Curriculum

Trails Program Badge

The Trails Way

Each year Trails welcomes new youth to embark on their four-year journey. In addition, an optional fifth year is offered with the Leadership-in-Training (LIT) program, where participants have the opportunity to further develop leadership and life skills.

The Result

  • Curriculum
    • Up to 3 high school credits in Health and Physical Education
    • 40 hours of community service
    • 30+ days of wilderness tripping experiences
    • 30+ hours of mindfulness
    • 10 hours of training in non-violent communication
    • Emergency First Aid (CPR) Certification
    • Over 500 hours/participant each year
    Curriculum
  • Curriculum
    • 20+ Hours Peer Mentoring/Teaching
    • Mentorships through Grade 11 - 12
    • Access to bursaries to attend post-secondary education
  • Learn More

High School Credits

Students who remain in the program for the full 5 years can earn up to 3 credits in outdoor education. Trails has permission from the Ministry of Education to grant these credits as a Ministry-Inspected Private School. In 2019, 39 students earned credits and 55 earned credits in 2020.

  • PAD 10

  • PAD 20

  • PLF 4M

Curriculum Topics of Instruction

  • Fitness plans, nutrition and wellness
  • Sexuality and human development
  • Wilderness trip planning
  • Healthy relationships
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Stress management and coping strategies
  • Outdoor competencies (canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing)
  • Resume writing
  • Non-violent communication
  • Interviewing skills
  • Yoga and mindfulness
  • Teaching/facilitating group discussion
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Feedback and evaluation
  • Group dynamics and leadership
  • Problem solving/decision making
  • Conflict resolution
Learn More

Trails Lakeside, Stouffville

Trails Lakeside in Stouffville is situated on 143 acres of conservation land and home to the Trails administration and program offices. The property boasts two lakes, six year-round cabins, a low and high ropes course, kilometres of hiking trails and three campsites. Participants are provided with all the equipment and gear they will need to enjoy four seasons of outdoor recreation, including camping, canoeing, swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, skating and cross country skiing. For a virtual tour of Trails Lakeside, click here. 

Limberlost Northern Campus, Huntsville

Limberlost Wildlife and Nature Reserve, near Huntsville, is Trails’ Northern Campus. Use of the site is generously donated by Limberlost for the development of our youth in the Leaders-in-Training program through special purpose trips. The campus provides exposure to nature and builds confidence, the ability to adapt, and develops long-standing values. All proceeds from Limberlost’s trail map sales and the annual Limberlost Challenge, a 14, 28, or 56Km race through historic lakeside, wetland, and boardwalk trails on the private reserve go directly to Trails.