Camp Guide

Youth empowerment and social justice camps

Find the top youth empowerment and social justice summer camps and programs

Looking for a youth empowerment camp? These camps, also called “social justice camps,” can be found across Canada and the United States. They can be a great option for teens and preteens looking for a challenge and who want to expand their horizons. Below, we list youth empowerment and social justice camps in Canada and the United States. Click on a camp’s profile to learn more about it, including its location, cost, programming, and session dates. You can also click through to a camp’s website and register your child for a summer session today. Read more

List of youth empowerment and social justice camps and programs

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Camps and programs directly below focus on helping kids and teens develop their passion for leadership and social action.

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
featured Crescent Camps & Summer Programs North Toronto, Toronto Traditional (multi activity) Day camp Our Camps and Programs reflect Crescent School's excellence in academics, robotics, athletics, business, the arts and leadership, with highly qualified, enthusiastic instructors and staff. Read more... Ages 6 to 17 Coed from $60/week View profile	Day camp openCamp Coed	60	6-17	0	North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Crescent Camps & Summer ProgramsOur Camps and Programs reflect Crescent School's excellence in academics, robotics, athletics, business, the arts and leadership, with highly qualified, enthusiastic instructors and staff. North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
YMCA of Greater Vancouver Vancouver; Gibsons Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp There’s something about camp that brings out the best in us. Whether it’s sailing, hiking or uncovering leadership potential, YMCA's spring and summer camps provide children ages 5-17 with a memorable experience. Read more... Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $139/session View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp openCamp Coed	139	5-17	1	Vancouver, British Columbia, Gibsons, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) YMCA of Greater VancouverThere’s something about camp that brings out the best in us. Whether it’s sailing, hiking or uncovering leadership potential, YMCA's spring and summer camps provide children ages 5-17 with a memorable experience. Vancouver, British Columbia, Gibsons, British Columbia Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Coed
COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Radiant Girls Burlington; Hamilton Education: Leadership Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More! Read more... Ages 7 to 16 Girls from $479/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls	479	7-16	2	Burlington, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario	Education: LeadershipRadiant GirlsGirls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More! Burlington, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls

Camps and programs offer activities related to leadership and social activism among a variety of other camp activities.

