Our History

During the fall and winter of 1976, the first group of Enviros youth workers and volunteers, along with eight youth, ventured into the wilderness of the Rocky Mountain foothills. This outing was not merely a "recreational outlet", it was an exercise in self-discipline and personal growth lasting eight months. While living in tents and attending school on-site, the youth managed to persevere, and succeeded in building the first Enviros wilderness facility. This success founded the legacy of experiential learning that has become the Enviros trademark in child, youth and family services.

Since 1976, Enviros has continued to offer innovative, family orientated programming to Alberta's children, youth and families. Since becoming an incorporated non-profit agency in 1980, Enviros has grown to become one of the region's most flexible and adaptive children, youth and family agencies.

Today, Enviros services have expanded to encompass a broad range of societal need ranging from programs for young offenders, family support services, emergency foster care, and helping young adults become successfully independent. We believe most people want to be successful, but repeated chronic patterns of crisis in their lives have left them with negative perceptions of the world, and of their place within it. By providing situations where people are supported, encouraged, and challenged to participate in new learning, Enviros assists them in making lasting changes effecting many aspects in their lives.

To a child or youth, or family who has experienced loss, chaos, disruption, and failure, each new experience is a lesson in potential. Enviros opens minds as well as doors, promoting social responsibility through personal action, interaction and accountability.

Program Values

Enviros believes in the strength of families and that wherever possible, families should remain together
Enviros programs offer individualized services to more than 200 children, youth and families every day.  Through experiential learning, individual and family counselling, life skills training and urban and wilderness programming, Enviros’ works to build on the strengths of families to enhance their relationships and overall well-being.

A firm belief in the value of experiential learning is the foundation of Enviros philosophy

Enviros’ experientially based programming teaches children, youth and families skills such as: respect, cooperation, independence, self-reliance and self-control.   At Enviros each young person is responsible for his/her own learning.  Using a competency-based approach Enviros programs aim to teach people fundamentals of family, community and responsibility.