“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.”
Empowerment Program Themes
Our programs are named after birds of the Pacific Northwest to honour their relevance and symbolism to the Coast Salish peoples on whose unceded land we base our operations. We currently offer two themes for youth ages 10-12 and two themes for 12-14. Youth are welcome to join for one theme and return for another theme another season. There are no prerequisites to any of the programs.
For 10-12 Year Olds:
Hummingbird: Hummingbirds are messengers of joy, friendship, playfulness and beauty.
- Examining stereotypes and body positivity
- Navigating friendship and power dynamics
- Creating a culture of dignity and respect for all
Kingfisher: Kingfisher birds symbolize right timing, moving forward in life and abundance.
- Physical developments and emotional shifts
- The diversity of anatomy in different bodies (female, male, intersex)
- An in-depth look at menstruation
We acknowledge the financial support of the province of British Columbia.
For 12- 14 Year Olds:
Blue Heron: Blue herons represent patience, elegance and grace.
- A deep dive into media’s portrayal of the female form
- Seeing the real beauty in diversity
- Creating new media that reflects body love and positivity
Owl: Owls teach us about intuition and wisdom, foresight and sacred knowledge.
- Gender identity, sexuality and attraction
- A model for healthy intimate relationships that includes values, emotions, knowledge, the body and communication
- Consent, boundaries, self- and shared pleasure
- Safety: sexting and pornography
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
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”