PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Community & School Groups

For over 25 years, the Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) has been partnering with elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, summer camps, and community organizations to facilitate outdoor recreation and adventure education programs. We purposefully seek out the leading practitioners in the fields of education, recreation, and social service to offer a people-focused, hands-on learning experience that participants will remember, talk about, and learn from for the rest of their lives. We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and the value of the experience. 

When you bring a group to the KOC, you are also supporting the important interventions and work that we facilitate on weekends and throughout the summer for children with complex neurological disorders and their families. Thank you for choosing us! 

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 our Operations Manager, Ryan Mortell.