The teenage years can be a challenging time. Many teens struggle with school, relationships, and other aspects of life. For some kids, though, adolescence is especially troublesome.
Luckily, there are many camps for troubled teens and youth across Canada (there are also schools for troubled teens). While most of these are summer camps, some also offer winter programs for troubled teens as well. And there are also both overnight and day options as well.
While all teens experience some growing pains, for some, these years are a particularly difficult adjustment. Troubled teens experience problems that go beyond the norm. Their problems tend to be more intense, persistent, and can lead to unpredictable behaviour.
Most troubled teens have problems at school and at home, as well as in their peer and family relationships. Many also develop serious emotional or behavioural disorders during adolescence:
They may also encounter other distressing issues as well:
Troubled teen camps, also known as “therapeutic camps,” are intended to help. They offer specialized programs for teens or youth who struggle with one or more of these serious issues.
Some troubled teen camps focus on one particular kind of disorder or issue, such as anxiety or ODD. Others provide support for a wide range of issues.
But, what kind of support do these camps offer? This, of course, will depend on the particular kinds of behavioural and emotional issues the camp specializes in.
But in general, camps for troubled teens tend to offer a diverse range of programs and services. These are meant to support and benefit teens and youth who are really struggling with life.
Each camp will have its own focus and areas of expertise. Keep this in mind as you’re searching for the right camp for your troubled child. In making your choice, you should also consider your child's age, gender, personality, challenges, disorders, interests, abilities, and more.
There are boys, girls, and coed troubled teen camps. And these camps use a myriad of approaches. For instance, there are boot camps and military camps for troubled teens. This includes boot camps for boys and girls. There are also wilderness programs, which offer outdoor education and exploration for troubled youth.
Below, find a list of camps in Canada for troubled teens and youth. Click on a camp to learn more about it, including its programs, cost, and session dates.
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A fun day for the entire family. Meet with students and parents, sit in on Literacy and Social Skills Workshops and take part in the Earth Day workshop. From 18 months to Gr. 8 [Read more]
Harbourfront Centre Camps
Since 1979, Harbourfront Centre Camps has provided a a unique setting in which learning and fun intersect. Our campers gain life skills through meaningful participation and in all facets of arts and contemporary culture. Harbourfront, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
from $285/week
sessions & dates
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Radiant Girls
A unique Girls Wellness Camp in a retreat setting. Featuring Yoga and Pilates, Outdoor Excursions, Hands-On Cooking, Coaching for Confidence & Emotional Intelligence, Meaningful Expressive Art, Fun & lots of giggling. Burlington; Hamilton; Milton
Traditional (multi activity)
from $50/day
sessions & dates
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Camp Portneuf
An educational and wholesome experience for campers aged 4 to 16 years old. 50 minutes from Quebec city, our camp develops a sense of community, adventure and an appreciation of their natural surroundings Saint-Raymond
Traditional (multi activity)
from $595/week
sessions & dates
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Camp Kennebec
An amazing summer camp experience for campers with special needs. All the fun of camp, with supportive and experienced staff to give your camper the summer of their life! The focus is on fun first! Sharbot Lake
Traditional (multi activity)
from $1,500/week
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e2 Young Engineers - North Vaughan
Young Engineers North Vaughan activities includes STEM program,school workshops,after school program, lunch time workshops, Special needs program,Birthdays parties and summer and winter camps Ontario (4)
Education (multi)
from $287/session
sessions & dates
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Ruth Rumack's Learning Space
Innovative group classes in various subjects including keyboarding, handwriting, art, and essay writing. We also offer test prep (SSAT, SAT, ACT) & personalized support for K-12, including those with learning differences South Annex, Toronto; Davisville Village, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
from $30/session
sessions & dates
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Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens
Supportive & therapeutic environment for struggling students. Assessment, educational support, life skills and outdoor activities. Earn school credit, acquire skills & stay safe! Kelowna; Barrie; Red Deer
