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 & Programs North Toronto, Toronto; Online Traditional (multi activity) Virtual Program, Day camp, Program 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 $75/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	75	6-17	0	North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program,	Traditional (multi activity) Crescent Camps & 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, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Program Coed

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

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
featured Radiant Girls Burlington; Online; Tillsonburg Education: Leadership Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, Self Care, Coaching, and More! Read more... Ages 7 to 18 Girls from $180/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Girls	180	7-18	0	Burlington, Ontario, Virtual Program, , Tillsonburg,	Education: LeadershipRadiant GirlsGirls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, Self Care, Coaching, and More! Burlington, Ontario, Virtual Program, , Tillsonburg, Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls
featured Outward Bound Canada Huntsville; Vancouver Island; North Toronto, Toronto; Kananaskis; Algonquin Park Adventure (multi) Day camp, Overnight camp, Family 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 $779/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp openCamp Coed, Girls, Boys	779	12-99	1	Huntsville, 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. Huntsville, Ontario, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, North Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Kananaskis, , Algonquin Park, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Coed, Girls, Boys
featured Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan; Online Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group) Virtual Program, 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	Virtual Program, Program openCamp Coed	325	6-18	2	Vaughan, Ontario, Virtual Program,	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, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Program Coed
featured Sidney Ledson Institute Don Mills, Toronto; Online Traditional (multi activity) Virtual Program, Day camp, Program The SLI Summer Camp offers: Pre-K/K reading/numeracy program, Math/ English enrichment, Debate, Entrepreneurship, Comp Sci (HTML/CSS, Machine Learning/AI, App Development, R, Python), French, Spanish, and SSAT/ISEE prep. Read more... Ages 2.5 to 14 Coed from $420/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	420	2.5-14	3	Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program,	Traditional (multi activity) Sidney Ledson InstituteThe SLI Summer Camp offers: Pre-K/K reading/numeracy program, Math/ English enrichment, Debate, Entrepreneurship, Comp Sci (HTML/CSS, Machine Learning/AI, App Development, R, Python), French, Spanish, and SSAT/ISEE prep. Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Program Coed
featured FDT Academy Vancouver; Online Education: Public Speaking/Debate Virtual Program, Day camp, Program FDT's 2020/2021 academic programs are offered online via Zoom. As leaders in Debate, Speech & Model UN training, FDT Academy is renowned for having over 20 of its students make it on the national Debate & Speech teams. Read more... Ages 4 to 18 Coed from $100/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	100	4-18	4	Vancouver, British Columbia, Virtual Program,	Education: Public Speaking/DebateFDT Academy FDT's 2020/2021 academic programs are offered online via Zoom. As leaders in Debate, Speech & Model UN training, FDT Academy is renowned for having over 20 of its students make it on the national Debate & Speech teams. Vancouver, British Columbia, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Program Coed
featured The Hoop Factory Ajax; Markham; Pickering Sport: Basketball Day camp, Program, Family 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, Program, Family camp Coed	200	5-18	5	Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Pickering, 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, Pickering, Ontario Day camp, Program, Family camp Coed
featured Enrichment Studies Unit (ESU) at Queen's University Kingston; Online Education (multi) Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp Enrichment Studies at Queen's University connects students in Grades 5-12 with exciting university experiences. We inspire our participants to reach their potential through mentorship, growth and problem solving. Read more... Ages 10 to 17 Coed from $199/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	199	10-17	6	Kingston, Ontario, Virtual Program,	Education (multi)Enrichment Studies Unit (ESU) at Queen's UniversityEnrichment Studies at Queen's University connects students in Grades 5-12 with exciting university experiences. We inspire our participants to reach their potential through mentorship, growth and problem solving. Kingston, Ontario, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
featured InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Pacific Thetis Island; Vancouver Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp One of nine Inter-Varsity Camps, Pioneer Pacific offers Christian summer camp and leadership programs for kids from 7-18, and includes a wide range of activities such as sailing, archery, kayaking and more. Read more... Ages 7 to 18 Coed, Girls from $285/week View profile	Overnight camp openCamp Coed, Girls	285	7-18	7	Thetis Island, British Columbia, Vancouver, BC	Traditional (multi activity) InterVarsity Pioneer Camp PacificOne of nine Inter-Varsity Camps, Pioneer Pacific offers Christian summer camp and leadership programs for kids from 7-18, and includes a wide range of activities such as sailing, archery, kayaking and more. Thetis Island, British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Overnight camp Coed, Girls
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 $2,100/2 weeks View profile	Overnight camp, Family camp openCamp Coed	2100	5-17	8	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 Lakefield College School Summer Programs Online; Lakefield Education (multi) Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp Transformative experiences learning in and through the outdoors—academic, athletic, for credit or enrichment. Spend every day outdoors on the water, in the forest, or at our farm—learn, have fun and stretch yourself. Read more... Ages 13 to 17 Coed from $450/session View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	450	13-17	9	Virtual Program, , Lakefield, Ontario	Education (multi)Lakefield College School Summer ProgramsTransformative experiences learning in and through the outdoors—academic, athletic, for credit or enrichment. Spend every day outdoors on the water, in the forest, or at our farm—learn, have fun and stretch yourself. Virtual Program, , Lakefield, Ontario Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Oxford Learning High Park Bloor West Village, Toronto; Online Education (multi) Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family camp Oxford means a personalized learning experience for your child. Brain and Science Camps explore creative themes through engaging activities and field trips. Learning takes a fun turn. Our students are excited to learn! Read more... Ages 4 to 12 Coed from $100/week View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Coed	100	4-12	10	Bloor West Village, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program,	Education (multi)Oxford Learning High ParkOxford means a personalized learning experience for your child. Brain and Science Camps explore creative themes through engaging activities and field trips. Learning takes a fun turn. Our students are excited to learn! Bloor West Village, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family camp Coed
