Ontario
School & Groups Programs

ONTARIO SCHOOL & GROUPS PROGRAMS

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) offers a range of programs tailored to schools and groups (ages 12 to 29), adapting to different abilities and comfort zones. All programs share a common element: immersion in a new and natural environment where participants engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflect on their journey.

Our distinctive outdoor education experiences leave a deep impression on participants by fostering group cohesion and giving each individual the opportunity to acquire new skills and build self-confidence in a risk-managed environment.

We offer three program options in Ontario:

1. Toronto Urban Wild

This program takes place at our Toronto location in Don Valley Brickworks Park, where students have the exceptional opportunity to experience OBC right at their doorstep, whether through day or field trip programs. Depending on the skills to be taught and the location of your school, we often utilize other local conservation areas to host groups as well. Our Urban Wild programs focus on nature immersion and teaching skills such as:

• Hiking;
• Canoeing;
• Cooking;
• Snowshoeing;
• Wetland studies;
• Shelter building;
• High and low ropes courses;
• Team building and leadership development; and
• Overnight camping (at various locations, including Don Valley Brickworks Park)

We’re flexible and can work with you to develop customized programs for your group. Just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll take care of it!

2. Facility-Based Programs

These 4- or 5-day programs are offered year-round at our partner site, Kinark Outdoor Centre in Minden, where participants and educators stay overnight. These programs are ideal for schools that have already participated in our urban programs or have attended other outdoor education programs and now want to take the next step in growth and adventure. Our facility-based programs focus on immersion in skill-specific programs such as:

• Campcraft (i.e., building a fire, choosing a site and building a shelter, cooking, navigating, and tying knots);
• Developing leadership skills, resilience and compassion;
• Paddling and paddle sports; and
• Winter discovery (i.e., personal cold weather skills and management, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter shelters, winter cooking)

3. Ontario Wilderness Adventures

These are the classic OBC experiences offered in 5-, 7- and 10-day programs. Your program begins and ends at our wilderness base at Kinark Outdoor Centre for outfitting, gear selection, and departure to a provincial park or other wilderness reserve for the program. Ontario Wilderness programs are immersions in skill-specific travel modalities such as:

• Backpacking; 
• Canoeing; and 
• Snowshoe expeditions 

In addition to being immersed in the safety aspects and skills associated with the mode of travel, students have the incredible opportunity to learn the following skills:

• Campcraft (i.e., fire making, shelter building (tents and tarps and site selection), cooking, navigation skills, water treatment, and knot tying);
• Travel ethics and site selection
• Leadership and Environmental Stewardship
• Conflict Resolution and group dynamic
• Risk Management
• Solo experiences to support self reflection and awareness.
• Service opportunities to teach the impact of community

Please note: There is limited availability through Fall 2023. Winter program dates are available in February and March 2024. Dates for Spring 2024 are available starting May 15, 2024.

Please fill out the form and one of our team members will call you within 48 to 72 hours to answer your questions, complete the booking and issue a contract if you decide to proceed with the booking.