Empowerment Programs
Five unforgettable days of friendship and self
“Flourish Education and Mentorship Programming ended up helping me through emotions that I didn’t know I needed help with. And it wasn’t in a sudden way like just addressing it. It was through time and being in touch with myself.”
About our FREE Youth Empowerment Programs:
Thanks to the growing financial support of our community and our deep commitment to eliminate financial barriers to participation, all of our Empowerment Programs are offered free of charge. These five-day, in person “camps” are designed for girls and gender-diverse youth ages 10-14 and take place over Spring Break and Summer Break.
Our Empowerment Programs are hosted in partnership with local Community Centres and organizations across the Lower Mainland. See below for current locations.
We offer 4 different program themes named after the birds of the Pacific Northwest, each exploring different concepts related to young womanhood/adulthood. In every program, learning is balanced with a daily dose of nature time, games and relevant crafts for each program. Click here to learn more about each theme.
A very unique component of our Empowerment Programs is our adult connection time on Friday afternoons where we invite one special adult to join us to immerse themselves in our program experience with their child. We recognize this is not always possible and will always ensure every child feels supported.
Our Approach:
In all Flourish programs, we create a space of radical acceptance for girls and gender-diverse youth. We celebrate the ways we are both unique from each other and unified in our shared experiences and concerns. Participants are supported to explore the joys and challenges that come with growing up in a fun, judgement-free environment while learning skills such as leadership, communication, and self-trust.
Our programs are LGBTQ2SIAP+ inclusive and we warmly welcome gender-diverse youth.
How to Apply:
In an effort to promote accessibility, our programs are By Application and are NOT first come first served. Approximately 2-3 months prior to each program season, we will open applications here on our website. Our application process is thorough and includes questions about participation interests, demographics and personal needs. Applications are reviewed by an internal committee and we do our best to build safe and supportive cohorts for our youth and Program Facilitators, based on our values and programming priorities.
As interest in our programs grows, we will do our best to accommodate as many youth as possible. However, given the nature of our work, it is important to keep our group sizes small (maximum 12 youth per program). If we cannot accommodate everyone, we will do our best to make space available in an alternate program.
Your Commitment:
Our programs are in high demand. We kindly ask that you consider your application seriously and remain committed to attending should a space be offered to your child. This includes daily punctuality, consistent attendance and adhering to our cancellation policy.
Flourish Education and Mentorship Society is a registered not-for-profit charity. If your family is able, we warmly welcome donations to help sustain and expand this work. If you are not able to give at this time, your child will absolutely not be excluded from participating.
Summer Empowerment Camps 2026
Week One – Hummingbird Camp
Dates: June 29 – July 3, 2026 (4 days)
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Trout Lake Community Centre Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
Week Two – Hummingbird Camp
Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Gibsons Farm
Mentor: Althea Pavel
Week Three – Kingfisher Camp
Dates: July 13 – 17, 2026
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Trout Lake Community Centre
Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
Week Four – Preteen Empowerment Camp
Dates: July 20 – 24, 2026
Time: 10:30am-4pm
Location: North Shore Women’s Centre
Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
*Registration will be done through NSWC and will be open from early May to the end of June
Week Five – TBA
Dates: July 27 – 31, 2026
Check back for more information.
Week Six – Hummingbird Camp
Dates: August 4 – 7, 2026 (4 days)
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: West Point Grey Community Centre
Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
Week Seven – Kingfisher Camp
Dates: August 10 -14, 2026
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: West Point Grey Community Centre
Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
Week Eight – Blue Heron Camp
Dates: August 17 – 21, 2026
Time: 10am-3pm (Friday will end at 12pm)
Location: PearlSpace Whistler
Mentor: Althea Pavel
*Registration will be opening soon. Please check back for more information.
Week Nine – Preteen Empowerment Camp
Dates: August 24 – 28, 2026
Time: 10:30am-4pm
Location: North Shore Women’s Centre
Mentor: Abi Franceschetti
*Registration will be done through NSWC and will be open from early May to the end of June
“She loved it from beginning to end and came home excited and bubbling everyday. She felt comfortable and included which is rare for her in groups. This is a testament to the accepting and empowering atmosphere of Flourish Education and Mentorship Society”