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

    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 9Harbourfront, TorontoOntarioDowntown
    Camps that welcome troubled teens and offer some basic support for them
    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
    programclasscoed3006-171Don Mills, TorontoOntarioNorth-York
    YMCA of the National Capital Region   
    Choose active and fun Neighbourhood Day Camps close to home, with themed weeks and field trips, OR a traditional outdoor day or overnight experience at Camp Otonabee with high ropes, paddling, archery, swimming and more!

    Ottawa
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 4 to 16 ( Boys, Girls, Coed)
    • Day Camp
    • from $320
    daycampallboysallgirlscoed3204-162OttawaOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed10006-163BracebridgeOntario
    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
    daycampovernightcampallboysallgirlscoed19-194East York, TorontoAlgonquin ParkKananaskisVancouverVancouver IslandAlberta, British Columbia, OntarioEast-York
    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
    programclasscoed802-185MississaugaOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed6005-166LeamingtonLondonPort SevernOntario
    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
    daycampprogramclasscoed1006-177OakvilleOntario
    InterVarsity Ontario Pioneer Camp   
    Ontario Pioneer Camp is a Christian summer camp and outdoor education and 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
    overnightcampallboysallgirlscoed4605-178HuntsvilleOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed18506-3510Sharbot LakeOntario
    YMCAs of Québec   
    Located in the Laurentians (Quebec) on a 550-acre site with 3 lakes, Camp YMCA Kanawana has been offering a unique setting to enjoy nature and have fun in the great outdoors since 1894.

    Saint-Sauveur
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 7 to 17 (Coed)
    • Overnight Camp
    • from $1,096
    overnightcampcoed10967-1711Saint-SauveurQuebec
    Evergreen Brick Works   
    At Evergreen Brick Works, kids and families can explore and get active in the heart of Toronto's beautiful Lower Don Valley!

    Leaside, Toronto
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 2 to 17 (Coed)
    • Day Camp
    • from $80
    daycampcoed802-1712Leaside, TorontoOntarioEast-York
    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
    daycampprogramclassallgirlscoed15-1813KanataOrleansOttawaOttawa SouthOntario
    Medeba Summer Camp   
    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.

    Haliburton
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 6 to 16 (Coed)
    • Day Camp, Overnight Camp
    • from $469
    daycampovernightcampcoed4696-1614HaliburtonOntario
    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
    virtualprogramcoed155-9915MississaugaOnlineOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed8256-1716OttawaRenfrewOntario
    Active Scholars   
    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.

    Humberlea, Toronto; Ajax; Whitby
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 7 to 13 (Coed)
    • Day Camp, Program
    • from $250
    daycampprogramclasscoed2507-1317Humberlea, TorontoAjaxWhitbyOntarioNorth-York
    The Pine Project   
    Ontario'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
    daycampovernightcampprogramclasscoed4351-1618Bloor West Village, TorontoEast York, TorontoHaliburton HighlandsOntarioEast-York, West-End
    Camp Hermosa   
    A freshly renovated overnight Christian summer camp for all ages offering a wide range of summer activities, including swimming lessons, nature hikes, sports, campfires, crafts, worship, and Bible study.

    Goderich
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 8 to 18 (Coed)
    • Overnight Camp
    • from $225
    overnightcampcoed2258-1819GoderichOntario
    Fallbrook Trail Ranch   
    We are a fairly traditional camp providing sports, crafts, swimming, games & horseback riding. We encourage 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
    daycampcoed3504-1220Halton HillsOntario
    Scouts Canada   
    Scouts Canada summer camps offer exciting outdoor adventures where youth build skills, gain confidence, try new activities, make friends, and create lifelong memories.

