Outward Bound Canada - 5-Day Skills Summer Courses (Toronto)

Outward Bound Canada offers exciting 5-day outdoor adventure programs right in the Toronto area that help kids learn real outdoor skills, build confidence, and make new friends in nature. These courses are run by experienced instructors in safe, supportive settings and include fun activities like climbing, paddling, and backpacking. ---------- OTHER INFO ----------- - Ages / Grades: Youth in Grades 4–8 - Duration: typically 4–5 days with overnight ---------- COURSE DETAILS ---------- - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 1, Climbing Dates: July 13–17, 2026 Location: Don Valley Brickworks Park + local climbing sites Focus: Introduction to rock climbing and outdoor adventure skills. Participants learn climbing basics, safety, belaying, and movement techniques on both climbing towers and natural rock. The week finishes with an overnight campout where new skills are put into practice in a fun outdoor setting. - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 1, Paddling Dates: July sessions (e.g., July 6–10 & July 27–31, 2026) Location: Toronto waterways, starting at Don Valley Brickworks Park Focus: Introductory canoeing course teaching basic paddling techniques, water safety, teamwork, and essential camp skills. Daily exploration of local rivers and waterways leads up to a group overnight camping experience. - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 1, Backpacking Dates: July 20–24, 2026 Location: Don Valley Brickworks Park + Don Valley trails Focus: Foundation in backpacking and outdoor living skills while exploring forest trails and ravines. Participants learn to pack, hike, navigate, set up camp, and cooperate as a team, concluding with a wilderness overnight trip. - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 2, Climbing Dates: August 17–21, 2026 Location: Don Valley Brickworks Park + other Toronto climbing areas Focus: Builds on the Level 1 climbing course with advanced techniques, more challenging routes, and enhanced leadership opportunities on the wall. Two overnight camping nights allow participants to practice team camping, cooking, and reflection in a real adventure setting. - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 2, Paddling Dates & Duration: Similar Level 2 paddling sessions (typically 4–5 days with overnight) Focus: Builds on Level 1 canoe skills with more advanced paddling techniques, navigation, teamwork challenges, and extended on-water exploration. Participants expand confidence and capability on water. Outward Bound Canada - 5-Day Skills Course: Level 2, Backpacking Dates & Duration: Similar Level 2 backpacking sessions (4–5 days with overnight) Focus: Participants deepen their backpacking skills, including longer trails, group planning, advanced outdoor living practices, and teamwork challenges in natural settings