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Youth empowerment and social justice camps

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

Jump into a hundred summers at

Saturday, February 1, 2020
Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto • 12:00 – 4:00pm

You’ll find:

Camps from all over Ontario, including after-school, March break, summer & winter camps: both day and overnight options!
Arts, academics, sports, leadership, technology, adventure, special needs, and many more types of programs to choose from!
Free activities, games, and family fun!

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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
YMCA of Greater Vancouver Vancouver; Gibsons Traditional (multi activity) Day, Overnight, family 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. Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $139/session View sessions	Day, Overnight, family Coed	139	5-17	0	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, Overnight, family Coed
Me to We Take Action Camp Corktown, Toronto Education: Social Justice/Empowerment Overnight Take Action Camp are where kids who care, thrive. Young people will discover their potential through interactive team-building, specialized workshops, and volunteer experience, in a fun and inclusive environment! Ages 9 to 18 Coed from $1,100/week View sessions	Overnight Coed	1100	9-18	1	Corktown, Toronto, Ontario	Education: Social Justice/EmpowermentMe to We Take Action CampTake Action Camp are where kids who care, thrive. Young people will discover their potential through interactive team-building, specialized workshops, and volunteer experience, in a fun and inclusive environment! Corktown, Toronto, Ontario Overnight Coed
Ontario Tech University Summer Camps Oshawa Science (multi) Day, Program, family Get a unique science and tech education in this program by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, including LEGO Robotics, Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Girls only sessions, Family Camps, Educator sessions. Ages 5 to 17 Coed, Girls from $300/week View sessions	Day, Program, family Coed, Girls	300	5-17	2	Oshawa, Ontario	Science (multi)Ontario Tech University Summer CampsGet a unique science and tech education in this program by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, including LEGO Robotics, Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Girls only sessions, Family Camps, Educator sessions. Oshawa, Ontario Day, Program, family Coed, 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 Ontario Educational Leadership Centre Washago Education: Leadership Overnight 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 Ages 10 to 18 Coed from $240/program View sessions	Overnight Coed	240	10-18	0	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 Coed
featured Rotherglen Summer Camp Oakville Traditional (multi activity) Day Summer Camps will include Robotics, STEM, Drama, Art, Sports and Cooking Camps, all taking advantage of our beautiful new state of the art facility. Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $340/week View sessions	Day Coed	340	6-14	1	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. Oakville, Ontario Day Coed
at camp expo featured Camp Can-Aqua Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa Traditional (multi activity) Overnight, family 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. Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $1,950/2 weeks View sessions	Overnight, family Coed	1950	5-17	2	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, family Coed
featured Girls Who Fight Scarborough Junction, Toronto; Markham; Davisville Village, Toronto Sport: Martial Arts Day 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. Ages 8 to 15 Girls from $365/week View sessions	Day Girls	365	8-15	3	Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Davisville Village, Toronto, Ontario	Sport: Martial ArtsGirls 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 Girls
Outward Bound Canada Kananaskis; Vancouver Island; Throughout Canada; Grand Manan; Algonquin Park Adventure (multi) Day, Overnight, family Est 1969. Inspiring, challenging journeys of self-discovery in the outdoors. Join an authentic, transformational adventure to see Canada at its finest, reach beyond your own boundaries, and tap in to your true potential. Ages 12 to 99 Coed, Girls, Boys from $779/week View sessions	Day, Overnight, family Coed, Girls, Boys	779	12-99	4	Kananaskis, Alberta, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Throughout Canada, Ontario, Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Algonquin Park, Ontario	Adventure (multi)Outward Bound CanadaEst 1969. Inspiring, challenging journeys of self-discovery in the outdoors. Join an authentic, transformational adventure to see Canada at its finest, reach beyond your own boundaries, and tap in to your true potential. Kananaskis, Alberta, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Throughout Canada, Ontario, Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Algonquin Park, Ontario Day, Overnight, family Coed, Girls, Boys
Lakefield Camp International Lakefield Traditional (multi activity) Overnight Lakefield Camp is a traditional Canadian overnight summer camp that offers various outdoor & indoor land/water sports & activities, from sailing to theater arts, a complete ropes course, language classes & so much more! Ages 9 to 17 Coed from $1,400/week View sessions	Overnight Coed	1400	9-17	5	Lakefield, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Lakefield Camp InternationalLakefield Camp is a traditional Canadian overnight summer camp that offers various outdoor & indoor land/water sports & activities, from sailing to theater arts, a complete ropes course, language classes & so much more! Lakefield, Ontario Overnight Coed