    Throughout British Columbia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (9)
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 5 to 16 (Coed)
    • Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Program
    • from $175
    daycampovernightcampprogramclasscoed1755-1621BelfastCambridgeLangleyMaple RidgeOshawaPerthRoberts CreekSt. CatharinesWhitchurch - StouffvilleBritish Columbia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island
    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
    daycampprogramclasscoed2495-1422BurnabyCalgaryEdmontonKelownaMississaugaOakvillePickeringPort MoodyRichmondRichmond HillVancouverWhite RockAlberta, British Columbia, Ontario
    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
    daycampcoed3006-1723OttawaOnlineOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed12514-1824Lake CowichanVictoriaBritish Columbia
    Sparrow Lake Camp   
    Since 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
    overnightcampcoed8906-1625OrilliaOntario
    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
    daycampprogramclasscoed405-1726White Haven, TorontoMarkhamOntarioScarborough
    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
    daycampovernightcampcoed11-1827Downtown West, TorontoParry SoundSouthern Niagara RegionOntarioDowntown
    Reptilia Zoo Inc.   
    Explore the wild world of reptiles at any of our Reptilia Zoo locations; London, Whitby & Vaughan! See 250+ animals; reptiles, amphibians & arachnids. Kids can join our exciting camp program with hands-on learning.

    London; Vaughan; Whitby
    Education: Zoology
    • Ages 5 to 12 (Coed)
    • Day Camp
    • from $79
    daycampcoed795-1228LondonVaughanWhitbyOntario
    Hear & Now Music   
    Hear & Now Music offers in-home and virtual lessons in piano, guitar, ukulele, singing, and more. Our March Break and summer camps for kids 5+ focus on instrument exploration, band collaboration, and performing live.

    The Beach, Toronto
    Arts: Music (multi)
    • Ages 5 to 100 (Coed)
    • Day Camp, Program, Virtual Program
    • from $40
    daycampprogramclassvirtualprogramcoed405-10029The Beach, TorontoOnlineOntarioEast-End
    L&E World Camps   
    L&E offer a unique overnight international summer camp experience in British Columbia, Canada & Winchester, UK. L&E inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning multi-activity program & specialised courses.

    International; Shawnigan Lake
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 8 to 16 (Coed)
    • Overnight Camp
    • from $1,195
    overnightcampcoed11958-1630InternationalShawnigan LakeBritish Columbia, International
    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
    overnightcampcoed52013-1731InternationalRothesayInternational, New Brunswick
    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
    daycampprogramclasscoed3609-1932OakvilleOntario
    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
    daycampprogramclasscoed4255-1833Bloor West Village, TorontoHigh Park, TorontoOnlineOntarioWest-End
    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
    overnightcampcoed16-4934KelownaShawnigan LakeSquamishOnlineBritish Columbia
    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
    daycampcoed7004-1435Don Mills, TorontoYork Mills, TorontoOntarioNorth-York
    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
    overnightcampcoed11507-1636Haliburton HighlandsOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed14006-1637BancroftOntario
    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
    overnightcampallgirls15604-1638Sharbot LakeOnlineOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed13307-1639HuntsvilleOntario
    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
    overnightcampcoed37956-1640Leslieville, TorontoMindenOntarioEast-End
    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
    daycampcoed2003-1541Baie-d'UrfeBeaconsfieldBrossardDollard-Des-OrmeauxKirklandL'Ile-BizardLavalMont-RoyalMontrealOrleansOttawa NorthPierrefondsRosemereRoxboroSaint LaurentSaint-LeonardVaudreuil-DorionVerdunOntario, Quebec
    YMCA Camp Pine Crest   
    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!

    Torrance
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 5 to 16 (Coed)
    • Day Camp, Overnight Camp
    • from $375
    daycampovernightcampcoed3755-1642TorranceOntario
    Wholesome Character   
    A character-building organization offering Personalized Coaching, Mentoring Programs for Boys and Girls, Leadership Programs, and Etiquette Programs for children ages 5 to 17. Cost varies from $0 - $450.

    Oakville
    Traditional (multi activity)
    • Ages 5 to 17 ( Boys, Girls)
    • Day Camp
    • from $200
    daycampallboysallgirls2005-1743OakvilleOnlineOntario
    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
    daycampovernightcampprogramclasscoed3455-1844CanningNova Scotia
    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
    daycampprogramclassvirtualprogramcoed2406-1845South Annex, TorontoOnlineOntarioDowntown
    MVP'S Camps   
    ​An extraordinary Overnight Summer Program, designed to cater to the most talented and passionate youth in Ontario, providing them with an unparalleled, all-encompassing basketball experience.

    Rosseau
    Sport: Basketball
    • Ages 8 to 17 (Coed)
    • Overnight Camp
    • from $1,740
    overnightcampcoed17408-1746RosseauOntario
    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
    daycampcoed3504-1547Bayview 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


     

    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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