OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Fanshawe Conservation Area (London)
Camp Saredaca Outdoor Nature Centre (Sarnia)
SCHOOL GROUPS
We believe success is not dependent on individual ability, collaborating to solve problems together. Experiential education is a powerful tool in helping students transfer learning from the classroom into real life.
Our programs meet Ontario curriculum requirements and address the specific needs of students and teachers. At both Elementary and Secondary School levels, we include specific lesson plans, recommended exercises, and debriefing activities. We follow all OPHEA guidelines and recommended practices to ensure the safety of all participants.
Located conveniently in London and Sarnia, our sites are designed to maximize confidence building and teamwork. Each location offers the same programming but may have different outdoor course elements.
NATURE EXPLORATION & OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS
Duration: Full Day
Age: K to Grade 6
Cost: $25 per student
- Education nature hike
- Scat & animal footprint discovery
- Herbivores, carnivores & omnivores game
- Shelter & fire building
- Canoeing, archery, snowshoeing and more!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS
Duration: Full Day
Age: Grade 6 to 12
Cost: $25 per student
- Leadership, communication, problem solving & trust building
- Shelter & fire building
- Canoeing, archery, snowshoeing and more!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – ON-SITE FIELD TRIPS
Duration: Half Day
Location: Your school site or gymnasium
Age: Grade 6 to 8
Cost: $15 per student
- Leadership, communication, problem solving & trust building
CORPORATE & PRIVATE GROUPS
We offer a range of programs for people of all ages and abilities. The experiential adventure program provides groups the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical, and emotional challenges in a safe environment. The programs are designed to improve communications, break down barriers, and enhance leadership skills. Success is not dependent on individual ability, but collaboration to solve problems and navigate change together.
CUSTOMIZABLE PROGRAMS
We weave team goals into instructions, activities, and debriefing to ensure they are the central focus. Bookings are flexible - morning, afternoon, evening, or full-day. Start and end times are also flexible to meet your schedule.
ACTIVITIES
Participants are divided into groups and complete activities on a rotational schedule facilitated by experienced YMCA Leadership & Outdoor Educators. View the list below for a sample of some of the programs that would be appropriate for your group.
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CHALLENGE BY CHOICE – Participation is voluntary. If a participant chooses to sit out an activity, this right will be respected.
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BREAKING THE ICE - The day starts on a positive note with some fun group activities to get people laughing. This is an opportunity for Y instructors to assess group dynamics and adjust programming accordingly.
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LOW ROPES - A series of obstacles (one to three feet off the ground), designed to challenge groups to work together to accomplish a task. These trust activities and problem-solving challenges help develop self-confidence, cooperation, respect, decision-making skills, leadership, goal setting, and teamwork.
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HIGH ROPES - Groups learn about safety, harnessing, ropes, belaying, and spotting techniques. Participants can opt to climb one of four routes on the 40-foot climbing tower, or one of many high ropes elements (30 feet above the ground). Participants will be secured in climbing harnesses and wear helmets at all times.
GROUP BENEFITS
- Goal setting & achievement
- Successfully navigate change
- Break down communication barriers
- Deepen personal confidence
- Develop a positive group climate
- Celebrate individual & group accomplishments
CQE Outdoor Centre
In May, June, and September YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth operates as an outdoor centre offering programs and rental facilities to groups including schools, corporate groups, and private bookings.
Need a place to host a yoga or spiritual retreat? Our beautiful, wooden main hall is perfect for finding inspiration in the solitude of the natural world.
Looking for a high-impact team-building experience? Let our staff challenge your group to learn more about each other as they play and laugh their way to a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and abilities as a team.
Whether you are looking for an end of the year trip, a team-building experience, a wilderness canoe trip, or a location for a family reunion, CQE is the perfect place for your group. Our dedicated and skilled staff are available to deliver custom-designed programs for your group’s needs. With our superb new facilities and unique location in Georgian Bay Islands National Park, your group is guaranteed to have a meaningful and memorable outdoor experience.
Learn More
YCH Outdoor Centre
YMCA Camp Henry is an outdoor centre that offers a unique experience for participants of all ages to learn, grow, and challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Our outdoor centre operates during the months of June, September, and October providing day and overnight programs to school groups, private or corporate groups, staff retreats, and conferences.
Situated on the most southern point of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park offers an incredibly diverse and unique natural environment. The camp itself is centered in the lush, Carolinian Forests of Point Pelee, near the sandy beaches of Lake Erie. With access to the entirety of the National Park, the opportunities for learning and exploration of the natural world are endless. The YMCA Camp Henry Outdoor Centre is equipped with a newly renovated and winterized Dining Hall and meeting space, closed porch area, and industrial kitchen.
Our program is incredibly flexible in all aspects of the outdoor centre experience. We have a variety of traditional camp programs, an extensive assortment of team building and initiative tasks, and development workshops available. We can provide full programs, or simply host and supplement your existing program.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is a multi-service charity that provides opportunities for personal growth in spirit mind and body for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. We offer schools and not-for-profit organizations financial assistance to help build healthy communities. For more information please contact us.