YMCA Outdoor Centres Brochure - YMCA of Greater Toronto

Exploration. Discovery. Growth. 

Located in beautiful natural surroundings, YMCA Outdoor Centres create meaningful 

group experiences fostering personal growth, skill development and teamwork. 

Whether you’re staying for a week or coming just for the day, you’ll find an environment 

that strengthens the relationships among participants and helps your group discover 

their leadership potential. At our Outdoor Centres we provide educational opportunities 

and community support to youth, educational and community organizations. 

YMCA Outdoor Centres offer: 

Quality – We work closely with our groups to ensure 

streamlined and customized programs to meet your 

specific needs and objectives. 

Outdoor recreation – We promote health and well-being 

through an active lifestyle in the outdoors in every facet of our programs. 

The outdoors is 

the best place to 

be active, learn 

and grow 

Experiential education – We offer hands-on outdoor, environmental and personal 

learning through fun and engaging activities. 

We can help your group: 

• Foster personal growth by learning new skills and taking on new challenges 

• Develop positive attitudes towards health, fitness and living an active lifestyle 

• Gain a greater appreciation of the natural environment 

• Realize their leadership potential 

• Create a stronger bond with improved problem solving and communication skills

YMCA Cedar Glen 

Situated on 263 acres of the Oak Ridges Moraine, YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre 

is the perfect backdrop for children, youth and adults to grow in confidence and learn 

new skills. Our wide variety of outdoor experiential learning programs can be 

customized to meet your specific needs. Programs are delivered by a highly trained 

group of experienced and enthusiastic staff, dedicated to 

creating a positive experience for each participant. 

Create 

meaningful 

and memorable 

experiences 

Along with an escape to nature, Cedar Glen offers: 

• Convenience – only a 45-minute drive from downtown Toronto 

• Choice – year-round programs for day or overnight trips 

• Comfort – chalet-style accommodation with private washrooms 

• Connection – strengthen communication skills and teamwork among participants 

Fresh meals and comfortable meeting rooms for all events 

We gather for delicious meals in our dining hall with a breathtaking view overlooking 

the valley. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, we offer healthy and fresh options. 

Holding a social activity Perhaps your group would enjoy our fireside lounge. For small 

meetings of less than 20 people, we offer the cozy Sunroom with its panoramic view of 

distant rolling hills. 

Lawson Auditorium is best suited for groups of 50 to 150 participants. This indoor 

meeting space is equipped with a sound system and audio visual equipment. 

We also offer breakout rooms for groups of 10 to 40 participants. On a break Relax in a 

Muskoka chair and take in the view or play in our games room, featuring pool and 

table tennis. 

A good night’s sleep 

Our sleeping accommodations are quaint wooden lodges adjacent to the Main Lodge. 

Each room has a private washroom and shower. We can accommodate up to 140 guests 

all year at triple and quadruple occupancy.

YMCA Camp Pine Crest 

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Clear Lake in Muskoka — just two and a half hours 

north of Toronto — YMCA Camp Pine Crest has provided camping experiences since 

1910. In the fall, winter and spring, we offer a wide range of programs for youth, 

community and educational groups of all ages. 

Connect with 

nature and 

inspire a sense 

of wonder 

Pine Crest gives your group the experience of a 

lifetime with: 

• Adventure – explore the outdoors throughout the seasons 

from September to June at our 650-acre wilderness site 

• Discovery – personal growth and group development through teamwork 

and community building 

• Comfort – lodge accommodation with modern washrooms and showers or shared 

living space in traditional cabins 

• Spirit – connection to others and the natural world 

Healthy, active living 

You’ll enjoy well-balanced, healthy, family style meals in our main dining hall. The daily 

schedule at Pine Crest is busy and active, with opportunities for group development, 

outdoor recreation, wilderness discovery and leadership programs. At Pine Crest, we 

foster achievement through success-based programs and fun approaches to problem 

solving. Our programs are facilitated by a team of highly trained and qualified staff. 

Cabin-style accommodation can house up to 250 guests in the warmer months of 

September, October, May and June. Our lodges accommodate up to 72 guests 

from October to May. A variety of indoor spaces, including our Recreation Hall and 

Centennial Lodge, are available to meet the needs of groups of all sizes. 

Planning made easy 

Our group coordinator is happy to spend time with you to tailor the program to meet 

your needs, objectives and expectations. For longer visits, we’re happy to travel to your 

school or site to host a Family Information Night or meet with participants before 

their trip.

