Our Impact

Our Impact in Numbers

Participants are given the opportunity to complete program evaluations twice annually, as well as give feedback to their facilitators throughout the year. This data is used to evaluate our impact and drive program development.

  • 78%

    Improved leadership

  • 71%

    Improved conflict resolution

  • 80%

    Improved communication skills

  • 82%

    Improved Initiative

These percentages represent the participants who rated “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” when surveyed following the 2020 Trails City Day Camps. Since 2019, we saw a slight improvement in conflict resolution, communication and initiative. There was a decline of 2% for Improved Leadership, likely because the smaller group sizes at the Trails City Day Camps meant fewer opportunities to practice leadership with their peers.

Testimonials

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Charlie Dawydow

Charlie Dawydow

AlumniB.B. Superstars

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 […]...
Chantelle Johnson

Chantelle Johnson

AlumniDisco Fever

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 […]...
Nikée Allen

Nikée Allen

AlumniTimberwolves

Through the Trails Youth Initiatives bursary 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 […]...
Jaden Woodley

Jaden Woodley

AlumniLegendary Blazing Pegasus

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 […]...
Rae Lorenz

Rae Lorenz

AlumniNite Hawkz

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 […]...
Jerome Rose

Jerome Rose

AlumniHigh Flyerz

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 […]...
Lucas Cooper

Lucas Cooper

Professor, Recreation and Leisure Services, Centennial College

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...
Dr. Bob Henderson

Dr. Bob Henderson

Board of Directors

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 […]...
Susannah Wopereis

Susannah Wopereis

Former Facilitator

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 […]...
Joy

Joy

Parent

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 […]...
Carlis Dunbar

Carlis Dunbar

Parent

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 […]...
Meka Gibbons

Meka Gibbons

Parent

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 […]...
Mumtahana

Mumtahana

Year 1

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
Ryan

Ryan

Year 1

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
Aben

Aben

Year 4Flaming 6ix City

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 […]...
Kiara

Kiara

LITNightwolves

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 […]...
Heather

Heather

Year 3Phoenix Force

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 […]...
Shekinah

Shekinah

Year 4Flying Fox Nation

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.

Charity Intelligence Canada

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our charity intelligence canada scorecard

Grade B

Charity Intelligence researches Canadian charities for donors to be informed and give intelligently. Through rigorous and independent research, Charity Intelligence aims to assist Canada’s dynamic charitable sector in being more transparent, accountable and focused on results.

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Impact Genome Project

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our impact genome project scorecard

Grade 100%

The Impact Genome® is powered by common data frameworks which make it possible to compare across social programs. With comparable data, a new generation of tools, analytics and efficiencies is now possible to evaluate grantees before making a funding decision.

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