For some troubled teens, teen boot camps have been the much-needed answer to their self-destructive behaviour. When other options like grounding, revoked privileges, detentions, family counseling, one-on-one therapy, even self-help and parenting books yield no decrease in the harmful habits of troubled teens, families have turned towards teen boot camps across Canada as a radical solution. Read more
These places help at-risk teens gain life skills and perspective through programming tailored to their needs. Camps here may have professionally-trained leaders and professionally-developed curriculum designed specifically to support them.
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FEATURED
St. Jude’s Academy Our Family of Schools Camps Mississauga; Orangeville
Our Family of School Camps offer an exciting array of fun, activity-based programs for campers of all ages. Camps provide opportunities for exploration, creativity and personal growth within a positive atmosphere. Read more...
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FEATURED
Bayview Village, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto; Calgary; Vancouver
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! Read more...
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Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens Barrie; Red Deer
Supportive & therapeutic environment for struggling students. Assessment, educational support, life skills and outdoor activities. Earn school credit, acquire skills & stay safe! Read more...
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Mississauga; Oakville
Get the kids cooking and learning more life skills! Our program has both virtual and in-person options! The kids are loving cooking together to make tasty foods for their family. Read more...
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The Progressive Centre is a tutoring agency that provides educational support programs for students in all subject areas and grades. We offer in-home and online tutoring programs for students in the GTA. Read more...
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Annex, Toronto; Davisville Village, Toronto; Deer Park, Toronto
Cutting-edge Direct Instruction and academic support centre in Toronto offering 1-to-1 individual support for students K-12, innovative group classes and standardized test preparation for SSAT, SAT, and ACT. Read more...
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Port Moody
Camps, classes and preschool that are Active, Creative, and a Mix of Indoor and Outdoor! From lake days to art/drama classes, abacus math to music - we have a balanced curriculum that keeps the kids engaged. Read more...
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Minden
A central Ontario summer camp for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The KOC is located in Minden, Ontario. Situated on 600 hectares of land nestled in the forest along the shores of Grey Lake. Read more...
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These camps and programs may have a general population of teens, while also offering an environment where kids with struggles can find some support.
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FEATURED
Bloor West Village, Toronto; High Park, Toronto
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 Read more...
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FEATURED
JUST BEE YOU is an online summer camp escape to have kids tap into the CERTAINTY of who they are and their own magnificent superpowers. Read more...
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FEATURED
WillowWood School Camp and Summer School Don Mills, Toronto
WillowWood offers 3 different summer programs: camps for Grades 1-6, skills programs for Gr. 7-9 and high school credits for students in Grades 9-12. Read more...
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FEATURED
Davenport, Toronto
Do you have a PERFORMER on your hands? Our week-long camps will explore the world of the performing arts! From commercial, TV & film acting to stage performances and musicals! Read more...
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FEATURED
Cambridge; Oakville
YMCA of Oakville Child and Youth Programs and Summer Day Camps are offered at several locations across the community with activities including swimming, day trips and more. Learn more! Read more...
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FEATURED
Haliburton Highlands
A co-ed camp offering Overnight Kids Camp, Day Camp and year-round Family Camps. We offer leadership development, a wide range of activities, tripping, a sense of belonging and fun. Come have the time of your life! Read more...
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FEATURED
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps Leamington; London; Port Severn
The YMCA of Southwestern 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. Read more...
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FEATURED
A traditional camp offering overnight and day camp programs. Activities include horsemanship, swimming, high ropes, climbing wall, archery, campfires, and much more. Leadership and horse specialty camps also offered. Read more...
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FEATURED
InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake Hamilton; Huntsville; Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Circle Square Ranch is a life changing Christian summer camp for youth ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, water sports and climbing. Your summer adventure with friends starts here! Read more...
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FEATURED
GTA Mavericks Basketball Association Thornhill; Vaughan
GTA Mavericks offers year round programming including summer camps, house leagues and rep teams while also providing additional programs such as Private Training, Skill development sessions, Parent-Player shootarounds. Read more...
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FEATURED
Minden
Kandalore is one of the finest overnight camps in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. For over 75 years, Kandalore has given campers the chance to get to know and be themselves. Read more...
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FEATURED
Hamilton
Musical Futures Summer Camp provides an innovative and immersive experience that exposes youth ages 6-14 to music creation and performance - Vocals, orchestra, rock band & tech tracks. - Ages 7 to 14 - from $150/week Read more...
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FEATURED
Minden
For more than 100 years Onondaga Camp has provided an inclusive environment where young people can play, explore, achieve and grow. Offering over 30 different activities, there is something for everyone! Read more...
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FEATURED
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario Huntsville
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario is a Christian Summer Camp and Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre located in Ontario, offering programs for children, youth, and students. Read more...
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FEATURED
Don Valley Village, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto; Algonquin Park; Kananaskis; Vancouver Island
Outward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Read more...
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FEATURED
Sylvan Learning of Port Credit Mississauga
With our personalised teaching and dedicated teachers, each and every unique student learns and grows! Read more...
