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adventure Camp

AGES 13-15

About Adventure Camp

Get ready for the ultimate adventure! Adventure Camp is a thrilling, week-long journey for ages 13-15 where campers paddle down the stunning Grand River, sleep under the stars in tents, and cook meals together at their campsite. It’s not just a canoe trip—it’s a full-on wilderness expedition that will challenge and excite campers, and help discover what they’re truly capable of! The trip begins and ends at Canterbury Hills and travels off-site to various camping locations along the Grand River.

Campers hike through breathtaking landscapes, conquer exciting high ropes challenges, and master the art of canoeing. Whether navigating the river or building new friendships around the campfire, every moment is an opportunity to learn, take risks, and by stretching beyond comfort zones.

Is your teen seeking a more challenging adventure than the traditional summer camp experience? This is their chance to develop valuable outdoor skills, boost your confidence, and experience a close-knit, supportive community of fellow adventurers. With our passionate and experienced staff by their side, campers gain hands-on experience in the wild, while having a blast every step of the way!

Adventure Camp is more than just a trip; it’s an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, adventure, and fun. So, are you ready to challenge yourself, explore the great outdoors, and make memories that will last a lifetime? The wilderness is waiting!


2025 Adventure Camp Sessions

SESSIONDATESAGE RANGEBOYS AVAILABILITYGIRLS AVAILABILITYFEEFEE + HST
Adventure Camp 1July 6 –11 13-15OPENOPEN$825$932.25
Adventure Camp 2July 20 – 25 13-15OPENOPEN$825$932.25
Adventure Camp 3August 17 – 2213-15OPENWAITLIST$825$932.25
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epic adventures and friendships await.

No camping, hiking or canoeing experience necessary!

However, in order to ensure that campers are a good fit for Adventure Camp we encourage you to think about the following criteria of a successful Adventure Camper. 

Adventure Campers are: 

  • Willing to camp, canoe and hike rain or shine
  • Excited to sleep in a tent for the entire duration of the session
  • Eager to learn more about canoe tripping, hiking, and camping 
  • Enthusiastic to contribute to the positive camp experience of others
  • Committed to a community-focused atmosphere 
  • Physically prepared to canoe, hike and assist with moving camp gear for prolonged periods of time (up to 10hrs per day) 

“An adventure camp week is an experience like no other. It’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, challenge personal limits, and forge lasting bonds with fellow adventurers. Activities like canoeing, hiking, bouldering, and more are not only thrilling but also provide a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Whether it’s cooking meals together, pitching tents, or navigating challenging terrain, the sense of teamwork and support I felt is unparalleled. I made friendships that I still have to this day! I had such a positive experience that when I returned from my trip I asked my mom to do it again and she signed me up for last available spot on the second adventure camp that same summer.”

– Nathan, previous Adventure Camp participant

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Adventure Campers do?

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The 2025 Adventure camp trips are currently being designed, but previous trips have included camping out at Canterbury Hills, tent camping at Conservation Areas (Kelso, Pinehurst Lake, and Brant), ropes belay training, and a multi-day/night canoe trip on the Grand River.

Adventure Camp at a Glance: 

  • Mentorship from experienced camp leaders
  • Camping out in the forest at Canterbury Hills Camp 
  • Camping at Conservation Areas (Kelso, Pinehurst Lake, and Brant)
  • Rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point
  • High Ropes Challenge Course and Low Ropes Activities
  • Multi-day/night canoe trip on the Grand River
  • Team-building activities
  • Food prep over the fire
  • Games/fun, swimming, & campfires
  • Reflections related to themes of eco awareness, character, leadership and spirituality 
  • Memories, bonding, and friendships 

What camping equipment is needed to participate?

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All group camping and activity equipment are provided by Canterbury Hills (tents, paddles, cooking supplies etc).

Aside from regular items necessary for an overnight camping trip (clothing, toiletries etc), each Adventure Camper is responsible for packing a small list of personal camping gear including a backpack that can hold all items (recommended 35 litres), a lightweight sleeping bag, sleeping pad (ie. Thermarest), small flashlight/headlamp and mess kit.

A comprehensive packing list will be provided well in advance. If you have any questions about what to bring or how to pack, our pre-trip meeting is the perfect time to get answers. During the session, our Adventure Leaders will lead a packing demonstration, offering helpful tips for both beginners and seasoned campers alike, so you’ll feel confident and ready for the journey ahead!