Discover Your Perfect Program 


Getting outdoors and experiencing the natural environment allows your group to learn, strengthen 

bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our success-based programs provide participants 

with a unique and supportive environment. These experiences can focus on group development and 

experiential learning, or can simply provide a perfect venue to appreciate the great outdoors. We’ll work 

closely with you to tailor the scheduling, activities and objectives of the program to your group’s needs. 

We’re happy to accommodate both program and hosted groups. For program groups, we’ll work 

closely with you to design a program specific to your group’s needs by tailoring scheduling, activities 

and objectives. Hosted groups are provided with a meeting space and then plan and run their own 

meetings or activities on-site with the option of a short program run by our staff. 

Here are the building blocks of YMCA Outdoor Centre programs. 

Outdoor Education 

Our outdoor education programs immerse 

your group in an outdoor environment 

where they can experience a variety of safe 

and exciting activities — perfect for all ages. 

Our Outdoor Centre sites offer a “living” 

laboratory to learn about plants, animals and 

water systems, with environmental programs 

focusing on interactive, hands-on activities. 

Outdoor skills programs help participants 

become more competent in the wilderness 

by learning fire building, orienteering and 

much more. 

Leadership and Group Development 

Our adventurous outdoor challenges show your 

group that when they work as a team, they’re 

capable of achieving more than they thought 

possible. Whether it’s tackling the rock climbing 

wall or maneuvering through the low ropes 

challenge course, these cooperative activities 

build self-confidence and encourage individuals 

to use creative problem solving to succeed as a 

team. Our programs help foster personal growth 

by creating an environment where groups build 

trust, develop communication skills and realize 

leadership potential.

Winter Programs 

YMCA Outdoor Centres offer extra program options 

in the winter months. With its austere beauty, the 

winter is a peaceful time to experience nature 

and participate in outdoor activities. Many of 

our regular activities, including outdoor living 

skills, natural arts and crafts, and nature hikes are 

adapted for the winter environment. Special winter 

programs include snowshoeing, broomball and 

tobogganing. Pine Crest offers extended winter 

program options including cross-country skiing 

and quinhzee building. 

Sample Three-day Program Schedule 

Guided Canoe Trips at Camp Pine Crest 

Our qualified staff will lead your group on a canoe 

trip through our local lakes and rivers on excursions 

ranging from a single night to multiple days. You’ll 

enjoy the stunning landscape of the Canadian 

Shield, learn about local flora and fauna, and 

maybe even spot local wildlife. Our canoe-tripping 

programs focus on learning the outdoor skills 

required to spend time in the backcountry. Working 

as a team, you’ll learn how to build a campfire, 

cook in the outdoors, navigate and simply become 

more comfortable in the wilderness. All food and 

camping equipment is provided. Overnight canoe 

trips can easily be worked into longer visits to 

Camp Pine Crest for other programs. 

We spend time with each group to learn about your interests, needs and goals before developing a highly 

customized program schedule. Our staff are happy to lead activities or we can schedule time for self-led 

activities organized by your group leaders. Here’s a sample of what a three-day trip could look like. 

Day 1 Day 2 

Day 3 

Arrival 

Welcome, Orientation and 

Move-in 

Team Building Initiatives 

Breakfast 

Low Ropes Challenge Course 

Nature Hike 

Breakfast 

Self-led Activities 

Lunch Lunch Lunch 


Free Time 

Dinner 

Evening Program 

Fire Building Team Challenge 

Night Hike 

Snack 


Free Time 

Dinner 

Evening Program 

Giant Pictionary 

Campfire 

Snack 

Environmental Activities 

High Ropes Course 

Departure

YMCA Cedar Glen Programs 

Activities 



Our high ropes course provides a safe environment for groups to work 

together, build trust and improve communication skills. 

Rock Climbing Wall 

Our rock climbing wall provides an opportunity for participants to step 

outside their comfort zone with the support of their group on the ground. 


Trust, communication and teamwork are the focus as groups work together 

to successfully complete each element. 


A variety of fun and engaging group initiatives that vary depending on the 

nature of your group. 

Team Challenge Maze 

Participants work with their partners to successfully navigate through a 

large outdoor maze. 


Animal Survival Game 

Participants learn about the food chain while taking on the role of a 

herbivore, omnivore or carnivore. 

Stream Study 

Explore the ecological health of Cold Creek through a hands-on 

investigation of the aquatic ecosystem. 

