Teen Summer Program

The Teen Urban Summer Program is an adventure-based summer program for teens ages 12–14 who are ready to explore the wilder side of Toronto’s city parks while building real skills, confidence, and leadership. Designed for teens seeking more challenge and responsibility than a traditional day camp, this program blends outdoor adventure, mentorship, and hands-on learning in nature.

Guided by skilled Pine mentors, teens spend their days learning through experience, collaboration, and exploration. The program focuses on three core skill areas that support long-term growth and leadership development:

Leadership and Mentoring Skills:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Play, learn and lead numerous camp- and nature-based games and songs
• Personal character development

Wilderness and Survival Skills:

• Fire by friction
• Local hazards (plants animals, insects)
• Camp safety
• Bushcraft: knots, tarps, ropes, wood
• Wild edible and medicinal plants
• Shelter building
• Sensory awareness and sneaking
• Leather making and working
• Tools such as bows, arrows, stone tools and more
• Cordage (making rope out of plants)
• Knives and carving skills

Naturalist Knowledge:

• Plant identification
• Wildlife tracking and observation
• Learn bird calls and start to reveal the language of the birds
• Learn to use field guides to identify and research
• Develop personal nature goals
• Get and use a ‘sit spot’ to learn more about the land
• Mapping the local topography
• Create and use a nature journal

Throughout the program, mentors emphasize care for self, others, and the natural world. Teens are supported to take healthy risks, try new things, and grow at their own pace in a safe, inclusive environment. By the end of the program, participants leave with stronger leadership skills, greater self-awareness, and a deeper connection to nature and community — ready to take on new challenges with confidence.