Youth Programs

Beyond the Bell is a free after-school program to support mental health and social connection for teens in Lake Country.

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The program provides free access to supervised activities such as cooking classes, rock climbing, art workshops, and more. These activities are designed to help youth build connections with peers, access community resources, reduce social isolation, and strengthen life skills. ​

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To keep the program low-barrier, youth will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We trust that referral partners understand the program’s goals and will refer youth who are most likely to benefit. 

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Eligibility: 

• Youth in grade 9 or 10 who attend school in Lake Country. 

• Participants should be able to commit to attending all 10 registered activity sessions during the program term. 

 

Program Timelines

Activities take place Wednesday evenings after school during fall 2025 (Sep 24 - Nov 26) and winter-spring 2026, Feb 11 - Apr 29 (two-week break to observe March break).  Activities will be about 1.5 hours long in Lake Country or Kelowna.  

 

Transportation

Youth may arrive at the Lake Country Health office (10080 Main Street, Lake Country, BC, V4V 1T8) starting at 3:30 pm.  The bus departs promptly at 3:50 pm. Return time is typically 5:30–6:30 pm. Facilitators will remain at the office up to 30 minutes after arrival to support pickups or safe departure. 

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Food

Substantial snacks are provided either before departure, during the activity, or upon return, depending on the day’s schedule. 

 

Sample Activities

• Mini golf  

• Top-rope climbing classes  

• Ceramics hand-building classes 

• Movie at theatre 

• Cooking classes with a private chef & more.  

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To encourage participation, $10 gift cards (e.g., Tim Hortons, Starbucks) will be distributed to participants during select sessions.

 

Program Structure & Staffing 

Beyond the Bell is facilitated by Lake Country Health staff and qualified volunteers​. All facilitators will have: 

• Standard First Aid & CPR 

• Criminal Record Check 

• Positive Space Foundations Training 

• Mental Health Literacy Training 

• Direct and ongoing supervision and training by Lead Facilitator 

 

The Lead Facilitator (Mental Health Facilitator and Coordinator) will also have: 

• safeTALK training 

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy training 

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training 

 

Referral and Intake Process  

To make referrals, please complete the fillable referral form and email it to mental-health@lakecountryhealth.ca. If you are unsure about a referral or the process, please call 778-215-2105 or email mental-health@lakecountryhealth.ca.  

 

Upon receiving referrals, the Lead Facilitator will reach out to the identified contact (youth/parent/guardian) and complete an intake via phone call or set up an in-person meeting to complete the intake.