Heat Transfer 

Understand the nature of heat and how it can be lost or transferred through 

radiation, convection and conduction. 

Discover Nature Hike 

Explore the flora and fauna of our forests, streams and trails with an 

experienced outdoor tour guide. 

The Lorax Nature Hike 

Read Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax with your group in a beautiful outdoor setting 

and then explore the environmental themes with a hike, discussion and 

journaling exercise. 

Outdoor Skills Programs 

Map Orienteering 

Learn to use a map and recognize important features such as: legend, 

scale, title and compass rose. A competitive challenge course will put your 

skills to the test. 

Score Orienteering 

Examine topographic maps to learn about map features including scale 

and contour lines. 

Compass Orienteering 

Learn the basics of compass orienteering to find magnetic north, and set 

and follow a bearing. Use these new skills to search for a hidden message. 

Shelter Building 

Learn and practice building a shelter that can provide warmth and 

protection from the elements in a survival situation. 

Fire Building 

Learn how to start and maintain a campfire to cook a delicious snack. 

Crash in Bear Country 

Combine the skills and materials necessary to start and maintain a safe 

campfire, build a livable shelter and orienteer. 

Archery 

Explore the history of archery and cultural importance of the bow for 

hunting and warfare before practicing proper shooting technique. 

Recommended 

Ages/Grade Levels Curriculum Links Seasons 

Grade 3 & up • Physical Education All seasons 

All ages • Physical Education All seasons 




Grade 3 & up • Grade 4, 6 & 7 

Science 

• Physical Education 

Grade 6 & up • Grade 6 & 7 

Science 

All seasons 

Spring, 

summer 

& fall 

Grades 3-8 • Grade 7 Science All seasons 

Grades 1-8 

Grades 1-6 

• Environmental 

Studies 


Studies 

All ages • Grade 6 & 7 

Geography 

Grade 3 & up • Grade 6 & 7 

Geography 

Grade 4 & up • Grade 7 

Geography 

Grade 3-8 • Grade 3 & 5 

Science 

All seasons 

All seasons 

All seasons 

All seasons 

All seasons 

Spring, 

summer 

& fall 



All ages • Physical Education Spring, 

summer 

& fall

YMCA Cedar Glen Programs 

Activities 

Art in Nature – Look, See, Draw 

Learn about the techniques of Canadian landscape painters before heading 

out on a nature walk and participating in a hands-on drawing class. 

Swimming 

Our large outdoor pool offers a refreshing break during the hot 

summer months. 

Mountain Biking 

An introduction to mountain biking technique, riding position, safety 

gear and skills including climbing, gear selection, descending and 

bicycle maintenance. 

Evening Programs 

Night Hike 

Explore the wilderness, nocturnal animals and your own senses in 

the evening. 

Inuit Games 

Test your agility and strength with traditional Inuit challenges. 

Campfire 

Spend time with your group around a fire telling stories, singing songs, 

performing skits and roasting marshmallows. 

Team Challenges 

Spend the evening as a group taking part in fun indoor or outdoor team 

competitions. 

Large Group Field Games 

Enjoy an active evening playing age appropriate games with your group. 


Snowshoe Hike 

Snowshoe hikes lead by Outdoor Centre staff can be combined with 

Orienteering, Nature Hikes or as a stand-alone program. 

Winter Outdoor Living Skills 

Explore the woods in winter and develop wilderness skills including shelter 

building, firecraft and orienteering. 

Tobogganing 

A perfect way to get out and enjoy the snow – speeding down the hill in 

front of the Main Lodge. 

Recommended 


All ages • Art All seasons 

All ages 

Grades 6 & up 

All ages 



• Enviromental 

Studies 


Summer 

Spring, 

summer & fall 

All seasons 


All ages 

• Drama 

• Music 

All seasons 



All ages 



Studies 

Winter 

All ages 



Studies 

Winter 

All ages • Physical Education Winter 

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Workshops 

Students work towards completing the certification component of their SHSM program through our experiential half-day workshops. 

Effective Communication 

Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students 

All seasons 

Activities and a discussion of effective communication techniques 

followed by the low ropes challenge course. 

Leadership 


All seasons 

A discussion of leadership and character traits followed by cooperative 

challenges, a debrief and reflection. 

Customer Service 


All seasons 

An examination of customer service is followed by group challenges 

requiring communication skills. 

Conflict Resolution 


All seasons 

Explores the causes, triggers and ways conflict shows itself and how to 

manage it. 

