The ISABC Youth Sustainability Conference – Everything’s More Fun with the Right BEAT!

1 April 2026Tema BC, Hope '26

The ISABC Youth Sustainability Conference is an annual event held at UBC that brings together students from 27 independent schools across BC to learn about ways that individuals and communities can take action for the planet and change the game.

Throughout the day, students and teachers attended workshops where they were led in interactive and inspiring learning through discussion, activities, and presentations. This year’s fourth annual conference, “ReGeneration Rising: Cultivating Hope and Action” promised to be an engaging and powerful day for all who attended!

Sixteen students from Brentwood’s Environmental Action Team headed over to Vancouver for the day to attend the conference, accompanied by Mr Ganley and Ms Roy. They also played significant roles in the conference’s workings. Juliana V, Hope ‘27, bravely presented to the entire conference at the opening presentation, showcasing outstanding public speaking skills, Kate M, Alex ‘26 took on the role of documenting the events of the day with her photography. A group of Brentonians who have been leaders of various BEAT initiatives this year also hosted a workshop that was all about making environmental action FUN. The group educated their youthful audience about projects that they have worked on, including eating locally, waste sorting, interhouse competitions, thrifting, and more. And, to keep things fun – because that’s what the presentation is all about – we led the students through lots of games and activities, and offered some of the products of our hard work such as jam, apple juice, and fresh baking – thanks Kiana & Joanna. Micheal Q, Ellis ‘26 shared: “I had a lot of fun today and I hope the audience did too”. We hope that our workshop will allow students to see for themselves that while working to support the environment can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be boring. Generating motivation and enthusiasm is easier when environmental action is fun!

Not only did this team share their own work, but they also split up and attended many of the different workshops offered, from climate justice talks to learning about forest restoration, to eco-friendly crafts, gathering new skills, information, and ideas. Lila C, Hope 26, shared, “I loved this opportunity to go and present, it showed me how truly lucky we are to be a part of something so passionate and important as BEAT!”

A shoutout to all the BEAT members who attended for their hard work and leadership. This team did an outstanding job of representing Brentwood at this event and gathering lots of valuable knowledge and ideas to share with our school in the hopes of promoting sustainability on campus.

Last but not least, a huge thank you to Mr. Ganley and Ms Roy for their dedication in making it possible for BEAT to attend this event, and for supporting and leading students in organizing our workshop and getting the most out of this experience. “I was very proud of Brentwood’s contributions to the event. Kate M was the official photographer, Tema BC the official journalist, Juliana V spoke at the opening ceremony, and eight BEAT members presented a very energetic workshop on ‘Finding Fun in Climate Action’ to an enthusiastic audience. It was an impressive day for Brentwood’s young environmentalists,“ shared an enthusiastic Mr Ganley.

The Sustainability Conference offered the BEAT Team the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, connect with individuals who share similar passions, and learn from fellow environmentalists. The students who attended can’t wait to report back to the rest of the BEAT club, with the hopes of enriching the efforts of the club and helping to encourage more environmental action – and fun – for the rest of the year!

Tema BC, Hope ‘26

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