Trails serves youth from underserved communities across the GTA. No outdoor experience is required, just a willingness to try, grow, and commit to the journey.

Participants commit to the full four-year program, from ages 12 to 16, building confidence, connection, and skills that last a lifetime.

Applications open in January of Grade 6 for a summer program start.

Click here to learn more.

All youth are tested upon arrival at Trails; self identified non-swimmers are tested in a way that does not endanger them (i.e. wearing a PFD for the test) All youth that do not successfully pass the swim test must properly wear a PFD while in the swim area under NLS Lifeguard supervision.

Southlake Regional Health Centre (Newmarket), approximately 20 minutes from our site.

Trails is fully accredited by the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), meeting 400+ safety standards.

All medications are locked in a central office; administered and tracked by trained staff in original packaging only.

Trails is nut-aware. Our kitchen accommodates Halal, gluten-free, and anaphylactic needs—please be sure to list these on your forms.

All our First Aid bags are stocked with pads and tampons, with excess supplies in our lodge.

Our staff hold their Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid and waterfront safety certifications (i.e. Bronze Cross or NLS)

We maintain a high-support ratio of 1 staff member for every 5 participants.

Trails has a Zero-Indifference policy, which means never letting harmful or hateful conduct go unaddressed. Staff will always name and respond to behaviours, but they do not automatically implement referrals, suspension, expulsion or other harsh punishments.

Yes. We are a tech-free zone to build connections within the Trails community and promote independence. While youth are not permitted to bring their personal tech devices, we do allow them to connect with home from our phone if it makes sense to do so (e.g. if a participant is experiencing homesickness). Parents/Guardians are welcome to contact Trails staff via email and/or phone to receive updates during their child’s time at Trails.

We use 1-on-1 mentorship and self-reflection to work with the youth to adjust their behaviour.

No, we typically send a shared Google folder with photos once the session is complete. Managing Directors will provide an update if needed; but, expect that no news is good news.

Transportation is provided via bus from two centralized locations in Toronto serving the east and west ends of the city.

While on-site, participants sleep in gender-segregated, winterized cabins with bunk beds and climate control. On summer camping trips, they sleep in gender-segregated tents.

No. Phones and tablets are not permitted. If brought, they will be stored safely by staff until the end of the session and returned at the drop-off location in the city.

There is an annual fee of $100, with the initial payment due upon acceptance. Otherwise, the program is fully funded for families by our donors.

No. Trails provides all technical equipment (boots, parkas, sleeping bags).

Our motto is “Four Seasons, Four Years, For Life” – meaning the program runs for 9-12 days in the summer and one weekend a month from September to May, for a minimum of four years. We look for families committed to long-term growth. Trails participants must meet an attendance requirement, which includes attending all summer sessions and missing no more than two weekend sessions in a given year.

Yes. We accommodate prayer times and specific dietary requirements upon request.