Group Dynamics 

Students examine the stages and theories of group development and 

cohesiveness. 


All seasons

YMCA Camp Pine Crest Programs 

Activities 



Includes various group challenges tailored to your group’s age, goals and 

objectives. 


Participants work together and use creative problem solving to successfully 

complete some of our 20 elements. 


This program culminates with the high ropes course, where participants 

work together and support each other at various heights and challenge 

levels. Group members on the ground are involved in the safety systems 

(with staff supervision), which promotes trust within the group. 

Rock Climbing Wall 

Our rock climbing wall provides participants with the opportunity to go 

beyond their comfort zone with the support of their group on the ground. 


Nature Hike 

Explore the many kilometers of trails on our 650 acre site. Includes a variety 

of environments from our hardwood forests to our active beaver pond. 

Animal Survival Game 

In this classic outdoor game, participants learn about the role of herbivores, 

omnivores and carnivores in the wild and the challenges posed by disease, 

natural disasters, and the constant challenge of finding food and water. 

Animal Tracking 

Learn to identify animals and interpret their actions by closely inspecting 

their tracks while hiking on one of our trails. 

Tree and Plant Identification 

Learn about a variety of local Muskoka flora while exploring our hardwood 

forests and beaver pond. 

Ecosystems 

Learn about how plant and animal life interact with the air, water and soil 

that make up the ecosystem. 

Outdoor Skills Programs 

Outdoor Livings Skills 

This hands-on program allows participants to learn and practice a variety 

of outdoor skills including how to build a campfire, cook over a fire, build a 

shelter and much more. 

Map and Compass Orienteering 

Learn how to properly use a map and compass and then test your skills by 

navigating around camp on our orienteering or discovery course. 

Canoeing 

Learn basic paddling skills to maneuver a canoe paddling either tandem 

or as a group in a voyageur canoe. 

Kayaking 

Provides participants with a basic understanding of how to safely paddle 

a kayak. 

Archery 

Learn about different types of bows and proper shooting technique as you 

aim for the bull’s-eye. 

Photography and Development 

Learn the steps involved in developing a photo in our darkroom. 

Natural Crafts 

Get creative at our Natural Arts and Crafts Centre. Crafts include 

bracelets, dream catchers, candle making, paper making and many other 

creative options. 

Morning Dip 

Early risers have the option of waking up with a morning dip in the lake 

before breakfast. 

Recommended 






All ages 


Studies 

Grade 3 & up • Grade 4, 6 & 7 

Science 


All seasons 

All seasons 



Grade 3 & up • Science All seasons 

All Ages • Physical Education All seasons 

All ages • Grades 6 & 7 

Geography 

All seasons 

All ages • Physical Education Fall & spring 



Grade 6 & up • Science All seasons 

All ages 

• Geography 

• History 


All seasons 

All ages • Physical Education Fall & spring

YMCA Camp Pine Crest Programs 

Activities 

Music 

Play with our collection of guitars, drums and rhythm instruments in a 

program or at a campfire. 

Evening Programs 

Campfire 

Roast some marshmallows, perform skits or sing along with your group as 

you spend time together around a campfire. 

Iron Chef – Global Footprint 

Learn about the energy it takes to enjoy foods from around the world and 

develop an understanding of the global diet. 

Night Hike 

Explore the wilderness, nocturnal animals and your own senses on an 

evening hike. 

Astronomy 

Our local region is part of a Dark Sky Preserve. A spectacular view of the 

night sky provides a great opportunity to learn about our solar system and 

constellations. 

Carnival 

Our staff will host a carnival of fun and games! With 20 different activity 

options, we can customize the perfect evening for your group. 

Drama Games 

Have a great time with skit-in-a-bag, sing down, giant Pictionary and many 

other fun and creative programs. 


Quinhzee Building 

Work as a group to build a snow shelter. Participants have the choice of 

sleeping out overnight with the physical and emotional comfort of knowing 

that their warm lodge is close by. 

Snowshoe Hike 

Learn how to easily travel on the snows surface while exploring one of our 

many trails. Discover diverse ecosystems and learn how plants and animals 

adapt to the winter months. 

Winter Outdoor Living Skills 

In the winter our outdoor living skills programs take on a whole new 

element as you learn how to cope with winter conditions. Includes skills such 

as cooking, fire lighting, shelter building and edible plants. 

Broomball 

Play outside in the winter! Broomball is a great winter sport that everyone 

can enjoy. Safety approved helmets are worn by all participants. 