Traditional (multi activity)
Cost Varies
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Abilities Centre
A traditional summer camp in a fun and educational environment for growth and development. Camp activities include sports and recreation, arts, cooperative games, swimming and more, all in a fully inclusive environment! Whitby
Traditional (multi activity)
from $190/week
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York University Lions Camps
Choose from a multi-sport summer camp, focus on a particular sport or try one of our adventure camps such as pirate, warrior training or superhero camp. Willowdale, Toronto
Sport (multi)
from $200/week
sessions & dates
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Institute of Canadian Education
A personalized interactive Summer Camp, providing more than 25 STEM learning modules in combination with variety of in-door and out-door activities. New Toronto, Toronto
Education: STEM
from $25/session
sessions & dates
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GTA Photography Classes : Camps
Photography & Video Camps for kids (8-12) & teens (13-18). Campers learn from award-winning photographers & apply their new skills on daily field trips. Give your child the BEST SUMMER EVER! Ottawa; Downtown East, Toronto; Illinois
Visual arts: Photo/Video
from $399/week
sessions & dates
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Kandalore
Kandalore is the finest traditional summer camp in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. Specialized leadership programs for 16 and 17 year olds. Minden
Traditional (multi activity)
from $2,460/2 weeks
sessions & dates
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Camp Can-Aqua
A traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Haliburton Highlands
Traditional (multi activity)
from $775/week
|
Northwaters & Langskib Canoe Tripping Programs
Wilderness canoe adventures with heart & meaning in separate boys, girls and coed programs. Trips weave together challenge, community and confidence to connect youth to the land, each other, and their own unique spirit. Temagami
Adventure: Wilderness Out-tripping
from $1,200/week
sessions & dates
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InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario
An award winning Christian summer camp in Muskoka for ages five to 17 featuring dozens of awesome activities, teen programs in leadership development and wilderness adventure & unforgettable experiences for every camper! Huntsville
Traditional (multi activity)
from $460/week
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McMichael Children and Youth Art Camps and Programs
The McMichael provides an unmatched backdrop for children, youth and family programs. For details on Children's Camps, Art Classes, Accessible Studio Workshops and Family Days, visit mcmichael.com today! Vaughan
Art : Visual arts (multi)
from $211/session
sessions & dates
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InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake
Circle Square Ranch is a life changing Christian summer camp for kids and teens ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, water sports and ropes. Your summer adventure starts here! Hamilton; Huntsville; Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Traditional (multi activity)
from $399/week
sessions & dates
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Camp Otterdale
Traditional summer camp for kids and teens in Eastern Ontario offering many outdoor activities including music, theatre arts. Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)
from $750/week
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YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka
A variety of values based camp programs offered through our day, family, leadership and overnight camps throughout the Simcoe Muskoka region Orillia; Midland
Traditional (multi activity)
from $175/week
sessions & dates
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Me to We Take Action Camp
Take Action Day & Overnight Camp are where young people will discover their potential through interactive team-building, specialized workshops, games and hands on volunteer experience, in a fun and inclusive environment! Arizona; Bethany; Corktown, Toronto
Education: Social Justice/Empowerment
from $400/week
sessions & dates
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Township of King
With a mixture of sports, arts, and nature based programs, you are sure to find the perfect camp or program for your child! High Five and OCA Certified. Visit www.king.ca for more information. King
Traditional (multi activity)
from $4/week
sessions & dates
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Neighbour Note Day Camps
Toronto's premier camps run by University Professors, TDSB Teachers, and extraordinary Musicians! (PhD, DMA). Our Rock Band camp instructor performed for over 10 000 people when his band opened for KISS in Mexico City! Humber Valley Village, Toronto; Mimico, Toronto; Bloor West Village, Toronto
