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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 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!
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 Sharbot Lake
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!
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 Harbourfront, Toronto
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.
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 South Annex, Toronto; Davisville Village, 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.
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 Burlington; Hamilton; Milton
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.
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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!
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 Willowdale, Toronto
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.
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 GTA Photography Classes : Camps Ottawa; Downtown East, Toronto; Illinois
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!
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 Minden
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.
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 Mississauga
STEAM BOOTCamp GTA.Animation,Game,Coding,Architecture,Robotics,UI/UX Graphic,WEB Tech,Fashion Tech,DRONE Engg,AR/VR Tech.STEAM ahead with your Career-Goals, Join Technology,Engineering & Design InnovationCamp at Thinnox!
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Our beautiful location, fun & safe environment, excellent programs, and experienced staff are just a few reasons to choose Circle Square Ranch. We are committed to providing an outstanding summer camp experience.
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 InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario Huntsville
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!
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 Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan
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.
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 Mississauga; Milton
Robotics and coding after-school, weekend, competition, and summer camp classes for students from Grade 2 to 12. Serious STEM learning with a unique curriculum and wholesome support system!
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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.
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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!
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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, water sports and ropes. Your summer adventure starts here!
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 Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa
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.
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 North Toronto, Toronto; Richmond Hill; Oakville
Our coding camp is packed with exciting, innovative, coding projects. Kids learn JavaScript processing.js or Python. On Fridays, they visit industry leaders to see how their real-world skills can be used.
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 Ottawa
A leadership program, where teens develop civic leadership skills, learn about Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, and explore exciting career options
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 Kananaskis; Vancouver Island; Throughout Canada; Grand Manan; Algonquin Park
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.
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 Montreal
Supercamp is an ACQ-certified day camp providing over 20 arts, science, sports and learning-oriented programs. Most importantly, our camp is over 80 employees devoted to creating memories to last a lifetime!
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 Brampton; Vaughan; Mississauga
With valuable contributions from Industry leader David Pacheco, Creative Director of The Walt Disney Company, Mr. G, a STEM Instructor and former GANZ game developer passes on key techniques used by his production team!
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 Hamilton
Learn to ride English on well trained horses. Daily riding lessons, theory & practical in the barn, arts/crafts, team building and of course a few camp traditions. Year round lessons with all weather riding facilities.
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 Temagami
An experience kids love. A family parents trust. Wabikon is sleepover camp for boys and girls ages 6-17. Campers from around the world feel like part of the family and enjoy activities on a challenge-by-choice basis.
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 Ontario (7)
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.
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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.
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Creative summer camps to ignite your child's imagination! From drawing, painting & sculpting to musical theatre and acting, there is something for every child at the Aurora Cultural Centre. Fun, friends & fantasy await!
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 Bloor West Village, Toronto; Mimico, Toronto
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!
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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.
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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
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 Downtown West, Toronto; Don Mills, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Maker programs & camps 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.
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 Kingsview Vilage, Toronto; Bloor West Village, 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
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 International
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.
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 Bethany; Corktown, Toronto
Take Action Camp are where kids who care, thrive. Young people will discover their potential through interactive team-building, specialized workshops, and volunteer experience, in a fun and inclusive environment!
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 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.
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 Oakville
Innovative programming with a focus on STEM. Summer camp, after school, birthdays and more. Courses for all ages in coding, game design, circuitry, toy engineering, the arts, VR, robotics, 3D printing, cooking and more!
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 YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps London; Leamington; 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.
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 Whitchurch - Stouffville; Newmarket
An unforgettable outdoor day camp that includes: Athletics, Swimming, Horseback Riding, Animal Care, BMXing, Zip Lines, Gardening, Cooking, Drama, Crafts, Leadership for young teens and more!
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 Rexdale, Toronto
A nature-focused exploration and adventure camp set within a beautiful urban green space. This hands-on camp helps children foster an appreciation for the the many wonders of the natural world.
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 Torrance
We provide a fun program for campers who want to gain independence, interact with nature, make friends with new people, and develop leadership skills. Overnight canoe trips are a staple that make for the best adventures!
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 Westmount; Laval; Beaconsfield
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 2019!
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 Vaughan; 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.
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 Ajax; Guelph; North Toronto, Toronto
A unique summer experience, Where Sports Meets Educations 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.
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 Markham
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
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 Temagami
Wilderness canoe-tripping camp based in Northern Ontario, paddling Ontario, Quebec, and the Territories. A strong tripping program is complemented by caring staff, community focus and a diverse in-camp program.
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 Lawrence Park, Toronto
A fun and educational program that get kids away from electronics. Our supportive & encouraging environment is a safe place to lose yourself in your own creativity - clay, paper mache, painting and so much more.
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 Vancouver
A multi-disciplinary paddling club offering recreational and competitive camps and after-school programs for kids of all ages and abilities all year round!
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 Sudbury; Blind River
JOHN ISLAND CAMP is exclusively located in the North Channel of Lake Huron and offers a variety of traditional, leadership, and kayak/canoe tripping programming.
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 Orillia; Midland
A variety of values based camp programs offered through our day, family, leadership and overnight camps throughout the Simcoe Muskoka region
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 Bancroft
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and active
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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.
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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.
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 Bridle Path, Toronto
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
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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.
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 Arrowsmith School Cognitive Intensive Program Peterborough; South Hill, Toronto
The Cognitive Intensive Program is a 6-week intensive program targeting the Symbol Relations cognitive function. Upon completion, we see positive changes in the individual’s ability to understand the world around them.
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 Minden
A northern Ontario summer camp for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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 Mississauga
A multi-level year-round camp with 4 exciting workstations each designed to develop aviation knowledge and flying skills. Critical thinking, confidence and leadership are the driving forces behind these dynamic programs.
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 Kitchener
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.
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 Minden; Moore Park, Toronto
Founded in 1932, Kilcoo has an earned reputation as one of Canada's foremost traditional summer camps and outdoor education centres. Boys come to Kilcoo from all over the world to engage in over 15 instructed activities.
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 Calgary
Idea Lab provides classes, camps ranging from Cooking, Robotics, 3D Art, Engineering and Science. At Idea Lab children learn through hands-on-activities utilizing Critical-thinking Skills and a great deal of IMAGINATION!
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 Haliburton Highlands
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!
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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.
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 Fergus
Nokomis is unique in that we are a boy's camp in July and a girl's camp in August; all of our leaders have come up "through the ranks": camper to L.I.T. to Staff to Senior Staff.
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 Mill Bay; International; Saint John
A challenging academic Summer camp with 30 hours of learning per week, including 14 different subjects of sciences, maths and even robotics, with exciting activities and trips on a spectacular Canadian campus'!
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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.
