Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is quite a unique attraction, and throughout the year, it gives visitors a glimpse into the beauty and ruggedness of the area in which we live.
During the fall and winter, the Park transforms into a magical experience, with millions of lights, treats, and activities.
The Park was kind enough to provide passes to youth, who access our programs and services, so that they could visit this holiday tradition.
Volunteer excursion leaders took six youth, who had never visited the Park before, to experience the lights. The young people enjoyed walking through the tree canopy, crossing the Suspension Bridge, exploring the canyon walk, and participating in the scavenger hunt. A soft mist in the forest made the experience feel especially enchanting.
Bradley, one of the excursion leaders, shared his experience. He recently joined Covenant House Vancouver (CHV) as a volunteer excursion leader.
Bradley believes that these experiences are important to young people because “They [excursions] are about navigating life — interacting with people, managing feelings within a group, and seeing how those feelings affect our interactions at that time.”
He noted, “It’s wonderful to see the youth team up, mingle with one another, and support each other. When [a] youth felt uneasy [about the canopy walk], the group was there for [them], offering encouragement and a sense of safety.”
In closing, Bradley said, “Watching the youth, I often smile both outwardly and inwardly. Their raw emotions sometimes bring up echoes from our own past, and that’s okay — we all carry a vulnerable youth within us. At times, it even brings tears to my eyes, because the resilience they show is so powerful.”
Happy New Year, from all of us at CHV!