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
featured City Scouts: Urban Adventure Camp Grange Park, Toronto Traditional (multi activity) Day camp City Scouts is a weekly urban adventure camp in the heart of Toronto. Our goal is to foster growing children's sense of independence through urban adventure Read more... Ages 10 to 13 Coed from $355/week View profile	Day camp openCamp Coed	355	10-13	0	Grange Park, Toronto, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) City Scouts: Urban Adventure CampCity Scouts is a weekly urban adventure camp in the heart of Toronto. Our goal is to foster growing children's sense of independence through urban adventure Grange Park, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
featured Camp Can-Aqua Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp, Family camp A traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Read more... Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $1,950/2 weeks View profile	Overnight camp, Family camp openCamp Coed	1950	5-17	1	Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Oakville, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Camp Can-AquaA traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Oakville, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario Overnight camp, Family camp Coed
featured Outward Bound Canada Riverdale, Toronto; Vancouver Island; North Toronto, Toronto; Kananaskis; Algonquin Park Adventure (multi) Day camp, Overnight camp 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. Read more... Ages 12 to 99 Coed, Girls, Boys from $375/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed, Girls, Boys	375	12-99	2	Riverdale, Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Kananaskis, , Algonquin Park, Ontario	Adventure (multi)Outward Bound CanadaOutward 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. Riverdale, Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Kananaskis, , Algonquin Park, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp Coed, Girls, Boys
featured COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Ontario Educational Leadership Centre Washago Education: Leadership Overnight camp Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Read more... Ages 10 to 18 Coed from $240/program View profile	Overnight camp Coed	240	10-18	3	Washago, Ontario	Education: LeadershipOntario Educational Leadership CentreLeadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Washago, Ontario Overnight camp Coed
featured Sidney Ledson Institute Don Mills, Toronto Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Program Now offered online, give your child the advantage of academic advancement / reinforcement in curriculum subjects and SSAT/ISEE prep during Academic year and Summer holidays. Read more... Ages 2.5 to 14 Coed from $275/week View profile	Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	275	2.5-14	4	Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Sidney Ledson InstituteNow offered online, give your child the advantage of academic advancement / reinforcement in curriculum subjects and SSAT/ISEE prep during Academic year and Summer holidays. Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario Day camp, Program Coed
featured COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Rotherglen Summer Camp Oakville Traditional (multi activity) Day camp Summer Camps will include Robotics, STEM, Drama, Art, Sports and Cooking Camps, all taking advantage of our beautiful new state of the art facility. Registration opens Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Read more... Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $340/week View profile	Day camp Coed	340	6-14	5	Oakville, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Rotherglen Summer CampSummer Camps will include Robotics, STEM, Drama, Art, Sports and Cooking Camps, all taking advantage of our beautiful new state of the art facility. Registration opens Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Oakville, Ontario Day camp Coed
featured Camp Courage - Girls Who Fight Scarborough Junction, Toronto; Markham; Davisville Village, Toronto Sport: Martial Arts Day camp A self defense and confidence camp where girls learn empowering self defense techniques, as well as how to speak assertively, walk confidently, and improve situational awareness. Read more... Ages 8 to 15 Girls from $365/week View profile	Day camp openCamp Girls	365	8-15	6	Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Davisville Village, Toronto, Ontario	Sport: Martial ArtsCamp Courage - Girls Who FightA self defense and confidence camp where girls learn empowering self defense techniques, as well as how to speak assertively, walk confidently, and improve situational awareness. Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Davisville Village, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Girls
featured Power of Words Academy Don Mills, Toronto; Markham Education (multi) Day camp, Program 2020/2021 Writing & Public Speaking School Year Program for kids in Grades 2 to 8. Select from in-person classes (at our North York Campus) or online classes (delivered using the Zoom platform and Google Classroom. Read more... Ages 7 to 14 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	200	7-14	7	Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario	Education (multi)Power of Words Academy2020/2021 Writing & Public Speaking School Year Program for kids in Grades 2 to 8. Select from in-person classes (at our North York Campus) or online classes (delivered using the Zoom platform and Google Classroom. Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario Day camp, Program Coed
Hollows Camp Bradford Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp A traditional overnight and day camp located 1 hour north of Toronto. Activities include: canoeing & kayaking, archery, paintball, tennis, trampoline/circus, horseback riding, bushcraft, drama, arts, and swimming. Read more... Ages 7 to 15 Coed from $400/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	400	7-15	8	Bradford, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Hollows CampA traditional overnight and day camp located 1 hour north of Toronto. Activities include: canoeing & kayaking, archery, paintball, tennis, trampoline/circus, horseback riding, bushcraft, drama, arts, and swimming. Bradford, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Explorer Hop Leaside, Toronto Education: Entrepreneurship Day camp, Program, Family camp Featured in BBC. A camp where kids learn about Entrepreneurship, Money Management, Innovation, Debate Camp and even get to create their own board game! Read more... Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $350/week View profile	Day camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Coed	350	6-14	9	Leaside, Toronto, Ontario	Education: EntrepreneurshipExplorer HopFeatured in BBC. A camp where kids learn about Entrepreneurship, Money Management, Innovation, Debate Camp and even get to create their own board game! Leaside, Toronto, Ontario Day camp, Program, Family camp Coed
Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group) Program With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. Read more... Ages 6 to 18 Coed from $325/program View profile	Program openCamp Coed	325	6-18	10	Vaughan, Ontario	Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group)Brain Power Enrichment ProgramsWith more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. Vaughan, Ontario Program Coed
Brentwood College School Summer Camps Mill Bay Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp Located on beautiful Vancouver Island, Brentwood College School offers focused camps for Soccer, Academics, Rowing, Rock Band, Debate, and Musical Theatre for kids aged 7 to 17. Read more... Ages 7 to 17 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	200	7-17	11	Mill Bay, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Brentwood College School Summer CampsLocated on beautiful Vancouver Island, Brentwood College School offers focused camps for Soccer, Academics, Rowing, Rock Band, Debate, and Musical Theatre for kids aged 7 to 17. Mill Bay, British Columbia Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Knight Camp Vancouver Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Program Welcome to the only authentic knight school for youth (ages 8 – 14) in Canada, where knightly skills are taught in a safe and engaging environment by Academie Duello’s trained instructors. Read more... Ages 8 to 14 Coed from $425/week View profile	Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	425	8-14	12	Vancouver, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Knight CampWelcome to the only authentic knight school for youth (ages 8 – 14) in Canada, where knightly skills are taught in a safe and engaging environment by Academie Duello’s trained instructors. Vancouver, British Columbia Day camp, Program Coed
