A supportive & therapeutic environment for struggling teens: locations near Barrie, Ontario; near Red Deer, Alberta and in Kelowna, British Columbia. Our summer program combines assessment, educational support, life skills, and outdoor activity delivered by skilled counsellors, teachers and experienced frontline staff. Earn school credit, acquire skills and stay safe!

The Our Kids review of Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens

Venture Academy was founded in 2000 by Gordon Hay in order to provide support for students who, for a range of reasons, weren’t thriving within traditional academic settings. Hay had worked with teens in outpatient and resident treatment settings, as well as within corrections programs. He is the first to say that so many of the stories he has heard over the years are heartbreaking, and the impact of so many of those stories has been profound. That said, while he perhaps doesn’t use the term, he created Venture as an atmosphere of hope—a place of understanding, including the understanding that positive change can be made. It’s about working with the individual, but it’s also about working closely with families, not just teens in isolation from them. It’s an impressive model, evident in the success that Venture has had over the years. There are now locations in Kelowna, BC, Red Deer, Alberta, and Barrie, Ontario, though Venture extends well beyond the bricks and mortar, and operates today as an umbrella organization, bringing together expertise, parents, and teens. The goal isn’t to silo teens, but rather to provide the kind of care, support, and understanding needed to help overcome the challenges they face. The summer programs extend all of that through the summer months, providing a positive environment for those already enrolled in the Venture program, as well as those who may be entirely new to it. It’s true that camp can be a life-altering experience for many young people, and the Venture programs further prove that point.

• I Am Appreciative

  Being at Venture has given me an opportunity to look at my life from an outside perspective. There have been many positive experiences since I have been here. I have gotten to meet some really great people that I am going to miss so much. We have had some really fun times together, like in the summer when we went’ white-water rafting, rock climbing, camping, and all the times we went to the beach. I really enjoyed hanging out with this family and getting to know everyone. I liked being able to talk about things in my life without feeling like I was being judged. In my future, I see myself leading a much healthier life. I have learned that I don'€™t need drugs to have a good time. I have also learned new ways to communicate with my parents effectively. Another important thing I have learned is that my parents do love and care for me no matter what I do, even when they are angry and it doesn'€™t seem like it. I want to start taking care of myself, eating healthier, and exercising. I see myself graduating high school with fairly good grades and possibly going to either college or University. I also see myself getting a job, and volunteering at the SPCA with all the animals. Hopefully, the future will bring a good, understanding relationship with my parents. In a year or two I see myself moving out and starting my own life. I am very appreciative for all the care and support everyone at Venture Academy has shown me.