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  • Type:
    Day camp, Overnight camp, After-school/weekend program, Family programs
  • Focus:
    Adventure (multi)
  • Cost:
    $435 to $3,570/program
  • Ages:
    4 to 17
  • Gender:
    Coed
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    Varies
  • Programs:
  • Reviews:
Request more info
  • Overview

    Here's what makes The Pine Project stand out

    The Pine Project fosters confidence, competence, resilience and connection to nature through transformative outdoor experiences for all ages in Toronto and beyond. Since our founding in 2008, we have grown to become Ontario’s leading nature connection organization. We provide year-round outdoor programming for people of all ages, with a focus on children and youth. Our offerings include school-year programs, day and overnight camps, and adult workshops. All of our programs take place 100% outdoors, in all seasons, no matter the weather.

    • Special needs: Yes, mild support.
      A few of our campers have special needs.
    • LGBTQ+ friendly community

  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    Our nature programs take place 100% outdoors – rain or shine – in all seasons. We mix wilderness and survival skills (eg. shelter building and fire making), naturalist skills (eg. plant and animal ID), exploration, the arts, games and play, and mindfulness activities for deeply immersive experiences. With the guidance of experienced mentors, participants are inspired to explore nature, be curious, try new things, overcome challenges, build connections, and have a ton of fun! Kids learn to assess and manage risks, creatively solve problems, and recognize their unique strengths.


    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; The Pine Project currently has 8 programs available; 2 TBD.

    Filter activities :


    Choose location:

    Name
    Type/Gender
    Specialty
    Location
    Date
    Bus
     Cost
    Email
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 1 - 15
    Nature/Environment, Education (multi)
    $540 to $3,570
    Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON
    21 Old Mill Road
    Sep 30, 2024-Jun 06, 2025$540 - $3,570
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 1 - 15
    Nature/Environment, Education (multi)
    $540 to $3,570
    Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON
    21 Old Mill Road
    Sep 30, 2024-Jun 06, 2025$540 - $3,570
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 6 - 13
    Nature/Environment, Education (multi)
    $1,005 to $1,125
    East York, Toronto, ON
    373 Cedarvale Avenue
    Sep 30, 2024-Jun 06, 2025$1,125
    Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON
    21 Old Mill Road
    Sep 30, 2024-Jun 06, 2025$1,125
    Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON
    21 Old Mill Road
    Sep 30, 2024-Jun 06, 2025$1,005
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 13 - 17
    Nature/Environment, Education (multi)
    $725
    East York, Toronto, ON
    373 Cedarvale Avenue
    Oct 02, 2024-Jun 04, 2025$725
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 13 - 15
    Nature/Environment, Education (multi)
    $1,535
    Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON
    21 Old Mill Road
    Oct 25, 2024-Jun 01, 2025$1,535
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Overnight Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 7 - 14
    Wilderness Skills
    $1,275
    Survival skills|Travel|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Cooking|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|CIT/LIT Program|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Archery|Hiking|Canoeing|Fishing|Swimming
    Survival skills|Travel|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Cooking|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|CIT/LIT Program|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Archery|Hiking|Canoeing|Fishing|Swimming
    Overnight Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 15 - 16
    Adventure (multi)
    $3,895/3 weeks
    Haliburton, ON
    276 Carlaw Ave. Unit 302
    Jul 27-Aug 16$3,895/3 weeks
    Survival skills|Travel|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Cooking|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Archery|Hiking|Canoeing|Fishing|Swimming
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 4 - 13
    Nature/Environment
    $425
    Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 4 - 15
    Nature/Environment
    $380
    Survival skills|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Woodworking|Leadership Training|Nature/Environment|Zoology|Mindfulness Training|Strength and Conditioning|Hiking



    Registration Details

    Registration for our programs open on a rolling basis throughout the year. All of our programs follow an application-to-register process – families apply to register a participant and after a brief review, we’ll send you an email to confirm your acceptance or follow up with some additional questions. A deposit is required upon registration. The balance is collected following acceptance either in full, or a payment plan is available. Head over to pineproject.org to learn more!



    Financial Aid & Payment Details

    Payment Options:

    Deposit required with acceptance Yes
    Credit card payment Yes

    Scholarships & awards:

