Camp is more than just a place, it’s an opportunity to explore, grow and connect. Group Adventures at Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) brings families, youth, schools, teams, and community groups together through outdoor experiences that build confidence, leadership, skills, and friendships. From campfires and camping skills to team challenges, outdoor education, and unforgettable adventures, every program is designed to help participants discover their strengths, create lasting memories, and experience the magic of camp.
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The KOC’s outdoor education products offer school classes, youth groups, and teams engaging, hands-on experiences in in the outdoors. Through leadership journeys, team-building challenges, social skill development, camp craft, seasonal activities, and credit-based learning, participants build confidence, resilience, communication, practical outdoor skills, and stronger connections with one another and the natural environment.
We have 7 program offerings that cater to Groups:
Youth Leadership (5-day facility, hiking, or canoe trip program)
Take leadership beyond the classroom on a five-day hiking or canoe expedition. Youth build practical wilderness skills, strengthen communication, navigate challenges together, and discover the confidence to lead themselves and others.
Ideal for: youth aged 12-17 (Grades 7-12)
Learn to Do; Learn to Lead (3-day Program)
Leadership starts with trying something new. In this three-day program, students expand their comfort zones, develop practical skills, and learn how their unique strengths can contribute to a supportive and successful team.
Ideal for: students aged 10-13 (Grade 5-8) and newly formed groups
High School Credit – Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities (PAD20-A)
Earn a high school physical education credit through an unforgettable two-week outdoor experience. Students hike, climb, paddle, and take part in overnight adventures while building physical literacy, confidence, wellness strategies, friendships, and leadership skills.
Ideal for: students who need to catch up on required credits for graduation.
Team Building
Bring your group together through shared adventure. Cooperative outdoor challenges invite students to communicate, plan, solve problems, build trust, and recognize one another’s strengths—creating practical teamwork skills that carry back to school and everyday life.
Ideal for: classes, school groups, youth groups, and teams for those aged 9-17 (grades 4-12) who would benefit from a structured outdoor experience focused on cooperation, communication, trust, and group connection.
Social Skill Development
Build social confidence through three days of adventure, connection, and guided practice. Outdoor challenges, cooperative games, shared routines, and reflection help students strengthen communication, friendship, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive participation in groups.
Ideal for: students aged 9-13 (grades 4-8) who would benefit from structured opportunities to build friendship skills, confidence, cooperation, and self-awareness through experiential outdoor learning.
Camp Craft Program
Turn outdoor know-how into lasting confidence. Students learn essential camp craft skills—including fire building, shelter set-up, knots, outdoor cooking, navigation, and campsite care—through safe, hands-on activities that encourage independence, teamwork, and respect for nature.
Ideal for: students aged 9-15 (grades 4-10), school groups, and youth groups who would benefit from learning practical outdoor living skills in a structured, safe, and experiential setting.
Seasonal Skill Rotation
Discover a new outdoor adventure in every season. From paddling, hiking, and navigation to snowshoeing, shelter building, and nature exploration, students develop adaptable skills, resilience, and a year-round connection to the natural world.
Ideal for: students aged 9-17 (grades 4-12)
Ready to pitch a tent, roast a marshmallow, and explore the outdoors? Learn to Camp is a supportive, hand-on program designed for children, youth, and families who are new to camping or looking to build confidence in the outdoors.
With guidance from experienced staff, families learn essential camping skills such as tent setup, campfire and cooking basics, outdoor safety, trip planning, and campsite organization. Offering a day and overnight experience, the program includes instruction, equipment, meals, and plenty of opportunities to practice skills together.
Families leave with new skills, greater confidence, and the knowledge needed to enjoy future outdoor adventures independently, while creating fun camp memories along the way.
Ideal for: families that might be new to camping or want to build confidence in camping skills.
Programming season: Offered during mid-spring, summer, and fall months- May-October.
Pitch your tent, gather around the campfire, and enjoy the outdoors together! Family Campsites at Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) offer a welcoming and accessible camping experience for families. Bring your own camping gear and enjoy a designated campsite with space for sleep, relax, and make memories, along with convenient access to washrooms, camp amenities, and outdoor activity areas.
Designed to balance privacy with the spirit of camp community, Family Campsites give families the opportunity to unplug, explore, build confidence in the outdoors, and enjoy the simple joys of camping together.
Ideal for: families that are interested in camping at KOC in a low pressure, familiar environment.
Programming season: Offered during mid-spring, summer, fall and months- May- October.
Experience the magic of camp in every season with our winterized cabin rentals, available from October through April. Sleeping 4 to 14 guests, our cabins are perfect for family getaways, team retreats, training events, overnight programs, and community gatherings.
Enjoy crisp outdoor adventures by day and the comfort of a warm cabin by night. Each cabin features electric heating, air conditioning, potable water, full washroom facilities, bunk-style accommodations, and essential safety features, providing a comfortable home base for your camp experience.
Cabin Options:
- Heartwood Hall- Our most accessible cabin, featuring seven private bedrooms, two accessible washrooms, a kitchenette, and wheelchair-accessible amenities.
- Birch- A welcoming space for group stays, retreats, and overnight programs, offering the simple charm of camp life.
- Sunlight- Ideal for smaller groups looking for a cozy space to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you’re planning a winter adventure, a weekend retreat, or a chance to unplug and reconnect, our cabins offer all the warmth, comfort, and community spirit that make camp special.
