Troubled teen camps

Considering the problem of a

Parents may find themselves struggling with their teenagers because they participate in negative activities like promiscuity, drugs and alcohol, or other addictive behaviours and/or trouble with the law. In this situation, parents may find themselves searching for outside help, possibly by sending them to what are often called "teen boot camps." Camps for troubled teens in Canada tend to focus on changing behaviours and attitudes through education, the influence of a good environment and positive role models. Read more

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Camps that specialize in troubled teen support

Camps that welcome troubled teens and offer some basic support for them

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List of troubled teen support camps

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Camps that specialize in troubled teen support

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
Neilson Park Creative Centre 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. Markland Wood, Toronto Arts (multi) Ages 5 to 14 (Coed) Day Camp, Program, PA Day from $100	daycampprogramclasspadaycoed	100	5-14	6	Markland Wood, TorontoOntarioEtobicoke
Harbourfront Centre Camps Harbourfront Centre Camps, established in 1979, offers a creative and inclusive environment for campers aged 4 to 15. With over 20 camp options, including circus, arts, and water sports, there’s something for everyone. Harbourfront, Toronto Traditional (multi activity) Ages 4 to 15 (Coed) Day Camp from $330	daycampcoed	330	4-15	12	Harbourfront, TorontoOntarioDowntown
Radiant Girls All-Girls Leadership & Wellness events led by professional coaches, school teachers, & female leaders. Camps featuring Adventure, Arts, Horses, Spa, Fitness, Leadership, Business, Friendship & Emotional Intelligence Burlington; Guelph; King Traditional (multi activity) Ages 8 to 16 ( Girls) Day Camp, Overnight Camp, PA Day from $179	daycampovernightcamppadayallgirls	179	8-16	14	BurlingtonGuelphKingOnlineOntario
Block 8 Academy Preschool Playfit, Rainbow of Music, French - Camps and Classes for 2.5 to 12 year olds - licensed as daycare so eligible for government subsidies while your kids receive the best in instruction. 2-11 hours per day. Port Moody Traditional (multi activity) Ages 3 to 12 (Coed) Day Camp from $50	daycampcoed	50	3-12	27	Port MoodyBritish Columbia
Serenity Renewal For Families At Serenity Renewal for Families, our mission is to provide hope and support through counselling, educational workshops and programs for individuals and families affected directly or indirectly by addictions. Ottawa Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 17 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $1	daycampprogramclasscoed	1	5-17	31	OttawaOntario