    • Bursary Fund

      Amount: 70% Deadline: Rolling
      Type: Need based
      Age: 1 to 18
      Details: Our Best Day Ever Bursary Fund helps provide people the opportunity to participate in Pine programs and connect to nature, regardless of their financial situation. The Fund is a limited fund that enables people to participate who would otherwise not be able to afford the full cost of Pine programs. The fund only provides assistance for program fees, not for travel or other costs. The majority of our bursaries are for 20-50% of a program’s tuition; however, in some cases, up to 70% is awarded. Priority is given to children and families, and to educators working with children and families.
      Application Details: The bursary application process involves a simple online form with questions regarding your family's financial need.
  • Reviews & Insider Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of The Pine Project

    our take

    While all camps are unique, the Pine Project is something of a rarity in that it offers both day programs in the city and overnight programs at a rural property. It’s a nice plus, allowing campers to attend different programs, and grow into overnight camp while staying within the same organization, culture, and to some extent personnel. In all, the Pine Project presents a tried and true array of camp activity, from woods lore, to skill development, to wilderness tripping and adventure. All activities are a means of getting at confidence, belonging, and fun, which is after all what camp is all about. Programs are based on academic research and insight, particularly undertaken at the University of Waterloo, so is sound both in curriculum, intent, and outcomes. Though, as with any great camp, kids learn and build skills entirely unaware that all the fun their having is good for them, too. 

    Three Things: The Pine Project
    Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at The Pine Project


    More reviews of The Pine Project

    Parent of a Pine participant, Parent

    A transformative experience

    Read review

    Parent of two Pine campers, Parent

    A must have for kids who love nature

    Read review

    Parent of a Pine participant, Parent

    The best education beyond the classroom

    Read review

    Parent of a Pine camper, Parent

    An experience that should not be missed

    Read review

    Parent of a Pine camper, Parent

    Your instructors are a cut above

    Read review

    Pine camper, Camper

    My favourite camp ever

    Read review

    More reviews of The Pine Project


    Parent of a Pine participant, Parent

    A transformative experience

    “I can’t overstate the impact that the program has had on my kids. In these formative years, the Pine Project has cultivated their curiosity and creativity, and established a solid foundation for a life-long connection with nature. It is a transformative experience.” ... Show More


    Parent of two Pine campers, Parent

    A must have for kids who love nature

    “Pine is by far the best city based day camp we have gone to. A must for kids who love nature, for parents who want to see their kids grow and gain confidence and independence. Pine counselors are a cut above all other camps.� ... Show More


    Parent of a Pine participant, Parent

    The best education beyond the classroom

    “This is the BEST education beyond the standard classroom. It offers children hands on learning by instructors who care about each child as an individual, providing them with a wealth of knowledge of the natural world in a classroom that is ever changing.” ... Show More


    Parent of a Pine camper, Parent

    An experience that should not be missed

    “Pine is an experience that should not be missed for all Toronto youth. The kindness of counselors along with their attention to getting to know each child individually is only equalled by the outdoor experience delivered.� ... Show More


    Parent of a Pine camper, Parent

    Your instructors are a cut above

    We love Pine camp - in particular, your instructors are a cut above all other day camps.


    Pine camper, Camper

    My favourite camp ever

    "My favourite camp ever is Pine camp."


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  • Gallery

    The Pine Project - profile photo
  • Meet the Staff

    Director's Message

    Many adults have a special place in nature that they can draw up in their memory. A place where they caught frogs, got stung by bees, climbed trees, or built forts. They may even be able to remember what it smelled like, what birds lived there, where the fox made its den, or a number of different bumps and bruises they got along the way - evidence of great adventur... Read more



    Staff and Counsellors

    At the Pine Project, we recognize that each child’s journey of learning, growth and connection takes many paths. That’s why our staff have a wide range of expertise, including ecology, survival skills, arts and education. Our staff and volunteers are all first aid certified, have up to date background checks, and deeply care for nature and the kids they work with.

  • Location & Operations

    Address

    Haliburton, ON
    276 Carlaw Ave. Unit 302, Toronto, Ontario, M4M 3L1
    East York, Toronto
    373 Cedarvale Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4C 2W3
    Bloor West Village, Toronto
    21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 1G5



    Property Details

    Landscape

    • Forested Area
    • Lake/Pond/River
    • Nature Trails

    More details about property: Our urban programs take place at two main locations within Toronto - King's Mill Park in the West End and Stan Wadlow Park in the East End - giving kids have the chance to explore Toronto's wilder side. Red Wolf Overnight Camp takes place in the forest at the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve property, nestled between 2 small lakes, where we swim, canoe, catch frogs and watch the sun set.



    Accommodations

    Sleeping Accommodations

    • Tents

    Washrooms Facilities

    • Outhouses

    More details about accommodations: Our programs take place entirely outside - rain or shine - in all seasons. Nature is our "facility"! Programs that operate out of city parks make use of private portable toilets. At overnight camp, campers have the opportunity to camp and live backcountry. In the true spirit of nature connection and resilience building, we have no electricity, running water or buildings (other than tents and handmade shelters). Campers have access to a wilderness latrine, similar to what you might find backcountry in Algonquin.

    Is The Pine Project technology free? Yes. Our programs are a chance for participants to unplug from daily distractions, expand their awareness, use their hands to create, and connect with their peers face-to-face. We do not permit the use of any electronics, including cell phones and cameras.