French International Language Camps International Education: Language Instruction Day camp, Overnight camp English students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons. Read more... Ages 6 to 17 Coed from $2,540/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	2540	6-17	13	International, Other	Education: Language InstructionFrench International Language CampsEnglish students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons. International, Other Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Learn & Experience Shawnigan Lake; International Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp 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. Read more... Ages 8 to 16 Coed from $750/week View profile	Overnight camp openCamp Coed	750	8-16	14	Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, International,	Traditional (multi activity) Learn & ExperienceL&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. Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, International, Overnight camp Coed
Behaviour Matters Lawrence Heights, Toronto Education: Leadership Program, Family camp Focused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks. Read more... Ages 4 to 18 Coed, Girls, Boys from $600/group View profile	Program, Family camp openCamp Coed, Girls, Boys	600	4-18	15	Lawrence Heights, Toronto, Ontario	Education: LeadershipBehaviour MattersFocused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks. Lawrence Heights, Toronto, Ontario Program, Family camp Coed, Girls, Boys
COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed The Hoop Factory Ajax; Markham; North Toronto, Toronto Sport: Basketball Day camp Camp/program teaching the fundamentals in basketball, balance, footwork to players at all levels. A fun, high energy camp for boys/girls of all ages. Christmas Holiday-March Break-Summer Break #BuildingBetterBallers Read more... Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp Coed	200	5-18	16	Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario	Sport: BasketballThe Hoop FactoryCamp/program teaching the fundamentals in basketball, balance, footwork to players at all levels. A fun, high energy camp for boys/girls of all ages. Christmas Holiday-March Break-Summer Break #BuildingBetterBallers Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
Bytown Brigantine Tall Ships Adventure Ontario (2); United States (4) Travel Overnight camp An outdoor adventure camp on a tall ship: building leadership, good citizenship & lifelong friendships. Ages 12-14 on Black Jack in small team-building groups & ages 14+ on Fair Jeanne, earning HS credit on select trips. Read more... Ages 12 to 18 Coed from $900/session View profile	Overnight camp openCamp Coed	900	12-18	17	Brockville, Harbourfront, Toronto, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire	TravelBytown Brigantine Tall Ships AdventureAn outdoor adventure camp on a tall ship: building leadership, good citizenship & lifelong friendships. Ages 12-14 on Black Jack in small team-building groups & ages 14+ on Fair Jeanne, earning HS credit on select trips. Brockville, Harbourfront, Toronto, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire Overnight camp Coed
COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Science North Camps Ontario (6) Education: STEM Day camp Science North offers innovative and stimulating summer day camps and virtual camps that introduce children to the worlds of science, technology, engineering and math. Camps are available for 4-11 year olds. Read more... Ages 4 to 14 Coed from $153/week View profile	Day camp Coed	153	4-14	18	Dryden, Sudbury, Barrie, North Bay, Kenora	Education: STEMScience North CampsScience North offers innovative and stimulating summer day camps and virtual camps that introduce children to the worlds of science, technology, engineering and math. Camps are available for 4-11 year olds. Dryden, Sudbury, Barrie, North Bay, Kenora Day camp Coed
UTS: Experience Innovation Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto; South Annex, Toronto Education (multi) Day camp A day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 9 to 18. The UTS affiliation with UofT means that campers are taught by exceptional teachers, teacher candidates, field experts and university instructors. Read more... Ages 11 to 18 Coed from $585/session View profile	Day camp openCamp Coed	585	11-18	19	Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario	Education (multi)UTS: Experience InnovationA day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 9 to 18. The UTS affiliation with UofT means that campers are taught by exceptional teachers, teacher candidates, field experts and university instructors. Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
Block 8 Academy Port Moody Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Program Active, fun weekly camps with a variety of activities ranging including cooking, parkour, lake days, STEM class, improv, theatre and the arts. We keep your child active and encourage their creativity! Read more... Ages 5 to 12 Coed from $50/day View profile	Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	50	5-12	20	Port Moody, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Block 8 AcademyActive, fun weekly camps with a variety of activities ranging including cooking, parkour, lake days, STEM class, improv, theatre and the arts. We keep your child active and encourage their creativity! Port Moody, British Columbia Day camp, Program Coed
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning Art (multi) Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Read more... Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $70/program View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Coed	70	5-18	21	Canning, Nova Scotia	Art (multi)Ross Creek Centre for the ArtsSummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Canning, Nova Scotia Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Coed

What is a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment camps are intended primarily for teens and “tweens,” ranging in age from 8 to 18. They offer training, workshops, and exercises in social justice and leadership.

These camps offer programs on a wide range of local and global issues. These may include

Poverty
The environment
Racism
Bullying
Conflict resolution
Sexuality
Culture
Religion

Of course, youth empowerment camps aren’t just about social activism and education. They can also be great fun! Most also have many of the same exciting activities you’ll find at other traditional camps. This includes campfires, swimming, dancing, music, games, arts and crafts, sports, and more.

Many of these are residential (or overnight) camps, with programs of various lengths, including one week, two weeks, one month, and two months. Some day camps, though, also offer youth empowerment and social justice programs.

Why should my child go to a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment and social justice camps are a nice fit for those who care about the world and want to make a difference. If your child is interested in social issues, wants to connect with a like-minded community, and is interested in new experiences, one of these camps may be a perfect fit.

These camps teach kids important skills and values. This can help your child to thrive in the teen years and grow into a confident, responsible, and passionate adult. Skills learned vary between camps, but may include

Leadership
Social activism
Communication
Group management
Debate and public speaking
Compassion
Creativity
Facilitation
Community and team building

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