Explorer Hop Leaside, Toronto Education: Entrepreneurship Day, Program, family Featured in BBC. A camp where kids learn about Entrepreneurship, Money Management, Innovation, Debate Camp and even get to create their own board game! Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $350/week View sessions	Day, Program, family Coed	350	6-14	6	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, Program, family Coed
Oneida Baptist Camp Haldimand Traditional (multi activity) Overnight, family Located on Lake Erie's shoreline near Port Dover, offering half/full-week overnight Christian camping for all kids ranging from 4-18 years, plus family camp (ages 0-99) and leadership training for 14-15 year olds. Ages 4 to 18 Coed from $300/week View sessions	Overnight, family Coed	300	4-18	7	Haldimand, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Oneida Baptist CampLocated on Lake Erie's shoreline near Port Dover, offering half/full-week overnight Christian camping for all kids ranging from 4-18 years, plus family camp (ages 0-99) and leadership training for 14-15 year olds. Haldimand, Ontario Overnight, family 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. Ages 6 to 18 Coed from $325/program View sessions	Program Coed	325	6-18	8	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
Bytown Brigantine Tall Ships Adventure Ontario (5); United States (1) Travel Overnight 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. Ages 12 to 18 Coed from $900/session View sessions	Overnight Coed	900	12-18	9	Brockville, Harbourfront, Toronto, Ottawa, Kincardine, Sarnia, New York	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, Ottawa, Kincardine, Sarnia, New York Overnight Coed
Behaviour Matters Lawrence Heights, Toronto Education: Leadership Program, family 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. Ages 4 to 18 Coed, Girls, Boys from $600/group View sessions	Program, family Coed, Girls, Boys	600	4-18	10	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 Coed, Girls, Boys
Swallowdale Camp Rosseau Traditional (multi activity) Overnight An overnight camp in Rosseau offering adventure and a variety of land and water activities. Our beautiful lakefront camp is the ideal place for children to spend their summer making new friend and learning new skills! Ages 7 to 16 Coed from $1,200/week View sessions	Overnight Coed	1200	7-16	11	Rosseau, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Swallowdale CampAn overnight camp in Rosseau offering adventure and a variety of land and water activities. Our beautiful lakefront camp is the ideal place for children to spend their summer making new friend and learning new skills! Rosseau, Ontario Overnight Coed
Radiant Girls Burlington; Hamilton Education: Leadership Day, Overnight, Program, family 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! Ages 7 to 16 Girls from $479/week View sessions	Day, Overnight, Program, family Girls	479	7-16	12	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, Overnight, Program, family Girls
The Hoop Factory Ajax; Markham; Danforth Village, Toronto Sport: Basketball Day 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 Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $200/week View sessions	Day Coed	200	5-18	13	Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Danforth Village, 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, Danforth Village, Toronto, Ontario Day Coed
French International Language Camps International Education: Language Studies Day, Overnight 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. Ages 6 to 17 Coed from $2,540/week View sessions	Day, Overnight Coed	2540	6-17	14	International, Other	Education: Language StudiesFrench 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, Overnight Coed
Learn & Experience International Education (multi) Overnight L&E UK inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning World Camps, Teen Travel & Youth Leadership programs. The courses can be combined to create a summer experience of a lifetime (up to 6 weeks). Ages 8 to 16 Coed from $3,000/2 weeks View sessions	Overnight Coed	3000	8-16	15	International, Other	Education (multi)Learn & ExperienceL&E UK inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning World Camps, Teen Travel & Youth Leadership programs. The courses can be combined to create a summer experience of a lifetime (up to 6 weeks). International, Other Overnight Coed
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning Art (multi) Day, Overnight, Program, family 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. Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $290/week View sessions	Day, Overnight, Program, family Coed	290	5-18	16	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, Overnight, Program, family Coed
UTS: Experience Innovation Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto; South Annex, Toronto Education (multi) Day 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. Ages 11 to 18 Coed from $500/session View sessions	Day Coed	500	11-18	17	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 Coed
Appleby College Summer Programs Oakville; International Education (multi) Day, Overnight A huge variety of programming options for campers and students ages 4-17. We offer 50+ Camp programs, academic day and boarding programs and travel credit courses! Ages 4 to 17 Coed from $328/week View sessions	Day, Overnight Coed	328	4-17	18	Oakville, Ontario, International,	Education (multi)Appleby College Summer ProgramsA huge variety of programming options for campers and students ages 4-17. We offer 50+ Camp programs, academic day and boarding programs and travel credit courses! Oakville, Ontario, International, Day, Overnight Coed
Brentwood College School Summer Camps Mill Bay Traditional (multi activity) Day, Overnight 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. Ages 7 to 17 Coed from $200/week View sessions	Day, Overnight Coed	200	7-17	19	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, Overnight 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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