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
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 Burlington; Online; Tillsonburg
Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, Self Care, Coaching, and More! Read more...
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 Harbourfront, Toronto
Since 1979, Harbourfront Centre Camps have fostered an inclusive learning community that encourages long-lasting connections to contemporary arts, culture and ideas. . Read more...
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 Minden; Online
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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 Deer Park, Toronto; Davisville Village, Toronto; Annex, Toronto; Online
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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 North Toronto, Toronto; Vancouver; Calgary
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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 Mississauga; Bloor West Village, Toronto; Online
Get the kids cooking and learning more life skills! Our program has gone virtual and the kids are loving cooking together to make tasty foods for their family. Easy meals, healthy snacks make this the best Zoom class. Read more...
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 Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens Kelowna; 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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 InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario Huntsville
An award winning Christian summer camp in Muskoka for ages 5 to 17 featuring dozens of awesome activities, teen programs in leadership development and wilderness adventure & unforgettable experiences for every camper! Read more...
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 Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan; Online
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. Read more...
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 Dufferin Grove, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Creative technology camps to engage your kids & teen. Topics include Robotics, Inventions, Minecraft & Video Game Programming. Read more...
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 High Park, Toronto; Bloor West Village, Toronto; Online
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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Overnight and day camps, with activities including horsemanship, swimming, high ropes, climbing wall, archery, campfires, tomahawks, and much more. Leadership and horse specialty camps also offered. 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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 Minden
Kandalore is one of the finest overnight camps in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. For 74 years, Kandalore has given campers the chance to get to know and be themselves fully. Read more...
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 Huntsville; Vancouver Island; North Toronto, Toronto; Kananaskis; Algonquin Park
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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 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 kids and teens ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding and water sports. Your summer adventure with friends starts here! Read more...
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Wilderness canoe adventures with heart & meaning in boys, girls and all-gender programs. Trips weave together challenge, community & confidence to connect youth to the land, each other, and their own unique spirit. Read more...
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 McMichael Children and Youth Art Camps and Programs Vaughan; Online
The McMichael provides an unmatched backdrop for children, youth and family programs. For details on Virtual Programs, Children's Camps, Art Classes, Accessible Studio Workshops and Family Days visit mcmichael.com today! Read more...
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 Halifax; Online
Artech is the Ultimate Creative Technology Program Center specializing in Game Design, Animation & Coding. Our virtual programs are fully interactive for kids 7 through teens and can reach kids anywhere on this planet! Read more...
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 Renfrew; Ottawa
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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 Ontario (16)
Find your next adventure here. Now offering Adventures Day Camps in 13 locations across Ontario plus Overnight camp and Family Cabin Rentals in Sauble Beach. 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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 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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Explore unique science and tech programa at Ontario Tech, including LEGO , Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Family Camps. Camps will require minimal parent support once the camp site has been successfully accessed. Read more...
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 Downtown West, Toronto
A creative collection of programs that range from Dance, Drama, ASL Improv, our popular Dungeons & Dragons programs and more. Our expert councillors bring the arts to kids computers in fun and accessible ways. Read more...
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 Western Lanark County
A Christian camp serving campers of all ages. Located on beautiful Silver Lake in Maberly, ON we offer Junior & Kids Camps (7-12yo), Day Camps (4-6yo), Youth Camp (12-18), Family Camp (All Ages) and Geezer Camp (60+). Read more...
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 Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; 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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 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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 Oakville; Annex, Toronto; Vaughan
Learn from the comfort of home. Discover a new way to learn music while building confidence, creativity and leadership skills. Book a free trial with a Rockstar instructor today! Read more...
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 Gabriola; Jasper; Montreal
Kids in the Spotlight is an evidence-based performing arts organization helping children and youth develop self-confidence, social skills, and harmonious relationships with family and friends. Read more...
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 Oakville; Online
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. Read more...
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 Ajax; Guelph; North Toronto, Toronto
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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 Quebec (5)
Montreal, Laval and Beaconsfield'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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 Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning
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. Read more...
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 St Lawrence, Toronto; Online
Led by our experienced faculty of professional artist educators, we’re offering online classes for JK-Gr. 12 both on weekends and after-school! 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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 Corktown, Toronto; Downtown West, Toronto
Explore opera through our innovative and engaging programs created for kids and families! Read more...
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 Minden; Moore Park, Toronto
Kilcoo has an earned reputation as one of Canada's foremost traditional summer camps. Boys come to Kilcoo to enjoy the activities, to gain confidence in themselves, to learn to work with others and to "just have fun"! 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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 Arrowsmith School Cognitive Intensive Program South Hill, Toronto; Online
The Cognitive Intensive Program strengthens the Symbol Relations cognitive function. Strengthening this area means a more powerful and positive capacity to understand, participate in and contribute to the world. Read more...
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 Lawrence Manor, Toronto; Sudbury
Camp Solelim is a sleepover camp designed for Jewish 13 to 15 year olds. Our programming includes traditional waterfront, sports, arts and outdoor activities, as well as leadership development and community building. 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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 Mississauga
When school is out, fun and learning are in at Code Ninjas camps! If your kids are into MineCraft, Roblox, robotics, coding, or gaming, Code Ninjas is the place to be! Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Read more...
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 Brampton; Vaughan; Mississauga; Online
With valuable contributions from Industry leaders, Mr. G, a STEM Instructor and former GANZ game developer passes on key techniques used by his production team! 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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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.
All camps have a device policy, and some are stricter than others. At Nominingue the policy is simple: no devices at all. And the campers wouldn’t want it any other way. [Read more]
