Amber Academy is a non-profit organisation in Sooke, BC with a focus to create healthier and higher qualities of life for youth by empowering them through the fine arts.
Not every child is an extrovert, but all children are creative in their own way. Amber Academy offers a variety of classes in visuals arts as well as stage arts and more. Throughout the year, students from each of our classes will collaborate together with the goal of creating multiple performances - including a musical theatre production almost entirely driven by the students themselves!
As students acquire and master new skills, we will coordinate opportunities for students to collaborate with other local arts groups on their projects where volunteers are needed in artistic shows and productions in addition to Amber Academy’s own performances. By showing our students how to link their individual growth to wider social responsibilities they learn to be productive and confident members of the community.
Our goal is to empower youth not only in the arts but in life skills, volunteerism, and community service. With the right guidance and mentors there are no limits to what young people can achieve!
Amber Sandford
1977 - 2016
School had always been a challenge for Amber. From the first grade, she struggled both academically and socially. In her third grade, it was determined that Amber had dyslexia among other learning disabilities. Like many kids with learning disabilities, she grew to perceive herself as being “hopeless”. Over time, her diagnosis became stigmatizing. Often not “fitting in” or being bullied contributed to her developing a low sense of self-worth. Before she reached her teen years, Amber had begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. She quit school in eighth grade and the majority of her life from then on was spent seeking love and acceptance from anyone who seemed to “connect with her”. However, she often became a victim of their own struggles, addictions or abuse. Amber died tragically at the age of 39.
Amber Academy is dedicated to engaging youth in pro-social activities focused on the fine arts to encourage positive youth development that may aid in the prevention of high-risk problem behaviours and help young people become confident, productive and healthy adults.
Our Logo
The Hummingbird symbolizes great courage, determination, flexibility and adaptability. He is only a few ounces in weight, yet has the courage of a lion - size is of no consequence. The Hummingbird represents fearlessness and lightness of being.
Hummingbird meaning reminds us that there are times when we have to make a difficult journey to get to the destination of our goal, there will be obstacles, symbolizing the need for endurance and perseverance. Hummingbird challenges you to say "yes I can", and believe it will be done.
The motion of the Hummingbird's wings creates the infinity symbol. Hummingbird can stop on a dime in mid-flight, can fly backwards and from side to side. With skillful maneuvering, anything is possible.