Camps that welcome troubled teens and offer some basic support for them

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario is a Christian Summer Camp and Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre located in Ontario, offering programs for children, youth, and students. Huntsville Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 17 ( Boys, Girls, Coed) Overnight Camp from $460	overnightcampallboysallgirlscoed	460	5-17	1	HuntsvilleOntario
YMCA of 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! Oakville Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 17 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $100	daycampprogramclasscoed	100	6-17	2	OakvilleOntario
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps 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. Leamington; London; Port Severn Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $600	overnightcampcoed	600	5-16	3	LeamingtonLondonPort SevernOntario
WillowWood School Camp and Summer School 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. Don Mills, Toronto Education (multi) Ages 6 to 17 (Coed) Program from $300	programclasscoed	300	6-17	4	Don Mills, TorontoOntarioNorth-York
Wildflower Community Farm Learn, grow, and play in nature and with animals on our farm near Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie. We offer outdoor learning programs and horseback riding programs and camps for all ages. Calgary Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 18 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp from $250	daycampovernightcampcoed	250	5-18	5	CalgaryAlberta
Code-it Hacks 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 Bloor West Village, Toronto; High Park, Toronto Computer (multi) Ages 4 to 17 (Coed) Day Camp from $450	daycampcoed	450	4-17	7	Bloor West Village, TorontoHigh Park, TorontoOnlineOntarioWest-End
Camp Tamarack Muskoka summer camp that welcomes campers of all ages, and staff from around the world. Experience our incredible variety of activities including skiing, wakeboarding, tennis, ropes, climbing and more! Bracebridge Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1,000	overnightcampcoed	1000	6-16	8	BracebridgeOntario
Empower Learning Centre Join our summer camps at Empower Learning Centre! Engage in fun activities, develop new skills, and make lasting memories. Limited spots available. Register now! Mississauga Traditional (multi activity) Ages 2 to 18 (Coed) Program from $80	programclasscoed	80	2-18	9	MississaugaOntario
Outward Bound Canada 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. East York, Toronto; Algonquin Park; Kananaskis; Vancouver; Vancouver Island Adventure (multi) Ages 9 to 19 ( Boys, Girls, Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp from $1	daycampovernightcampallboysallgirlscoed	1	9-19	10	East York, TorontoAlgonquin ParkKananaskisVancouverVancouver IslandAlberta, British Columbia, OntarioEast-York
YMCA of Greater Toronto Summer Day Camps YMCA of Greater Toronto operates 55 Day Camps across the GTA. With over 60 programs, we are sure to have a program that meets the interests of your child! Busing & extended hours are available at many of our locations! Throughout Ontario (55) Traditional (multi activity) Ages 4 to 15 (Coed) Day Camp from $350	daycampcoed	350	4-15	11	Bayview Village, TorontoBeaconsfield Village, TorontoCabbagetown, TorontoDavisville Village, TorontoDistillery District, TorontoDownsview, TorontoGraydon, TorontoHarbourfront, TorontoIslington Village, TorontoLeslieville, TorontoLittle Italy, TorontoRiverdale, TorontoScarborough Village, TorontoSt James Town, TorontoThe Beach, TorontoWest Hill, TorontoActonAjaxAuroraBowmanvilleBramptonEast GwillimburyGeorgetownHalton HillsMarkhamMiltonMississaugaNobletonOrangevilleOshawaPickeringRichmond HillVaughanWhitbyWhitchurch - StouffvilleOntarioDowntown, East-End, Etobicoke, North-York, Scarborough, Uptown
Camp Kennebec 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! Sharbot Lake Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 35 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1,850	overnightcampcoed	1850	6-35	13	Sharbot LakeOntario
uOttawa Engineering Outreach 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. Kanata; Orleans; Ottawa; Ottawa South Education: STEM Ages 5 to 18 ( Girls, Coed) Day Camp, Program from $1	daycampprogramclassallgirlscoed	1	5-18	15	KanataOrleansOttawaOttawa SouthOntario
Kandalore 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. Leslieville, Toronto; Minden Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $3,795	overnightcampcoed	3795	6-16	16	Leslieville, TorontoMindenOntarioEast-End
Scouts Canada 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. Throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario (8) Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 26 (Coed) Program from $230	programclasscoed	230	5-26	17	Willowdale, TorontoCalgaryEdmontonHalifaxLondonMississaugaOttawaVancouverAlberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, OntarioNorth-York
Bayview Glen Camp 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. Don Mills, Toronto; York Mills, Toronto Traditional (multi activity) Ages 4 to 14 (Coed) Day Camp from $700	daycampcoed	700	4-14	18	Don Mills, TorontoYork Mills, TorontoOntarioNorth-York
YMCA Camp Pine Crest Meet them at the Camp Expo on Feb. 22With 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! Torrance Traditional (multi activity) Ages 5 to 16 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp from $375	daycampovernightcampcoed	375	5-16	19	TorranceOntario