Snow Tubing 

Have some good old fashioned fun sliding down the hill on our tube run. 

Cross-country Skiing 

Learn proper cross-country skiing technique and explore our trails. 

Guided Canoe Trips 

Day Trips 

Depart from camp for a lunchtime cookout at one of our campsites 

down the lake. 

Overnight Canoe Trips from Camp 

Explore our back lakes and a night in the wilderness with an overnight 

canoe trip leaving from the camp dock. 

Multi-day Canoe Trips 

For longer canoe trips we can select a local route through beautiful lakes and 

rivers that matches the abilities of your group. 

Recommended 


All ages • Music All seasons 

All ages 

Grade 6 & up 

Grade 4 & up 

All ages 

• Drama 

• Music 


Studies 

• Social Studies 


Studies 


• Science 

All seasons 

All seasons 

All seasons 

All seasons 


All ages • Drama All seasons 

All ages 

All ages 

All ages 

• Environmental Studies 

• History 


• Science 


Studies 



Studies 


Winter 

Winter 

Winter 




All ages 

All ages 

Grade 6 & up 

• Geography 

• History 


• Geography 

• History 


• Geography 

• History 


Fall & spring 

Fall & spring 

Fall & spring 

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Workshops 

Effective Communication Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students All seasons 

Leadership Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students All seasons 

Customer Service Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students All seasons 

Conflict Resolution Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students All seasons 

Group Dynamics Grade 11 & 12 SHSM students All seasons

Support. Safety. Success. 

Health and wellness 

At YMCA Camp Pine Crest and Cedar Glen we foster an environment that is both physically 

and emotionally safe for all participants. We stress the importance of respect for oneself, 

the community and the environment. 

YMCA Outdoor Centres are committed to safety. Our programs are facilitated by 

experienced staff who hold the proper qualifications and are trained in our on-site 

programs. All staff have a minimum certification of Standard First Aid and are equipped 

with f irst aid kits. Waterfront staff are certified as National Lifesaving Society lifeguards 

to ensure your group will be safe when participating in water activities. 

Meals 

Our kitchen staff are very flexible and can accommodate almost any dietary needs or 

concerns your group may have. YMCA Camp Pine Crest and YMCA Cedar Glen are nut sensitive 

sites, which means we do not serve food with nuts and we ask groups not to bring any food. 


YMCA Cedar Glen is located between 

Bolton and Nobleton, 37 km northwest 

of the highway 400/401 interchange. 

13300 11 th Concession 

Schomberg, Ontario 

L0G 1T0 

Phone: 905-859-9622 

Fax: 905-859-6750 

Email: cedargleninfo@ymcagta.org 

Web: ymcagta.org/cedarglen 

Palgrave 

Bolton 

Schomberg 

Y 

50 

Toronto Pearson 

International 

Airport 

11 th Concession Rd. 

427 

27 

Gardiner Expy 

Nobleton 

Kleinburg 

Barrie 

400 

Toronto 

9 

King Rd. 

407 

401 

Newmarket 

Major Mackenzie Dr. 

Approximate driving 

times from: 

Barrie 

Brampton 

Guelph 

Hamilton 

Kitchener 

Markham 

Mississauga 

Newmarket 

Oshawa 


1 hr 

30 min 

1.5 hrs 

1.25 hrs 

1.5 hrs 

45 min 

45 min 

45 min 

1.25 hrs 

45 min 

YMCA Camp Pine Crest 

YMCA Camp Pine Crest is located in 

Muskoka, between Gravenhurst and Bala, 

about 175 km north of Toronto. 

1090 Gullwing Lake Road 

Torrance, Ontario 

P0C 1M0 

Phone: 1-877-878-9622 or 705-762-3377 

Fax: 705-762-5961 

Email: camp.pinecrest@ymcagta.org 

Web: camppinecrest.ca/outdoorcentre 

38 

Barrie 

401 

400 

Bala 

Torrance 

Y 

404 


169 

Newmarket 

11 

Orillia 

407 

Gravenhurst 

Approximate driving 

times from: 

Barrie 

Collingwood 

Guelph 

Hamilton 

Kitchener 

Oshawa 

Peterborough 


1 hr 

2 hrs 

3 hrs 

3 hrs 

3 hrs 

2.5 hrs 

2.5 hrs 

2.5 hrs

YMCA Outdoor Centres Brochure - YMCA of Greater Toronto

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