Music (multi)
from $275/week
sessions & dates
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YMCA of Western Ontario Overnight Camps
The YMCA of Western Ontario offers two amazing overnight camps for campers aged 5-16 - YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth (CQE) in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and YMCA Camp Henry in Point Pelee National Park. London; Leamington; Port Severn
Traditional (multi activity)
from $515/session
sessions & dates
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Airborne Trampoline
Jump through summer with Airborne's Summer Trampoline Classes & Day Camps. Camp includes trampoline lessons and games, arts and crafts, games and movie room, daily outings, and a trip of the week. Newmarket; Vaughan
Sport: Trampoline
from $149/session
sessions & dates
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Lovell International Camps
Canadian run camp in the Swiss Alps. Offering a host of sports and activities including: Language, Skiing, Tennis, Golf, Horse Riding, Hiking, Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Cultural Excursions & Overnight Expeditions. International
Traditional (multi activity)
from $800/session
sessions & dates
|
Bricks 4 Kidz Woodbridge
With several camp themes, your child will be sure to have an experience they will never forget. We do two structured builds a day, along with games and art and crafts related to our theme of the week. Vaughan; Woodbridge
Education (multi)
from $70/session
sessions & dates
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Supercamp @ Vanier College
Supercamp @ Vanier college is an arts and sports-oriented day camp, with a multitude of activities to choose from. Moreover, our great staff will ensure that your child makes memories that will last a lifetime. Montreal
Traditional (multi activity)
from $187/week
sessions & dates
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Science and Technology Summer Camps UOIT
Get a unique science and tech education in this program by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, including LEGO Robotics, Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Girls only sessions, Family Camps, Educator sessions. Oshawa
Science (multi)
from $300/week
sessions & dates
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Toronto Zoo - Zoo Camp
Located at the Toronto Zoo, Zoo Camp offers unique adventures to stimulate kids' interest in the natural world. Go behind-the-scenes at Canada's largest zoo. Rouge, Toronto
Science: Zooology/Animals
from $265/week
sessions & dates
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STEAMlabs
A hi-tech maker space for curious hands-on kids. We use the latest tools and technologies, like 3D printing and laser cutting, to help your child bring their ideas to life. Downtown West, Toronto; Danforth Village, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Education (multi)
from $10/session
sessions & dates
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YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
Choose active and fun Neighbourhood day camps close to home, with themed weeks and out trips, OR a traditional outdoor day (or overnight) experience at Camp Otonabee with ropes, paddling, nature hikes, swimming and more Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)
from $140/week
sessions & dates
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Sylvan Learning Ottawa
Sylvan Ottawa offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) camps, tutoring and homework help programs for kids in JK to Grade 12. Attend full full day, half day or 1-hour after-school programs. Ottawa
Education (multi)
from $129/month
sessions & dates
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Kinark Outdoor Centre
A northern Ontario summer camp for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Minden
Traditional (multi activity)
from $1/week
|
Kids of Canada North Overnight Camp
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Overnight Camps near Haliburton offering traditional multi-activity or specialized Sports, Dance, Hockey & CIT Programs or a day camp in Richmond Hill specializing in hockey. Haliburton Highlands
Traditional (multi activity)
from $700/week
sessions & dates
|
Code-it Hacks
Blend of 5 flavors in our Kids Coding & Robotics Camp in Toronto! Learn to Code, Learn to build: Robotics & Circuits, Outdoor play:Logic Games & a field trip to a tech company! Never a dull moment in our camps & programs Downtown West, Toronto; Milton; Bloor West Village, Toronto
Computer (multi)
from $150/session
sessions & dates
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Camp Erin Toronto
Camp Erin Toronto is a weekend-long overnight bereavement camp in Muskoka for children and teens in the Greater Toronto area. This camp is only for children who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Parry Sound
Traditional (multi activity)
from $1/week
sessions & dates