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FEATURED
Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Read more...
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Brockville; Kingston; Prescott and Russell
We offer a full range of youth rec programs such as basketball, cycling, karate, swimming & school-break & summer day camps. These are offered in safe environments to help children develop self-esteem & confidence. Read more...
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Higher Training Basketball Academy Burlington
Higher Training Basketball Academy, offering: group, private and semi private skills based basketball training. During the holiday's we offer large group basketball classes and travel for tournaments too! Read more...
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Richmond Hill
LearningRx strengthens the cognitive skills critical to how students learn and perform. Our research-based program has helped high-performing students and those with LD, Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, ASD, brain injuries and more! Read more...
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Mississauga
World class coding and robotics curriculum for kids. After-school programs, Camps, Birthday Parties and much more. Virtual Classes also available. Read more...
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Montreal
KIDCoders Computer Academy teaches coding, problem solving & STEM skills. Kidcoders will ensure your child has a fun-filled & balanced summer with our combination of indoor & outdoor activities. Read more...
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Explore unique science and technology camp programs at Ontario Tech, including LEGO, Coding, Minecraft, Math, Engineering, and more! In-person and virtual camps available. Read more...
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Calgary
Trellis offers safe and confidence building camps, year-round clubs and after-school programs for kids and teens in all four quadrants of Calgary. Read more...
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Throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario (8)
Scouting isn't an activity or setting—it's a discovery. It helps youth prepare for the real world, by exploring the world. Alongside friends, Scouts cultivate skills that will guide them through every stage of life. Read more...
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Vancouver; West Vancouver
A STEM / STEAM maker academy for kids. Read more...
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Bloor West Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Haliburton Highlands
Ontario's leading nature connection organization, offering year-round outdoor education programs for youth. Time in nature makes kids smarter, happier, and healthier. Join us for weekly adventures this school year! Read more...
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Ottawa
uOttawa Engineering Outreach offers a wide range of programs in engineering, science, technology, and coding for both kids and teens. From summer camps to clubs and afterschool programs, as well as credited courses. Read more...
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YMCA Camps Belwood, Ki-Wa-Y, Wabanaki and Day Camps Fergus; Guelph; Huntsville; Stratford; Waterloo
Your Camp Adventure Awaits! Experience camp as it's meant to be with the YMCA of Three Rivers. Be part of a 100 year camp legacy. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, ropes and rock-climbing, biking, drama, archery, and more. Read more...
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Bancroft; Whitchurch - Stouffville
We have a rich history and a rooted community. We provide a variety of land and water sports in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our staff are positive role models and the culture they create is our biggest asset. Read more...
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Annex, Toronto; Vaughan
Summer band camp, community music programs & private in-home/online lessons. Learn to make music while building confidence, creativity and leadership skills. Book a free trial with a Rockstar instructor today! Read more...
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Ottawa; Renfrew
We are a small camp with a spectacular community of campers and staff. We focus on having a great time building interpersonal skills and connecting with each other in a fantastic natural setting. Read more...
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Throughout Quebec (16)
Montreal, Laval and West Island's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020! Read more...
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Montreal; Pierrefonds
A unique team sports camp, simulating the career of professional athletes! Sports include: ice hockey, flag/touch football, basketball, soccer, baseball, ball hockey and much more! Read more...
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Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts! We offer great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and a core of incredible arts programming, all set on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Read more...
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Kitchener; Sauble Beach; Waterloo
Find your next adventure here. Now offering Adventures Day Camps in 5 locations across Ontario plus Overnight and Day Camp in Sauble Beach. Read more...
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Killaloe
Mishewah, on Round Lake, offers youth camps for ages 8-19, family camps, seasonal camping, and campsite rentals. Activities include swimming, canoeing, sailing, crafts, archery, fishing, sports, campfires and more! Read more...
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Temagami
Wabun offers unparalleled wilderness canoe tripping experiences for adolescents. Read more...
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Ottawa
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of bilingual sport camps to youth in the Ottawa and Gatineau area. Read more...
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Burlington; Tillsonburg
Small girls Wellness & Leadership camps lead by prof. coaches, chef's & teachers. Featuring Cooking, Adventure, Creative Arts, Horse Retreats, Spa and Self Care, Leadership & Friendships, Entrepreneurial Skills, & More! Read more...
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International
Cool (Collaborative Online Overpowered Learning) Academy provides D&D to 3D design, virtual theatre, yoga, art, baking, coding, game play or story writing. Run by teachers, we have what you need at Cool Academy! Read more...
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Arrowsmith School Cognitive Intensive Program South Hill, Toronto
The Cognitive Intensive Program strengthens the Symbol Relations cognitive function. Strengthening this area means a more powerful and positive capacity to understand, learn, participate in and contribute to the world. Read more...
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Forest Hill, Toronto
Forest Hill Taekwondo offers traditional summer camp sessions and year round Taekwondo programming for students (as young as 2.5 to adults) to help build & foster their physical, mental & emotional well-being. Read more...
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St Lawrence, Toronto
Led by our experienced faculty of professional artist educators, we’re offering a wide selection of online classes for toddlers to teens, plus in-person options for youth. Read more...
