Summer camp (ages 12–17)

Explore Camp YMCA Kanawana! Our programs for teens aged 12 to 17 offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature. With thrilling activities, rewarding discoveries, and memorable moments, this is an adventure that will stay in their hearts and minds forever.

Discover our:

  • Camp stays
  • Leadership programs
  • Canoe trips

Campers will have the opportunity to discover some of Québec’s gorgeous rivers during 4- to 21-day canoe trips as they paddle through stunning canyons, by mountain sides covered in evergreens, sandy beaches, and rapids. The rivers are perfect for a first-time excursion or an adventure for more experienced paddlers.

We encourage each camper to get involved and contribute by putting their strengths and skills to good use, whether it is gathering wood for the campfire, portaging, or steering the canoe. Campers will swim, paddle, and explore nature all while learning fundamental survival and leadership skills as well as canoe safety and hydrology. Campers will also participate in educational experience-based activities to help them better understand, appreciate, and conserve the natural environment.

Campers will spend time at camp getting ready for their canoe trip, then provide an account of their trip upon their return to camp.

2025 REGISTRATION:

Good news! First thing, registration will be moved up this year. 
Here are the key takeaways for summer 2025:

  • Starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 24 – Priority registration for campers who participated in the camp during summer 2024.
  • Starting at 9:00 a.m. on October 8 – Public registration (open to all).
  • Process – Email sent with a link to the online priority or public registration page. 

If your children have not yet experienced the magic of Kanawana, but you want them to enjoy that experience in summer 2025, you can register them directly without an email link through our Active portal, starting at 9:00 a.m. on October 8, 2024. If you have any questions, feel free to call us in advance at +1 833 505-9622 (outside Montréal) or 514 687-9622 (Montréal area).

Stays at camp
 

Camp YMCA Kanawana offers a multitude of exciting summer camp programs for youth aged 13 to 16. Every day is another adventure filled with creativity and innovation. Afternoons are dedicated to specialized activities to develop new skills or improve existing ones.

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

  • Water sports: water trampoline, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing
  • Sports and recreation: low rope courses, archery, rock climbing, soccer, gaga ball
  • Arts and more: theatre, music, arts and crafts, nature discovery, dance, survival techniques, woodworking

All activities are designed to teach new skills, foster creativity, challenge participants, encourage outdoor exploration, and make friends.

 

Leadership programs
 

Camp YMCA Kanawana provides an environment that fosters the develop of value-based leaders. Our leadership programs focus on experiential learning, responsibility, adventure, and friendship.

Teens will acquire new child care, camping, program planning, and survival skills. Whether it is to become a camp counsellor, canoe trip guide, or program coordinator, we have the perfect program for your teen. Come be part of a rewarding experience. (Prerequisite: must have successfully completed Secondary 4/Grade 10.​)

Financial assistance and other camperships are available specifically for our leadership programs. If cost is an issue for you, please get in touch with us to discuss options for your LIT-hopeful camper, and encourage them to apply.

Note : participants applying for the following programs will be interviewed. Please take careful note of the application process below.

 

Canoe trips
 

Dive into a world of outdoor adventure with Camp YMCA Kanawana’s canoe trip programs. Our experienced trip guides will teach participants everything there is to know about canoe camping, all in a gorgeous natural setting. Campers will sleep under the stars, share stories around the campfire, and make new friends.

The programs offered encourage campers to develop new skills through teamwork and community living, while enjoying the great outdoors.

 

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