Ideal for: family getaways, team retreats, training events, overnight programs, and community gatherings.
Programming season: Offered during late fall to the winter months (October- April)
Outdoor Experiential Learning helps participants build confidence, independence, and leadership skills through hands-on outdoor adventures. Beginning at Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC), participants develop teamwork, communication, and practical outdoor living skills while taking part in camp activities, group challenges, and problem-solving experiences.
From camp-wide games and outdoor challenges to learning new skills alongside peers, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and grow through adventure. In a supportive camp environment, they build resilience, friendships, and lasting memories while developing skills that extend far beyond camp.
Ideal for: youth aged 9-17 (grades 4-12).
Programming season: Offered during mid spring into the fall months (May-October)
Leadership & Confidence Camp gives youth a fun, supportive environment to try new experiences, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. Through camp games, outdoor adventures, team challenges, and hands-on activities, participants strengthen communication and social skills, form meaningful connections, and discover their unique strengths.
In the spirit of camp, youth are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, support one another, and grow as leaders while creating lasting friendships and memorable experiences.
Target audience: youth aged 12-17+ (grades 7-12+).
Programming season: Offered during mid spring into the fall months (May- October).
Social Skills Camp is a three-day program at Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and positive peer relationships in a fun and supportive camp environment. Through outdoor adventures, camp games, shared meals, and guided group activities, participants practice social skills while making new friends and enjoying all the excitement of camp.
With opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow, campers develop meaningful relationships and confidence they can carry into school, home, and community life.
Ideal for: youth aged 9-13 (grades 4-8).
Programming season: Offered during mid spring into the fall months (May- October).
Camp Craft is a hands-on outdoor adventure program where campers learn practical wilderness and camping skills while having fun in the great outdoors. Through activities like fire building, shelter setup, outdoor cooking, navigation, and campsite care, participants build confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature.
Offered in both summer and winter, Camp Craft combines skill-building, exploration, and camp fun to prepare participants for future outdoor adventures. Winter campers enjoy outdoor learning by day and the comfort of heated cabins by night.
Ideal for: youth aged 11-17+ (grades 6- 12+).
Programming season: Offered during the late summer into the winter months (August-March).
Seasonal Skills Rotation introduces youth to a variety of outdoor skills through hands-on, camp-based adventures. Depending on the season, participants may explore activities such as hiking, paddling, shelter building, fire skills, map and compass navigation, snowshoeing, nature exploration, and environmental stewardship.
Through outdoor challenges, skill-building, and discovery, students develop confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a lasting connection to the natural world while enjoying the fun and adventure of camp.
Ideal for: youth aged 11-17+ (grades 6-12+).
Programming season: Offered during the late summer into the winter months (August- March).
The Outdoor Education Credit Program offers students in Grade 9 to 12 an exciting opportunity to earn their high school physical education credit beyond the classroom. In partnership with Outward Bound Canada, participants spend two weeks hiking, paddling, climbing, and exploring the outdoors while building confidence, leadership, resilience, and social-emotional skills.
Led by certified teachers and outdoor instructors, this immersive program combines outdoor adventure, skill development, physical activity and wellness education with a supportive camp environment. Along the way, students gain valuable life skills, make lasting memories, and discover new strengths while working toward their high school success.
Ideal for: students aged 14-17 (grades 9 to 12 students in high school).
Programming season: Offered during the early fall into the winter months (September- January)
Team Building Adventure helps groups strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through outdoor challenges, camp activities and shared adventures. Guided by KOC staff, participants build trust, develop leadership skills, and learn to work together in a fun and supportive camp environment.
Through hands-on experiences and group challenges, participants foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and collective success while creating lasting memories and enjoying the adventure of camp.
Ideal for: sports teams of varying levels, groups and community gatherings.
Programming season: Offered during the early spring into the mid-fall months (May- October).
What to Expect from the KOC:
The outdoor education experience is offered through our commitment to the following:
EASY PLANNING: A comprehensive pre-trip planning process that includes a planning meeting with the teachers/organizers, a pre-trip information night for parents and participants, an information planning booklet and double checking all details.
SAFE: We ensure a safe program environment by gathering detailed information about individual participant needs, following industry operating guidelines, training and certifying all Kinark Outdoor Centre program staff, daily documentation, checking on the well-being of all participants on an ongoing basis, and monthly and quarterly safety reviews audited by outside accreditation and certification bodies.
PROFESSIONAL: Providing supported opportunities for growth, understanding the readiness and comfort level of all participants prior to participation, supporting participation at the level with which participants are comfortable, encouraging participants to challenge themselves and grow through the provision of engaging and unique activities. Our staff work with youth from a variety of backgrounds who have complex needs and are accustomed to providing comprehensive behavioural and program supports for visitors.
CURRICULUM: Integrated Character Education, Environmental Stewardship, and Sustainable Living concepts –all aspects of your visit to the KOC will promote an environmental ethic and culture to all programs and experiences. Therapeutic and recreational values are easily integrated for CYW, PSW, or Therapeutic Recreation College programs.
RELEVANT: Linking Experiences to Everyday Lives –through intentional framing of activities, progression of adventure facilitation, debriefing, follow-up exercises and facilitating integration components. We can link the activities to your specific goals or the Ontario curriculum.
Good food, updated accommodations and 24-hour emergency support.
For more information about group bookings, or to register your group for a program at the KOC, please contact Elisha Weiss.