I would like my child to participate in Adventure Camp, but they’re unsure about it. Should I still sign them up?

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Adventure Camp is an experience shaped by the campers’ willingness and enthusiasm to participate. Campers contribute meaningfully to the group dynamic and enhance their own journey by having an open mind and a positive attitude. While Adventure Camp can be both physically and mentally challenging, it’s also a chance to push limits, create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and experience the triumph of overcoming obstacles.

In the spirit of personal growth, we encourage all campers to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. Adventure Camp provides an ideal environment for this, offering a supportive and safe space where campers can push their limits and discover new potential.

That said, the program may not be the right fit for every camper. We invite you to have a conversation with your child about their concerns or uncertainties so you can assess whether this will be a rewarding and positive experience for them.

How do meals work on Adventure Camp?

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All meals and snacks are included in the program, and we are equipped to accommodate most dietary restrictions—our experienced Kitchen Manager is happy to chat to ensure dietary needs are met. All Canterbury programs are peanut and tree-nut free. Our Kitchen team packs and sends food barrels to Adventure Camp, selecting meals that are not only delicious, nutritious but also well suited for the logistics of camping. Depending on the trip itinerary, food barrels may be delivered at key points along the journey or packed

Meals at Adventure Camp are an adventure in themselves! Imagine cooking dinner together over an open fire or camping stove, with everyone pitching in to prepare a delicious hot meal. Lunches are quick and easy, often enjoyed “on the go”, while paddling in the canoes or hiking—simple to assemble, yet satisfying. Energizing hearty breakfasts kick off each day, fuelling campers for the physically demanding activities ahead. Plus, throughout the day, campers will have plenty of snacks to keep their energy high. Personal snacks can be brought as long as they are peanut and tree-nut free (optional).

Sample meals:

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
– Oatmeal
– Hard boiled eggs
– Fruit (fresh or dried)
– Cereal or granola
– Bagels
– Variety of “assemble your own” wraps/ sandwiches
– Pepperoni or jerky
– Veggies & hummus
– Salty snacks
– Sweet treat 		– Tacos or fajitas
– Tin Foil Dinner (Ham, Potatoes, Vegetables)
– Butter chicken and rice

Can we see a trip itinerary?

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Here is a sample Adventure Camp itinerary. Please note – this a real example from a previous Adventure camp but each Adventure Camp program can be different. We are currently designing the 2025 routes. Adventure Camp begins and ends at Canterbury Hills Camp, and campers are shuttled to their starting canoe location and typically canoe from campsite to campsite with all their gear in their canoes.

A thorough itinerary will be provided to Adventure Campers and their guardians prior to their trip.

SunMonTuesWedsThursFri


Arrive at Canterbury Hills Camp

Icebreaker games, intros and getting to know each other

Campsite set up in forest 		Rock climbing at Canterbury Hills Camp 

Canoe paddling practice at Christie Lake 

Sleep at Canterbury Hills (tent site in forest) 		Drive to Cambridge canoe launch site on Grand River

Canoe from Cambridge to Sharpes campsite


Set up campsite at Sharpes 		Canoe to Brant Park Campsite 





Swimming, frisbee,. games, relaxing

Set up campsite at Brant 		Canoe to Cockshutt Bridge, shuttle to Chiefswood Campsite







Set up campsite at Chiefswood		Pick up from Chiefswood and hike back to Canterbury Hills

High ropes challenge course

Closing activities and dinner

Departure

Is the pre-trip meeting mandatory?

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While attendance at the pre-trip meeting is not mandatory, we highly encourage both campers and their guardians to join us. The meeting is a fantastic opportunity to meet our Adventure Leaders, ask any questions and see a helpful packing demonstration.

Beyond the logistics, the pre-trip meeting is a great chance for campers to connect with their peers, get excited about the upcoming adventure and feel more prepared. For first-time campers, it’s especially beneficial in easing any nerves and addressing concerns, making the whole experience feel more familiar and fun.

Can’t make the pre-trip meeting? We also send a detailed summary package to all participants, including the trip itinerary and packing list.

Click here to review our Cancellation and Refund Policies