep the gear. It’s our hope too that they have a few tools to get outside now and have grown a bit in the process too.
The Results
Since we started in 2001 we’ve seen kids come through our program with some pretty tough stories. But these same kids have come back to us. They come back and volunteer to be mentors and reach out to kids that are in the same place they were a few years ago.
This is our definition of success…when kids come through our program, grow, and give back.
In Their Own Words
BYEP: Who are you?
Robert: Robert, Age 15, 9th Grade - Bozeman High School
BYEP: What are your favorite memories from BYEP so far?
Robert: I have a ton of favorite memories because I’ve been in BYEP for 3 seasons now. I love the challenges of snowboarding, especially through the trees. And, I love meeting new people.
BYEP: Who is someone that you look up to and why?
Robert: I really look up to my mom (Trish). She works so hard to provide for us and she’s always been there for me. I also really respect Dave Granger because he helps a lot of kids and he’s cool.
BYEP: What has BYEP helped you overcome?
Robert: Before BYEP I hardly got the chance to get outside in the mountains. I wasn’t very active either. Now, I’m way in to snowboarding. Also, I didn’t get the chance to meet a lot of new people because I live out of town. BYEP has helped me make new friends.
BYEP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Robert: I want to have a good career, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I know I want to be in a solid relationship, too.
BYEP: How would you explain BYEP?
Robert: BYEP is THE best. It helps lots of kids from different situations. By getting to know the mentors and other kids, you get introduced to a lot of new things. BYEP gives you different ideas and options of how to live your life.
The Nuts & Bolts
- 8 Winter (Snowboarding and Skiing) and 6 Summer (Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, and Ropes Course) Programs
- The programs are Free
- 6 teenagers are paired with 3 trained/volunteer mentors for a 12 week long program
- One day during the weekend the group participates in an outdoor activity, one day during the week the group participates in a life skills workshop
Interested in Applying?
All you have to do is click on this sentence to apply by sending an email to Dave
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