YMCA Wanakita 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! Haliburton Highlands Traditional (multi activity) Ages 7 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1,150	overnightcampcoed	1150	7-16	20	Haliburton HighlandsOntario
The Pine Project Meet them at the Camp Expo on Feb. 22Ontario's leading nature connection organization, offering year-round outdoor education programs for children and youth. Time in nature makes kids happier and healthier. Join us to learn, play and grow in nature! Bloor West Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Haliburton Highlands Education: Nature/Environment Ages 1 to 16 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Program from $435	daycampovernightcampprogramclasscoed	435	1-16	21	Bloor West Village, TorontoEast York, TorontoHaliburton HighlandsOntarioEast-York, West-End
Medeba Summer Camp Meet them at the Camp Expo on Feb. 22Medeba 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. Haliburton Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp from $469	daycampovernightcampcoed	469	6-16	22	HaliburtonOntario
Hockey Opportunity Camp HOC offers 3 main overnight programs including Hockey, Ultimate (traditional camp) and Water Skiing. HOC offers something for anyone wanting an overnight camp experience in Northern Ontario. Huntsville Traditional (multi activity) Ages 7 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1,330	overnightcampcoed	1330	7-16	23	HuntsvilleOntario
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) Overnight leadership camps at beautiful Cowichan Lake! Expand your co-operative leadership and team building skills while connecting with youth from around the province. Experience a summer camp like no other. Lake Cowichan; Victoria Education: Leadership (multi) Ages 14 to 18 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $125	overnightcampcoed	125	14-18	24	Lake CowichanVictoriaBritish Columbia
ARTSies Youth Theatre Programs ARTSies provides musical theatre classes, camps, and exciting performance opportunities for youth ages 5 through teens! There's no experience necessary to join our programs. White Haven, Toronto; Markham Arts: Musical Theatre Ages 5 to 17 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $40	daycampprogramclasscoed	40	5-17	25	White Haven, TorontoMarkhamOntarioScarborough
Devenish Educational Consulting & Summer Camp Leading educational counseling and coaching for students. We offer personalized executive functions coaching, career exploration, post-secondary preparation and application, and strategies for success in school and life. Oakville Traditional (multi activity) Ages 9 to 19 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $360	daycampprogramclasscoed	360	9-19	26	OakvilleOntario
Edu-Inter French School Edu Inter: 9 camps, 2000+ students, global friends, join us for a summer of learning and fun! Quebec City Education: Language Instruction Ages 10 to 17 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $950	overnightcampcoed	950	10-17	28	Quebec CityQuebec
Academic Camp Canada Inspiring academic summer camps - choice of languages, maths, sciences, social studies & arts. You get to explore beautiful the New Brunswick or the cosmopolitan City of London in the UK. Be a Leader course is included. International; Rothesay Education (multi) Ages 13 to 17 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $520	overnightcampcoed	520	13-17	29	InternationalRothesayInternational, New Brunswick
Gee-Gees Sports Camps 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. Ottawa Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 17 (Coed) Day Camp from $300	daycampcoed	300	6-17	30	OttawaOnlineOntario
Laurus Summer Camp Montreal, North & South Shore, and West Island's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend education & specialty training in arts, sports and more! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration opens January 2nd 2023! Throughout Ontario, Quebec (24) Traditional (multi activity) Ages 3 to 15 (Coed) Day Camp from $200	daycampcoed	200	3-15	32	Baie-d'UrfeBeaconsfieldBrossardDollard-Des-OrmeauxKirklandL'Ile-BizardLavalMont-RoyalMontrealOttawa NorthRosemereRoxboroSaint LaurentSaint-LeonardSainte-Anne-de-BellevueVaudreuil-DorionVerdunWestmountOntario, Quebec
L&E World Camps & Teen Travel L&E World Camps inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning multi-activity programs in Canada and Europe. The camps can be combined with L&E Teen Travel trips to create a summer experience of a lifetime. International Traditional (multi activity) Ages 8 to 15 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $495	overnightcampcoed	495	8-15	33	InternationalInternational
Campfire Circle Campfire Circle brings healing through happiness to kids and families affected by childhood cancer or serious illness through our in-hospital, community, and overnight camp programs, at no cost to families. Downtown West, Toronto; Parry Sound; Southern Niagara Region Traditional (multi activity) Ages 1 to 18 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp from $1	daycampovernightcampcoed	1	1-18	34	Downtown West, TorontoParry SoundSouthern Niagara RegionOntarioDowntown
Sparrow Lake Camp Meet them at the Camp Expo on Feb. 22Since 1912! Sparrow Lake Camp is a traditional Co-Ed Summer Camp where all are welcome, all are valued, and all belong. Overnight camps for kids 6-16, as well as our friends and family 'Holiday Camp' for all ages! Orillia Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $890	overnightcampcoed	890	6-16	35	OrilliaOntario
