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Unwind in Nature: A Forest Therapy Walk

Start Time

17:30

End Time

19:30

Date

May 9, 2025

Location

405 Spray Avenue

Spray River West Trailhead (near Fairmont Banff Springs)

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About the Event

Unwind and reconnect with nature on a guided Forest Therapy Walk led by certified guide Ken Ouendag. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing), this experience invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and find calm in the outdoors. Through gentle guided invitations, you’ll relax, clear your mind, and deepen your connection with the natural world—all while sharing this peaceful experience with a welcoming community. Spaces are limited—secure your spot now for this restorative nature experience!

TO REGISTER, click here https://banffpride.ca/events/unwind-in-nature-a-forest-therapy-walk-251

About the Host

Banff Pride is all about community, connection, and celebration. We create welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the Bow Valley through inclusive events, advocacy, and partnerships. From Pride Week celebrations to year-round programs, we’re here to foster a safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive Banff.

Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or new to town, Banff Pride invites you to be part of something bigger—a community that values diversity, visibility, and belonging. Join us for social gatherings, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Chair – Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW)
Term: 2 Years
Location: must live or work in Banff
Start Date: September 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

 

About BMHAW

Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW) is a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness in Banff and Lake Louise. Over the past two years, BMHAW has brought together partners from health, hospitality, community foundations, and residents to foster meaningful conversations and actions around mental health.

As BMHAW enters a potential new phase, the initiative is seeking a committed and community-minded Volunteer Chair to lead the next chapter of this important work.

 

Position Overview: Volunteer Chair

The Chair is a liaison and figurehead role, distinct from day-to-day coordination. Coordination will be done by a paid position. The Chair will guide the initiative strategically while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Note: This role must be independent—not affiliated with the government or any of the governing partner organizations.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Organize and lead Working Group and Program Working Group meetings

  • Ensure all activities align with the Terms of Reference

  • Hire and manage the BMHAW Coordinator on behalf of governing partners

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for BMHAW

  • Foster collaboration among working groups, partners, and community members

  • Manage the BMHAW budget

  • Provide updates (written and/or presentations) to stakeholders

  • Work with governing partners to identify and secure future funding

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven leadership in a community or nonprofit setting

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration

  • Commitment to building mental health awareness

  • Comfortable with light financial oversight and reporting

  • Familiarity with the Bow Valley region is an asset

 

Time Commitment

  • Approx. 8–10 hours/month, with flexibility depending on the phase of the initiative

  • Two-year volunteer term (renewable)

 

Next Steps

We are currently in a restructuring phase, and looking for a new chair by mid-September 2025. When the chair is appointed they will begin the new cycle of BMHAW including onboarding, transfer of key materials (e.g., bank account, website, social media), and hiring a new Coordinator.

 

How to Apply

If you're interested in serving as Chair or want to learn more, please express your interest to the email above bmhaw24@gmail.com.

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Join us in shaping the future of mental health awareness in the Bow Valley.

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