In a quiet corner of West Courtenay, something exceptional is happening after the final school bell rings.
At Lake Trail Community School, classrooms and gardens come alive, filled with intergenerational laughter, learning, and the warmth of community — thanks to the Lake Trail Community Education Society.
For Roderick, a full-time working father and widower, these after-school programs have made all the difference. His daughter and son have been welcomed by staff for years, even before one of them was old enough to officially attend.
What began as a convenient after-school option three or four days a week has become a vital source of support for dozens of local families.
“It’s more than just fun activities,” Roderick said. “It’s about learning life skills—gardening, cooking, crafting, teamwork, compassion. Sometimes a little hard work and helping someone else is what really builds a stronger community.”
That community spirit is exactly what the Education Society was built to nurture. As a charitable organization based out of Lake Trail Community School, it has transformed after-hours hallways into a vibrant hub of connection. From free youth programming and a thriving community garden to drop-in nights, cooking classes, and a salad bar that serves hundreds of students each week, the society makes its programs accessible— financially and physically.
Founded nearly 15 years ago by a group of community members, it is now an essential part of life in West Courtenay. Its work addresses food insecurity, mental wellness, and inclusion, guided by one central belief: everyone deserves to feel they belong.
Last year, the Society offered 23 free after-school programs and expanded its reach with a mobile food pantry, community drop-in nights and workshops, and supports for young people, including marginalized youth. Most of the programs are free or low-cost, driven by community interest and need.
“We’re really guided by what the community wants,” said Anna Rambow, the Society’s executive director. “Sometimes students come to us and say they want to learn to sew or make stop motion animation. Other times, it’s a community member who has the time and energy to offer a skill, and we find out if students are interested.
“We help the community support each other,” said Rambow. “It’s beautiful to watch families come together to build relationships with one another, even beyond our programs. We are just the framework for connection. Our goal is to keep offering spaces where people feel connected, supported, and valued.”
For Roderick, the impact is personal. “Not all families can afford extra programs, but this gives our kids a chance to grow and thrive,” he said. “There’s nothing better than strengthening your community from the inside out.”
And that’s exactly what the Lake Trail Community Education Society is doing — one connection at a time.
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