Big Sky Youth Empowerment
Chris Tarney is a seasoned youth program manager with diverse experience in outdoor education and guiding. Currently serving as the Program Manager at Big Sky Youth Empowerment since January 2022, Chris oversees a community living program for high school boys and teaches essential climbing skills. Previous roles include a Carpenter's Apprentice at Blue Ribbon Builders and Guide positions at Black Mountain Expeditions and Camp Timberlake, where Chris led outdoor activities such as fly fishing and climbing. Early career experiences involve risk management and instructional roles at Base Camp Cullowhee and Camp Wojtyla, as well as serving as a Land Sport Guide at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Western Carolina University.
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Big Sky Youth Empowerment
Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP) provides opportunities for vulnerable teenagers to experience success with the goal of becoming contributing members of the community through group mentoring and outdoor adventures. Youth voluntarily apply to BYEP's six year program with no cost to the family. The program engages teens in both experiential adventures and a social emotional life skills curriculum. Our curriculum covers developmentally appropriate topics such as conflict resolution, trust and teamwork, communication, identity, healthy relationships, suicide awareness, drug education, and sexual reproductive health. Adventures such as skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting provide opportunities for youth to “get outside and grow inside” while practicing the social emotional skills and tools they are learning in workshops.