Support For Teens
Belonging Builds Resilience.
Creating safe, engaging experiences where young people build connection, confidence, and practical skills for emotional wellbeing.
Helping Teens Thrive.
The Ryan Bartel Foundation creates safe, supportive spaces where middle and high school students can connect with others, explore new experiences, and strengthen their mental wellness.
Through engaging workshops, support groups and activities, teens ages 12–18 build practical coping skills, confidence, healthy relationships, and tools for navigating stress, loneliness and everyday challenges.
Every program is designed to help young people feel encouraged, supported, and empowered to grow.
The FORT.
A three hour weekend experience where young people can be themselves, find belonging, and connect with peers. Through shared activities across expressive arts, mindfulness, time in nature, animal-assisted therapy, and movement, participants build friendships and discover practical coping skills they can draw on when facing loneliness, stress or emotional challenges.
The FORT Camp.
A 2-5 day program offered during school breaks, giving teens extended time to build friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and explore new ways to care for their mental wellbeing. Workshops encourage teens to push past comfort zones, embrace a growth mindset, and practice coping strategies they can carry into everyday life.
The FORT At School.
Brings our experiential workshops directly into schools, through a series of one-hour sessions over 4–6 weeks. Designed to increase access for students who may not attend weekend programs, these sessions focus on building resilience, strengthening connection, and teaching practical skills for handling stress and emotional challenges.
The FORT Hangout.
Ongoing opportunities for teens to unwind, build friendships, and connect in a supportive environment. Through games, group discussions, and free time, teens practice social skills, set healthy boundaries, and encourage one another under the guidance of a mental health professional.
The FORT Ambassadors.
A year-long leadership opportunity for high school students to serve as peer mentors in FORT programs and advocates for mental wellness in their schools and communities. Ambassadors welcome new participants, spread awareness of FORT programs, and help ensure every teen feels included.
Participants receive training in mental health literacy, leadership, mentoring, social media, and storytelling — developing leadership skills while making a positive impact on peers.
