Nestled in the mountains of Montana, the Big Sky Youth Empowerment Program (BYEP) is a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of local youth through outdoor and adventure-based mentorship and life skill development programs. Since its founding in 2001, BYEP has served middle and high school students facing mental health struggles, unstable home lives, and other traumas through a wellness-based curriculum. BYEP empowers youth by providing engaging outdoor adventures while simultaneously teaching essential life skills and self-confidence. 

Workshops

Each year, BYEP’s program is divided into three distinct sessions (or “seasons”), each lasting 12 to 13 weeks and offering ten hours of curriculum programming per week, split between a weekday workshop and an outdoor adventure. The weekday workshops, limited to six to eight students per session, provide a safe space for learning life skills and discussing current challenges. These sessions focus on wellness, covering emotional, financial, and community well-being topics. BYEP provides a free outdoor adventure each Sunday, from winter skiing to summer whitewater rafting and paddleboarding. These outdoor adventures remove youth’s barriers to participating in various outdoor activities.

Mentorship

Volunteer mentors aged 21 to 25 lead the BYEP program, bringing relatable and positive influence from the local community. Each mentor is assigned a small group to meet with during the weekly workshops, allowing them to develop close and trusting connections with their participants. Through consistent small group support, mentors guide youth in goal-setting, positive decision-making, and self-reflection.

Growth

BYEP’s mission is encapsulated in its motto; “Get outside. Grow Inside.” They create a community where vulnerable teens can experience a sense of belonging and purpose through outdoor adventures, mentorship, and a newfound connection with peers and the outdoors. Students choose to participate in the Big Sky Empowerment Program and commit to empowering themselves to become better individuals and community members.

BYEP is a transformative experience for the youth in Gallatin County. It offers more than exposure to the beautiful outdoors of Montana; it is a unique opportunity for lasting growth. It creates an environment where young people can learn, connect, and develop resilience through structured support and opportunities for self-discovery. 

To learn more or get involved check out BYEP’s website: https://www.byep.org/