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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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)
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Harbourfront Centre Camps
Since 1979 Harbourfront Centre has offered a variety of summer camps. Choose from 65 different camps including Circus, Arts, Sports, Science and Marine camps. We also offer busing, extended care and meal plans. Harbourfront, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Sports Camps Canada
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! Bayview Village, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto; Calgary; Vancouver
Sport (multi)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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Learn & Experience
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; Shawnigan Lake
Traditional (multi activity)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
Education (multi)
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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)
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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
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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)
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Easter Seal 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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Onondaga Camp
For 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)
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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)
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Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts! We offer great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and a core of incredible arts programming, all set on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Canning
Arts (multi)
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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
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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
Adventure (multi)
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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 (11)
Traditional (multi activity)
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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
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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. Duncan; Victoria
Education: Leadership (multi)
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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
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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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