Testimonials

Voices From the Trail

Behind every program is a person, and behind every person is a story worth telling.

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Everything changed around seven years ago, and I’m extremely grateful to say that today, I have a real life. I’ve gone from high school dropout to college graduate, I’m self-employed and in the process of starting my own business, I have healthy relationships, and I’m following my dreams. Even though it took a long time […]...

Trails gave me a lot of firsts. My first international flight out of the country to Wales. My first expedition on horseback. My first mentor, who still remains very dear to me. Most importantly, my first time being able to speak about what life was like back home without judgment. Our group session talks made […]...

Through the Trails Youth Initiatives scholarship program, I was given the opportunity to leave my childhood home and pursue higher education, which has in turn increased my occupational opportunities, as well as opened my eyes to the diverse world of perspectives that exist outside of my own. It was through Trails Youth Initiatives that I […...

I grew up in the Downsview area of Toronto, with my sister and our mom. My father was in and out of jail so his presence was never consistent in my life as a young child. I have not seen him since 2010 and there has never been any support to help with the expenses […]...

Trails built my confidence in myself and helped me realize what I had to offer others. From there I was able to build life-long connections with my peers in my group, and grow through shared experiences like the canoe trips, as well as through conflicts with each other which helped learn how to communicate effectively with […]...

I honestly forget to realize how vast and supportive our Trails family is and the importance of keeping in touch with one another. Even with my blood family I am a very self-reliant individual and fail to ask for help when I could really use it. Reached out to Brandon for a favour that I […]...

Trails creates opportunities for vulnerable youth from the Greater Toronto Area to learn and grow through experiences in the outdoors. Trails focuses on meaningful change over a long period of time, building trust and relationships between all of those involved in the Trails community. This long term commitment to the participants is one of the [&h...

I first joined the Trails family when I realized this program was engaged in a longevity model in youth work rather than the far more common intensity models. My early youth work had me convinced that long term follow up was critical to the short intense style programs in which I had worked. Once a […]...

I am so grateful for my experiences at Trails and for the fact your organization exists. I think it is so wonderful to have a place where the main focus is making youth feel loved, safe, and valued by the many facilitators, and staff. And in that same vision helping staff build the tools they […]...

Trails offered me options for Menelik and gave me hope at a time when trying to understand Menelik and address his needs was challenging. As a parent, I felt such understanding, caring, support and a belief that Menelik would have an invested group of people to support him as he was trying to navigate his […]...

Without knowing what to expect, both my kids attended the Trails City Day Camp. Abigail couldn’t stop talking about paddling on Lake Ontario and how it has inspired her to take on bigger challenges in life, even though things may seem hard. I’m so thankful to Trails for inspiring youth leaders and setting them on […]...

Already I see a clear and defined difference in Kaleb. His attitude and mood has improved greatly and he has been putting forth an effort that has left me in awe. I can’t explain the delight I experience in seeing these wonderful changes in Kaleb both in home and at school since becoming involved with […]...

Before I started Trails, I was bored at home. I had nothing to do because I wasn’t allowed outside. Because of Trails, I had something to look forward to every week day. It was fun and exciting to do

What I’ve learned about leadership is that it does not matter who you are, you can still be a leader. Before I started Trails I was very emotionally sad. Because of Trails I am not longer emotionally sad sitting at home doing nothing

Trails has taught me to be inclusive and see the value in all humans. I learned survival skills like how to build a tent and make a fire. I was never the outdoors type but now I really do like being out in nature. Trails gives me an opportunity to be away from my television […]...

My experience at Trails was amazing! I learned to do many things. I also built so many bonds with people that I can now call family and I love each and every one of the participants and staff in different ways. Now that it is my last year at Trails, I want to leave my […]...

Before I started Trails, I was very closed off and shy. I wouldn’t talk to anyone unless I had to and I would just stay in my own space/world. Because of Trails, I learned how to let people in and started talking more outside of Trails. I also learned how to share my thoughts/ideas instead […]...

Before I started Trails, I was not confident and was very shy. I lacked the confidence to stand up for myself and say what was on my mind. Because of Trails, I was able to develop more self-confidence in myself and overcame my shyness that I had in Year 1.

Voices From the Trail

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Charlie Dawydow

Chantelle Johnson

Nikée Allen

Jaden Woodley

Rae Lorenz

Jerome Rose

Lucas Cooper

Dr. Bob Henderson

Susannah Wopereis

Joy

Carlis Dunbar

Meka Gibbons

Mumtahana

Ryan

Aben

Kiara

Heather

Shekinah

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