    Rentals & Services

    Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
    The Pine Project partners with local schools to deliver weekly outdoor education programming for students ages 4-16 at our two Toronto locations: Stan Wadlow Park (East End) and King's Mill Park (West End). Please email [email protected] for more information! Please note: We do not offer single field trip-style programs.



    Associations

    Ontario Camps Association Associations
  • What's New

    Stories

    • Participant Spotlight: Sophie

      We’re excited for you to meet Sophie! Sophie has been part of the Pine community for over a decade (since she joined as a Coyote Pup in 2009)! She first went to Red Wolf Overnight Camp as a 10 year old and has been going back ever since. Sophie gave us the inside scoop on the Red Wolf experience and shared some of her favourite memories.

       

      What draws you to Pine? Why do you keep coming back?

      When I was younger I think it was because I enjoyed being outside, and getting to play and wander throughout the park. As I got older, it became more about my interest in nature skills, getting to escape the city with the Adventure Out program, and getting to see my friends. Most recently what draws me to Pine is the community. So many of the Pine staff and older participants are people I’ve grown up knowing. They’ve become my family in a way. So I come back for the community, and to learn about mentorship. 

       

      What do you like most about Red Wolf and spending time in the woods?

      My favourite thing about Red Wolf is the community you build over the time you are there. Whether you’re there for one week or three weeks, your group becomes your family. They will support you with whatever you need. Living out in the woods for a week requires teamwork and cooperation, and those things make for the best bonding experience.

      My favourite part about spending time in the woods, whether it’s camping with my family or at Red Wolf, is the self-reliance. You’re not reliant on electricity or cars or the internet. Everything you do you have to do or make yourself, which is a really gratifying experience. 

       

      What was the Red Wolf experience like as a girl? Why do you think more girls should have those experiences?

      I think Red Wolf (and Pine in general!) is an amazing place to grow your confidence and communication skills. In my opinion, communication is a really important skill for women, especially young girls, to have. Pine is a really good place to learn to communicate in a safe environment, with support from leaders who want to help. 

      Red Wolf is an amazing place for young girls to see girls and boys in an equal environment, and to see strong, confident women. There are so many amazing role models at Red Wolf and in all the Pine programs for young girls. I hope everyone has the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with them.

       

      What’s a memory that sticks out from your time at Red Wolf? 

      I have so many memories! But I’ll pick two. One is from my first year in the teen group, I think I was twelve turning thirteen. Most of my group had gone to play a game in the woods, but three of us had stayed behind. It was raining that night, and we hung out around our fire, eating ramen and staying dry under our very elaborate tarp set up. Right when the rest of the group got back, the whole tarp set up just collapsed. Without really figuring out what we were going to do, the whole group worked together in the pouring rain to get the tarps back up. It was really amazing to see how hard everyone worked, and how everyone knew exactly what needed to be done, without having to be told. 

      My second memory is from our Voyageurs trip last summer. On our second to last day of the trip, at about 2 or 3pm in the afternoon, we learned that we would have to paddle all the way out that day to support a team member. It had already been a long day, with rain in the morning, and we were ready to be done. Despite being tired, as soon as we learned that this person needed us, everyone rallied together and found their last bits of energy. Our group had become such a family, that if one person needed something, the whole group would work to help them. We were able to get out in really good time. Everyone worked as hard as they could for someone they cared about.

       

      What have you learned from your time at Red Wolf?

      • Resilience: I’ve learned how to push through and complete something even when it’s hard or it’s something I don’t enjoy.
      • Skills: I’ve learned to make a fire in under 5 minutes, and in pretty much any kind of weather. Sometimes by only rubbing sticks together! 
      • Teamwork and leadership: I’ve learned how to work together with others to achieve a goal, and how to lead a team of people with respect and kindness.

       

      Why should kids come to Red Wolf? 

      Red Wolf is a place where you can learn pretty much anything you want. Even if the leaders don’t know how to teach you, they will support you in figuring it out. Even if you’re scared to be away from home and worried you’ll miss your parents, by the end of the week you will be so happy you came. Every single person wants you to be there and will support you in any way they can. Red wolf is a place where you can build a second family and create lifelong friendships. The challenges that you go through with your group will make your bonds stronger, and help you to become a more confident person.

       

      When you’re not at Pine, what do you like doing? 

      When I’m not at Pine I do a multitude of other things. I am a dancer, dancing at a studio and at school. I train in tap, ballet, musical theater, and contemporary, and dance is one of the things I love most in the world. I am also a member of Girl Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada, and am a cub scout leader, working with kids aged 7-9. At home, I enjoy reading, baking, music, and spending time with my family. I also love canoe tripping, and have done canoe trips in Temagami and on the Dumoine River. 

       

      What’s one fun fact about yourself? 

      I want to be an elementary school teacher. I love working with kids, and passing on my knowledge.



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