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Haliburton
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. Read more...
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Oakville
At Sylvan Learning of Oakville, we offer tutoring and enrichment in JK-Gr. 12 math, reading, and writing, as well as homework support, SAT and additional test prep courses and more. Read more...
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Markland Wood, Toronto
Arts-focused camps, classes and workshops supporting a creative learning environment where children, teens and families are encouraged to explore and enrich their lives through the arts. Read more...
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Rouge, Toronto
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. Read more...
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Bancroft
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and develop friendships. Read more...
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Torrance
With 100+ years of overnight camping excellence, we provide programming for campers who want to gain independence, interact with nature, make friends , and develop leadership skills. Overnight canoe trips are a staple! Read more...
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Sharbot Lake
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. Read more...
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Humberlea, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto; Ajax
A unique summer experience, Where Sports Meets Education and campers get to engage in both STEM Learning & Basketball or Soccer Development. Each week we offer a unique experience for continued growth and engagement. Read more...
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Don Mills, Toronto; York Mills, Toronto
Located centrally in Toronto, this summer camp boasts ample outdoor greenspace, a full size turf sports field, and air conditioned buildings. They offer specialized sports, arts, and coding/robotics camps. Read more...
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Picton
A traditional Christian Camp, located in Prince Edward County just across the lake from Sandbanks Provincial Park. Read more...
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With little luxury in the barracks, “tough love” attitude from the drill sergeants, and military-style physical conditioning, teen boot camps are often used as disciplinary measures when a troubled teen has committed a particularly offensive act or as a way for parents to make their teen appreciate their home life. The experience is not easy, so before you send your troubled teen to a boot camp, you need to decide if all other options have been exhausted, and that your teen will be able to make it through the grueling demands of the program. Fortunately, it is likely they will. Researchers have found that 75%-95% of teen boot camp participants completed the course, and many displayed improvements in reading and math skills, even found jobs after leaving the boot camp facilities.
In the United States, "troubled teens" has become its own privatized industry, and this includes teen boot camps. In Canada, however, the government pays much closer attention to schools and camps that deal specifically with troubled teens. Therefore, Canadian families can rest assured that those who instruct at teen boot camps across the country are respected professionals who have the training to deal with upset teens that most parents lack. This can also include educators, psychologists, drug counselors, and vocational trainers, who are more and more frequently being added to the staff at teen boot camps as longer-term, more rehabilitative programs become evermore popular. As always however, it is important to ask each program about their philosophy, curriculum and learning, financial aid and accreditations. A useful list of questions to ask is available here.
The decision to send a child to such an intimidating environment as a teen boot camp must be made carefully, but there are definite benefits that a teen can reap from their experience there:
Their fitness increases
A tangible benefit is an improvement in fitness and health from the physical exercises a teen must complete with the rest of the group and the nutritional food they’re given.
They can escape their harmful environment
Teen boot camps are drug-and-alcohol free zones, and the complete removal of these dangerous temptations can often cut harmful habits permanently. Also, without the negative influences of friends or significant others a troubled teen may have acquired no longer wield control over a teen’s behaviour, leaving room for a councilor’s supportive advice.
They develop self-worth and confidence
Teens at boot camp are given many difficult tasks to accomplish, and giving up when the going gets tough is not an option accepted by drill sergeants. Teens are constantly pushed to their limits, far beyond what they ever thought they could accomplish. The completion of daily tasks, culminating in finishing the entire program, results in newfound feelings of pride and self-respect, which often leads to higher motivation to reflect on their passions and feelings, set goals for their future, and make wiser choices in their home life. The process of accepting and facing their past mistakes, as is essential in the success of a teen boot camp, is also helpful in a teen moving forward in their life post-camp.
They learn mutual respect
While a troubled teen may be self-centred at home, teen boot camp forces them to work in a team setting. This new environment not only helps forge lasting friendships, it lets the participants know they are not alone in their problems. They learn to build trust and rely on others to supplement their weaknesses, which is something many troubled teens find difficult. But most importantly they learn how their actions affect those around them, and appreciate the feelings of others.
They gain a new perspective
Being catapulted so far out of their comfort zone at a boot camp makes a teen realize what they love about being at home. They recognize the love of their family, and the privilege they have to live with freedom and independent thought. At a teen boot camp, teens can reflect on their current situations from a new perspective, which can lead to a much happier, more appreciative family life at home.
How many Teen boot camps: the benefits are there?
There are 62 Teen boot camps: the benefits that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.
What are the fees to attend Teen boot camps: the benefits?
Fees for Teen boot camps: the benefits range from FREE to $12,000 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.
What age do Teen boot camps: the benefits start at?
There are programs available for children starting at age 1. Family and adult programs are also available.
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Amici aims to send as many kids to overnight camp as possible, especially those who wouldn’t normally be able to go. We can’t think of a worthier and more admirable goal. [Read more]
Founded in 2007, Kids in Camp is a charitable organization run by past and current camp directors and owners. [Read more]
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