2019 Fall Recap

Fall 2019 was a season of change, growth, and transition as we said goodbye to our workshop space in eager anticipation of our newly renovated 8,000 square foot building. Fall 2019 programming, held in an alternative space (thank you First Baptist Church in Bozeman) consisted of 12 weeks of workshops and 10 adventures from mid-September through mid-December for participants entering grades 9-12. An average of 116 participants, 42 mentors, and 4 BYEP Program Managers engaged in small group social emotional workshops during the weeknights and ventured out on Sundays into the community. Fall adventures mainly focused on new opportunities and creative arts as we spent our Sundays rock climbing, zip lining, biathlon at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, Montana Science Center, pottery, photography, community service, and drum and dance. Adventures through BYEP gave participants the chance to connect with their group on a different level, learn a new skill, and build self-confidence. We graduated our largest class of youth out of our Crux program, celebrating 26 seniors in December.

9th Grade

Session 3: The overarching theme of this session was Coping Strategies. As participants navigate new social scenarios, transition into high school, and experience changing dynamics with friends and family, it is important for them to have tools to cope. Our curriculum included topics such as trust, self-expression, and emotional coping skills. Through these themes we sought to help participants gain awareness and confidence to grow and thrive. We continued themes such as teamwork, group norming and fun, as a way to strengthen group dynamics and transition smoothly into deeper concepts and group discussion. Participants who completed Session 3 have the skills to recognize, process and express their emotions, as well as the knowledge and skills to utilize available resources in their school and community.

Goals of the Session

1. Tools to succeed in High School

2. Develop Coping Strategies

3. Self Expression

10th Grade

Session 6: The overall goal of this session was to reflect upon the past five sessions of the Approach Program and prepare for the transition to Crux. We focused on Identity and Self-Expression. These themes were used to help participants think about who they are, and the kind of life that they want to create for their future. In order to hone in on these ideas, we set the stage with a mindfulness practice including meditation and a gratitude jar. Crux participants and program managers were invited to workshops to discuss our next theme on transitions and change, while also talking more specifically about the Crux Program. We completed a workshop focusing on community service and attended the Run for Your Life event. Adventures for this season included a multitude of electives designed to gain a more in-depth experience of a possible passion, along with some fun outdoor activities including zip lining, photography, Montana Science Center, drum and dance, pottery and community service. 

Goals of the Session 

1. Mindfulness in Identity

2. Self Reflection

3. Transitions and Change

11th Grade

Session 9: Session 9 was designed for 11th graders and marked the middle point in their Crux Program. During the 12 weeks of workshops, Crux participants dove further into identity and creativity. This session focused on internal and external conflict resolution and reinforced healthy systems for supporting independence, personal development, relationships, and future goals. Through a variety of workshops, participants refined their understanding of personal identity and discovered more tools for self-reflection and expression. Our intention was for creative activities and physically challenging adventures to support deeper reflection and self-discovery.

Goals of the Session

1. Exploring Creativity

2. Internal/External Conflict Resolution

3. Self Reliance & Independence

12th Grade

Session 12:  During the Fall Season, Crux participants established a deeper understanding of their identity, future goals, and planning to attain independence. This involved creating a better understanding of resources in the community to help participants attain professional goals, and discussed options for future avenues of academia or job placement. The latter half of the session involved reflecting on what has happened during participants involvement in BYEP as they prepared for the Crux Graduation ceremony. Groups supported each other in their process of reflection and participants gained closure from their time at BYEP. 12th-grade participants discovered what legacy they will leave behind at the end of the fall session. 

Goals of the Session 

1. Self Reliance

2. Self Reflection 

3. Goals after BYEP