Teens Alive 1

Book now to receive CAD $60.00 off the regular price. To qualify for the discount, the remaining balance must be paid on or before Jul 17, 2026. This offer is valid until Jul 17, 2026. Package pricing includes room, regular tuition, and meals.

CAD $850.00 – Teens Alive

Date & Time Details:

Saturday August 15th - start with dinner at 6pm

Thursday August 18th - finish with lunch

Address: 240 Davis Rd, Gabriola, BC

Contact: Email or phone to register

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Email us about program

This is the first of two back-to-back 3-day programs offered in 2026, and it is a prerequisite for Teens Alive 2. At the same time, Come Alive is also being offered for parents and caregivers of teens.

Now in its 33rd year, Teens Alive has helped more than 500 teens build emotional resilience, communicate authentically, practice compassion for themselves and others, and form meaningful connections. While some participants have arrived feeling unsure, many have returned year after year.

Originally created by Linda Nicholls and David Raithby, the program invites teens into an engaging exploration of self-awareness, curiosity, and lasting community. With a refreshed format and co-leadership by Linda Nicholls and Annika Raithby, Teens Alive provides foundational tools for creating healthy relationships while strengthening the inner capacity to support oneself emotionally.

Throughout the program, teens learn to respect themselves and others, express themselves with confidence, meet challenges with resilience, and grow through difficult life experiences. In an environment that welcomes questions, new perspectives, emotional literacy, and play, participants build confidence, discover fresh ways of relating, and have fun along the way.

Teens Alive is designed for ages 14 to 19 who want to:

• Become comfortable speaking their own truth in a responsible way
• Develop stronger self-esteem and self-acceptance
• Be less defensive and more curious and outgoing
• Make relationships work
• Deal with conflict
• Discuss topics like friendship, school, sexuality, music, violence, drugs, families, authorities, social media, global issues, and career
• Have fun and get to know other teens
• Enjoy The Haven's beautiful natural surroundings and oceanside facilities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, gym, and games room

Testimonials:

Teens Alive is unlike anything else. It changed every part of my life and reshaped how I relate to myself and the world around me. It felt like years of healing in a very short time, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. Maia Hoile, 2018/2019/2022 participant

Teens Alive was an incredible experience. I met so many wonderful people, formed lasting connections, learned tools that help me handle challenges and stress, and discovered things about myself I hadn’t previously noticed. The leaders were kind, welcoming, and encouraging, and I felt I could truly connect with them. The mix of learning, communication, and fun made it unforgettable. Lumay, 2022 participant

Teens Alive had a greater impact on me than I understood at the time. I made lifelong friendships and, because my mom attended the adult program, we were able to work on communication skills together. As an adult, I use the tools I learned every day. I’m now a business owner, and those communication skills help me understand my clients’ needs, listen more effectively, and express my own needs clearly. In relationships, they have helped me stay grounded and strong in tense moments. I would highly recommend that parents bring their kids to Teens Alive — even if they resist at first, they may be asking to stay after day one. Sarah Kirkpatrick, participant and youth leader

Investment:

• Earlybird tuition is $850 per participant
• Meal package for 3 days is $240 (the meal package is not optional for teens, parents/guardians)
• A parent or guardian must accompany any youth attending programs. Accommodation charges range from $435 to $1140 for a 3 night stay depending on room type and number of people in the room.

Schedule:

Your program begins with dinner at 5:45pm and your first session at 7:00pm

Daily schedule:

• Breakfast 8:00 – 8:45am
• Morning session 9:00am to 11:45am
• Lunch noon to 1:00pm
• Afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm
• Dinner 5:45 – 6:30pm
• Evening session 7:00 – 9:30pm

Afternoon and evening sessions may vary. The program ends with lunch on the final day.

Leaders

Annika Raithby

Annika Raithby is a group facilitator devoted to helping people feel more connected to themselves, their friends, and their family. She believes this kind of personal growth is essential for people to deepen their sense of self, expand their passions, and make a positive impact in their lives and the world around them. Annika studied Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University and trained extensively at The Haven on Gabriola from a young age. Her knowledge and experience sparked a lasting interest in working with young people and families. She also enjoys hands-on creativity.

Linda Nicholls

Linda Nicholls DipC is an elder and has been guiding transformational circle work for more than thirty-five years across North America and internationally. She is Senior Faculty with The Haven Institute on Gabriola Island, BC, Canada. Her work with people of all ages and several cultures includes programs focused on body, breath and energy training; conscious breathwork; shadow exploration; communication skills; sexuality; grieving; defining boundaries; conscious alternatives to depression; renewing relationships; and guiding teens and youth into adulthood.