Laurus Summer Camp Quebec (5) Traditional (multi activity) Day camp Montreal, Laval and Beaconsfield's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020! Read more... Ages 3 to 15 Coed from $150/week View profile	Day camp openCamp Coed	150	3-15	11	Montreal, Laval, Beaconsfield, Westmount	Traditional (multi activity) Laurus Summer CampMontreal, Laval and Beaconsfield's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020! Montreal, Laval, Beaconsfield, Westmount Day camp Coed
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 12 Coed from $153/week View profile	Day camp Coed	153	4-12	12	City of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, 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. City of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, North Bay, Kenora Day camp Coed
Block 8 Academy Port Moody Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Program Active, Creative, Mix of Indoor and Outdoor all in one camp! Encourage your children to socialize in person, or have them enjoy learning a new skill online with top notch voice instructors, debate, creative writing... Read more... Ages 5 to 12 Coed from $45/day View profile	Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	45	5-12	13	Port Moody, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Block 8 AcademyActive, Creative, Mix of Indoor and Outdoor all in one camp! Encourage your children to socialize in person, or have them enjoy learning a new skill online with top notch voice instructors, debate, creative writing... Port Moody, British Columbia Day camp, 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 $160/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	160	7-17	14	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
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Ontario (16) Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Find your next adventure here. Now offering Adventures Day Camps in 13 locations across Ontario plus Overnight camp and Family Cabin Rentals in Sauble Beach. Read more... Ages 5 to 16 Coed from $195/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp openCamp Coed	195	5-16	15	Sauble Beach, Northern Wellington County, Guelph, Hamilton, Hanover, Kitchener, Leamington, London, West Nipissing, Ottawa, St. Catharines, The Beach, Toronto, Waterloo	Traditional (multi activity) Silver Lake Mennonite CampFind your next adventure here. Now offering Adventures Day Camps in 13 locations across Ontario plus Overnight camp and Family Cabin Rentals in Sauble Beach. Sauble Beach, Northern Wellington County, Guelph, Hamilton, Hanover, Kitchener, Leamington, London, West Nipissing, Ottawa, St. Catharines, The Beach, Toronto, Waterloo Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Coed
Brigs Youth Sail Training Collingwood; Hamilton; Goderich Adventure (multi) Overnight camp A safe and challenging environment aboard the Tall Ship TS Playfair on the Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron). Develop leadership skills, confidence and friendships as you work together as a team. Read more... Ages 13 to 18 Coed from $175/day View profile	Overnight camp openCamp Coed	175	13-18	16	Collingwood, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Goderich, Ontario	Adventure (multi)Brigs Youth Sail Training A safe and challenging environment aboard the Tall Ship TS Playfair on the Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron). Develop leadership skills, confidence and friendships as you work together as a team. Collingwood, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Goderich, Ontario Overnight camp Coed
French International Language Camps International; Online Education: Language Instruction Virtual Program, 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	Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp openCamp Coed	2540	6-17	17	International, Other, Virtual Program,	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, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Randolph Kids Performing Arts South Annex, Toronto; Online Arts : Theatre Arts Virtual Program, Day camp, Program Content creation, filmmaking, dance, acting, music, teamwork and performance in the heart of Toronto. Beginner and experienced performers welcome. Come improve your skills, try something new, create, grow, and have fun! Read more... Ages 6 to 17 Coed from $20/session View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program openCamp Coed	20	6-17	18	South Annex, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program,	Arts : Theatre ArtsRandolph Kids Performing ArtsContent creation, filmmaking, dance, acting, music, teamwork and performance in the heart of Toronto. Beginner and experienced performers welcome. Come improve your skills, try something new, create, grow, and have fun! South Annex, Toronto, Ontario, Virtual Program, Virtual Program, Day camp, Program Coed
Inspirely STEAM Education Online; Brampton Science: STEAM Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family camp Premier after-school online STEAM Education for children age 6 to 15 years. They also host family bonding & parent networking events. Their creative STEAM Kits/Gifts are perfect to spend quality Family Time @HOME. Read more... Ages 6 to 14 Coed Cost Varies View profile	Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Coed	0	6-14	19	Virtual Program, , Brampton, Ontario	Science: STEAMInspirely STEAM EducationPremier after-school online STEAM Education for children age 6 to 15 years. They also host family bonding & parent networking events. Their creative STEAM Kits/Gifts are perfect to spend quality Family Time @HOME. Virtual Program, , Brampton, Ontario Virtual Program, Day camp, Program, Family 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 11 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 $350/session View profile	Day camp openCamp Coed	350	11-18	20	Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario	Education (multi)UTS: Experience InnovationA day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 11 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
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning Arts (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 $290/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp openCamp Coed	290	5-18	21	Canning, Nova Scotia	Arts (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
Camp Solelim Lawrence Manor, Toronto; Sudbury Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp Camp Solelim is a sleepover camp designed for Jewish 13 to 15 year olds. Our programming includes traditional waterfront, sports, arts and outdoor activities, as well as leadership development and community building. Read more... Ages 13 to 15 Coed from $7,385/6 weeks View profile	Overnight camp openCamp Coed	7385	13-15	22	Lawrence Manor, Toronto, Ontario, Sudbury, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Camp SolelimCamp Solelim is a sleepover camp designed for Jewish 13 to 15 year olds. Our programming includes traditional waterfront, sports, arts and outdoor activities, as well as leadership development and community building. Lawrence Manor, Toronto, Ontario, Sudbury, Ontario Overnight 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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