Empowering Youth: Hands-On Workshops and Outdoor Experiences to Strengthen Mental Well-Being and Ease the Transition to High School

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, nearly 100 Grade 8 students from Handsworth, Sutherland, Windsor, and West Vancouver Secondary Schools in North and West Vancouver, BC took part in a special JA experience at Grouse Mountain.

This one-day, in-person summit—rooted in the JA Success Skills program—was designed to ease the transition to high school by equipping students with tools to strengthen mental well-being, build resilience, and develop life skills.

Thank you to our keynote speaker, Chris Wilson. Chris Wilson is a former helicopter pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer with 14 years of experience navigating high-pressure decisions in remote environments. Now a keynote speaker, founder, and two-time bestselling author, Chris blends cockpit decision-making with grounded leadership insights. He’s been trusted by leading organizations, including TED, UC Berkeley, UBC, and the Project Management Institute, to help individuals and teams lead with clarity, navigate uncertainty, and build unstoppable momentum.

Learn more about Chris

Meet our Chief Encouragement Officers

Sofia Lopez

I first became involved with JA when I joined the JA Company Program in grade 12. Through this program, I grew interested in business and entrepreneurship and developed a strong relationship with my local JA charter, JABC. This experience led me to emcee the JABC Leadership Breakfast, moderate JA’s World of Choices program, mentor Company Program students, create and host JABC’s first Summer Start-Up Camp, and intern with JABC. Currently, I am involved with JA Canada as a youth advisor and have been featured in the Globe and Mail and the Success Skills Seminar.

Marsten Sequeira

My journey with JA began through JABC’s Virtual Company Program, where I served as VP of Finance for my student-led business. This experience sparked my passion for entrepreneurship and business, inspiring me to return as a Program Facilitator to support and mentor future participants. Now, as a member of the JA Canada Youth Advisory Council, I am excited to help expand JA’s impact by inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in today’s global economy.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the City of North Vancouver through their Community Grant program.

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