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Back 40: Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project
Published
12 years agoon
By BYEP Crux participant Bozeman High School 11th grader
I’m one of the many kids in Big Sky Youth Empowerment that hasn’t had a decent or stable home life. Ever since I’ve been able to pour milk into a cereal bowl, I’ve been taking care of myself. When I was little I couldn’t keep track of how many times we moved. Whether it was me being handed off by my mom to my grandparents or moving to places I could never call home, it was awful.
For a long time, my mom dealt with bad drug addictions. I never really understood what was going on with her until I was 13. My mom confessed to me that she was using meth. She knew I was immensely affected.
I faced a lot of challenges because I always felt alone, angry and ashamed of what life was for me. My focus in school lacked majorly, and I rarely asked for help from anyone. The only things that had meaning for me were my dad and volleyball.
Then, last year, I was introduced to Big Sky Youth Empowerment’s Approach Program by one of my friends. At first, I was shy with my mentors and the other five kids in my group because BYEP was a whole new experience. Then I began to open up. Every Wednesday, we did workshops that were based on things like trust, teamwork, and basic skills. My group started to bond as the season went on. On Sundays, we went to shred at Big Sky Resort, which is something I had never done before. It was amazing.
The three mentors (Mike, Stephanie and Brooke) were a big part of BYEP for me. They were the people that helped shape my thoughts about who I want to be; I finally felt like I wasn’t being ignored and that my thoughts and ideas mattered. I felt more at peace with myself because I began to understand that my mom’s problems weren’t my fault. The Approach provided a positive environment for me. After I finished the Approach, I knew I wanted to be in the Crux program. So I applied, got interviewed and was accepted after sophomore year.
The Crux provides the same basic structure as the Approach, but it helps older teens (juniors and seniors) prepare for the future. I’m stoked to be a part of the Crux because it encourages us to finish high school, which is now really important to me. We’ve learned a lot so far, like how to get into college, find a job, and learn what we want to do with our lives in the future. The Crux brings a lot of fundamental skills to the table that kids our age need.
BYEP’s programs have the power to turn kids’ problems into life opportunities. I’m so thankful that BYEP has become a part of my life.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm