First Impressions

A Note from Danica Jamison

August 2022

BeeeeeeeeeeeeYeP! This is the sound of BYEP, the sound of belonging. At the end of my first day as the new Executive Director at BYEP in mid-July, I was invited to join a huddle for this group beeeeeeeeYeP! It is a cheer I had never heard before, and I will never forget the sense of belonging and connection that we felt in that closing activity of the day. A group of eight teens, three volunteer mentors, a BYEP Program Manager, and I had just wrapped up a three hour Monday workshop with a circle of sharing. We shared one thing we appreciated about someone in the group, we shared our highs and lows of the week, and we shared an example of how we felt supported by a community. 

I was deeply impressed with how comfortably each of the teens opened up to share their lows and thoughtfully expressed how they were feeling. While they were invited to speak about any community, every teen voiced that BYEP was a community in which they felt they could be themselves and felt supported by. They shared specific examples. There was a sense of trust, shared understanding, and compassion. 

Building an inclusive community is at the heart of what we do at Big Sky Youth Empowerment, and on a recent Sunday adventure I joined, I was able to witness just that. On an activity on the AMB West Challenge Course at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch (MSGR), I saw a group of teens encourage each other to engage at whatever height they each felt comfortable with — accepting and empowering each other to voice their boundaries, thereby building trust and respect. MSGR is one of many of our amazing community partners who expand horizons for teens through life-changing experiences and lessons.

In talking to the teens themselves, the impact of BYEP becomes apparent. On the way to the high ropes course a 13-Year-Old participant told me in the van that she would like to be part of BYEP as long as she can — from 7th grade until 12th grade — and she wishes more teens could participate in BYEP. She is not alone in that wish. I am excited to join BYEP and help make that wish a reality with the support of our BYEP community. Our community partners, businesses, foundations, and passionate donors make it possible for BYEP to bring a stabilizing, life-transforming program for teens 36 weeks of each year.  

Just in this short time it has already been inspiring to witness teens courageously show up each day to do the hard work of inner growth, to authentically be who they are, and to challenge themselves and support each other during outdoor adventures! And I am delighted to say that the BYEP team including staff, board, and dedicated volunteers are absolutely incredible. They have each generously helped me feel welcome.

I look forward to creating opportunities for even more teens to experience the deep sense of belonging our BYEP community offers, and I welcome you to join me on this journey!

Warmly,

Danica
Executive Director

Danica Jamison started her position as Big Sky Youth Empowerment’s Executive Director in mid-July 2022. Learn more about Danica and her background here. If you have questions or would like to welcome her, you can send an email to danica[at]byep.org.