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YMCA Camp Pine Crest
Have fun, make new friends and go on an adventure! A traditional overnight camp with activities ranging from wilderness trips and rock climbing to music and Frisbee golf. Financial aid is available. Torrance
Traditional (multi activity)
from $390/week
sessions & dates
|
Camp Oconto
Founded in 1924, Oconto is a traditional girls overnight camp located on the beautiful shores of Eagle Lake north of Kingston, Ontario. Over 20 activities are offered on 80 acres of land and 2km of shoreline. Sharbot Lake
Traditional (multi activity)
from $1,100/week
sessions & dates
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Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp
A traditional camp experience providing opportunities to connect with nature, build life-long friendships and encounter God through a variety of fun activities, great facilities and friendly staff. Kitchener
Traditional (multi activity)
from $215/week
sessions & dates
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Laurus Summer Camp
Montreal & Laval's #1 lifestyle summer day camp that blends fun, education and specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 to 15! Registration is Open for 2018! Montreal; Laval
Traditional (multi activity)
from $200/week
sessions & dates
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Outward Bound Canada
Est 1969. Inspiring, challenging journeys of self-discovery in the outdoors. Join an authentic, transformational adventure to see Canada at its finest, reach beyond your own boundaries, and tap in to your true potential. Kananaskis; Vancouver Island; Throughout Canada; Grand Manan; Algonquin Park
Adventure (multi)
from $699/week
sessions & dates
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Junior Red Riders
Can your child ride a two wheeled bicycle? Then we can teach them how to ride a DIRT BIKE! Fully comprehensive program focusing on FUN & SAFETY Markham
Sport: BMX / Motocross
from $150/session
sessions & dates
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Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Canning
Art (multi)
from $290/week
sessions & dates
|
Cedar Ridge Camp
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and active Bancroft
Traditional (multi activity)
from $890/week
sessions & dates
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Medeba Summer Camp
Medeba Summer Camp is an overnight camp that uses adventure and community to provide the best week of your child's summer! We provide a full range of traditional and extensive adventure activities to choose from. Haliburton
Traditional (multi activity)
from $679/week
sessions & dates
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Sylvan Learning Oakville
At Sylvan of Oakville, we have STEM Summer Camps, STEM Club, tutoring in JK-Gr. 12 math, reading, and writing, as well as SAT/ACT prep courses. Oakville
Education (multi)
from $195/session
sessions & dates
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E2 Young Engineers-Central Mississauga
A very innovative after school program that boosts learning of Science Tech Engineering Maths through Lego motorized models building. Used in 43countries around the world. Voted the best by Prince Charles of Whales. Mississauga
Education: STEM
from $25/week
sessions & dates
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Academic Camp Canada
A challenging academic camp with 30 hours of learning per week, including sciences, maths and even robotics, complimented with exciting activities and trips on a spectacular waterfront campus on the Pacific Ocean! Mill Bay; International
Education (multi)
from $6,000/3 weeks
sessions & dates
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YMCA Wanakita
A co-ed camp offering 1, 2 and 4-week Overnight and 1-week Day Camp sessions. We offer leadership development, a wide range of activities, tripping, a sense of belonging and fun. Come have the time of your life! Haliburton Highlands
Traditional (multi activity)
from $885/session
sessions & dates
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Sports Camps Canada
Our coed summer sports camps are geared toward kids ages 4-18 of all abilities and skill levels. From beginner to elite, there is a camp option for everyone. Improve Your Skills & Have SERIOUS FUN at Sports Camps Canada! North Toronto, Toronto; Vancouver; Calgary
Traditional (multi activity)
from $235/week
|
Brain Power Enrichment Programs
With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. North Toronto, Toronto
Education (multi)
from $325/session
sessions & dates
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Crestwood Valley Day Camp
A Toronto DAY camp offering 20-25 Daily Activities, Baseball and Basketball Camps, LIT/CIT,*"5' Heated Inground Salt Pools*w/daily lessons-WEEKLY CARNIVAL, Gymboree & ROSE REISMAN CATERING! LOW RATIOS! Call 416.444.9595 Bridle Path, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
from $545/week
sessions & dates
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