COOKSMART 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. Mississauga Arts: Cooking Ages 5 to 99 (Coed) Virtual Program from $15	virtualprogramcoed	15	5-99	36	MississaugaOnlineOntario
Fallbrook Trail Ranch A fairly traditional camp providing sports, crafts, swimming, games & horseback riding. We encourage the imagination, creativity and teamwork. Weeks through the summer have unique themes and varied program leads. Halton Hills Sport: Horseback Riding/Equestrian Ages 4 to 12 (Coed) Day Camp from $350	daycampcoed	350	4-12	37	Halton HillsOntario
SportLife 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! Montreal Sport (multi) Ages 5 to 15 (Coed) Day Camp from $165	daycampcoed	165	5-15	38	MontrealQuebec
Camp Oconto 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. Sharbot Lake Traditional (multi activity) Ages 4 to 16 ( Girls) Overnight Camp from $1,560	overnightcampallgirls	1560	4-16	39	Sharbot LakeOnlineOntario
Onondaga Camp Meet them at the Camp Expo on Feb. 22For 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! Minden Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $2,000	overnightcampcoed	2000	6-16	40	MindenOntario
Neighbour Note Music Camps & Lessons 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! Bloor West Village, Toronto; High Park, Toronto Arts: Music (multi) Ages 5 to 18 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $425	daycampprogramclasscoed	425	5-18	41	Bloor West Village, TorontoHigh Park, TorontoOnlineOntarioWest-End
University of Toronto, Department of Mathematics The Mathematics Outreach Office at the University of Toronto encourages the love of learning mathematics through various programs, including enrichment programs, math contests and preparation courses, camps and more. South Annex, Toronto Education: Math Ages 6 to 18 (Coed) Day Camp, Program, Virtual Program from $240	daycampprogramclassvirtualprogramcoed	240	6-18	42	South Annex, TorontoOnlineOntarioDowntown
Cedar Ridge Camp Cedar Ridge Camp is a place where campers have the opportunity to get outside, develop friendships, and build confidence. Bancroft Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 16 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1,400	overnightcampcoed	1400	6-16	43	BancroftOntario
Easter Seals Summer Camp Easter Seals camps are for children and adults (6-49+) with physical and cognitive disabilities. With fully accessible facilities and specially trained staff, our programs can accommodate campers with all abilities. Kelowna; Shawnigan Lake; Squamish Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 49 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $1	overnightcampcoed	1	6-49	44	KelownaShawnigan LakeSquamishOnlineBritish Columbia
Steamoji A STEM / STEAM maker academy for kids that offers after-school programs, year-round 400-hour classes, along with fun camps. Throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario (17) Education: STEAM Ages 5 to 14 (Coed) Day Camp, Program from $249	daycampprogramclasscoed	249	5-14	45	BurnabyCalgaryEdmontonKelownaMississaugaOakvillePickeringPort MoodyRichmondRichmond HillVancouverWhite RockAlberta, British Columbia, Ontario
Bear Creek Outdoor Centre 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. Ottawa; Renfrew Traditional (multi activity) Ages 6 to 17 (Coed) Overnight Camp from $825	overnightcampcoed	825	6-17	46	OttawaRenfrewOntario
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts! Great food, a full rec schedule, campfire & a core of incredible arts programming on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Canning Arts (multi) Ages 5 to 18 (Coed) Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Program from $345	daycampovernightcampprogramclasscoed	345	5-18	47	CanningNova Scotia

Of course, parents may need to look at and change some of their own behaviours and attitudes and how these might be negatively impacting communication with their teen. Simply relying on an outside "fix" like a teen boot camp is not a holistic approach to making real change.

On the other hand, there are many cases where teens simply need a radical change in order to break negative patterns. There are many troubled teens who do not fare well in traditional counseling environments, and there is some evidence that these teens are finding success in long-term treatment programs such as those offered at some camps. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs conducted a study showing that teens with problem emotional and behavioural issues improved during treatment at a residential program. In addition, they maintained a healthier outlook long after they left the treatment programs. Among the problems these teens faced were ADHD, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder.

The study provided hard evidence over the anecdotal evidence traditionally provided by the industry. It followed 1,027 graduates of troubled teen treatment programs for one year after they completed their program and focused on how consistent the teens' behaviour remained.

For parents dealing with problem teens, we wish you wisdom as you search for a solution. We urge you to investigate the industry deeply to make the best-informed decision you can. Consult the list above and enquire how these camps can help you with your troubled teen and how they believe they are different from dubious "treatment programs" of the past.

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