Curriculum-Linked Programs

Over 80 Curriculum-Linked Programs Tailored to Your Classroom Needs

Every program at Camp Kawartha is thoughtfully designed to align with the Ontario Curriculum and our Stewardship Framework. Teachers can select up to 3 programs from different subject areas or concentrate on one specific area of study. Whether you’re looking to complement a unit of classroom study or emphasize a specific learning objective, we can tailor a program to meet your needs.

Curriculum-Linked Programs for Grades K - 12

At Camp Kawartha, we believe inspired learning comes from inspired teaching. Our programs feature hands-on activities, drama, storytelling, and active games. Many of our educators are teacher-trained and bring a lifetime commitment to excellence in outdoor education. They combine expertise in natural and environmental sciences, Canadian history, outdoor living skills, and adventure learning. Our instructors continually upgrade their skills through workshops and courses, ensuring students receive the best learning experience possible.

Available Programs Across Key Subjects

Choose from over 60 programs in the following subjects, all aligned with the Ontario Curriculum and our Stewardship Framework.

Each program is designed to provide engaging, educational experiences with a low instructor-to-student ratio (approx. 1:12), ensuring personalized attention and a deeper connection to the outdoor learning environment.

Download Program Guide



Physical Education

Educator Resources

We have a vast library of resources that can be used by educators. Click the button below to check them out!

Check Out Our Resources



Environmental Sciences

Where’s your Backbone? An Invertebrate Study

Grade 06

Students compare aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, learning survival strategies, feeding habits, and physiological traits.

Find Out More

Wetland Wonders

Grade 04 | Grade 06

Explore a pond, catch aquatic invertebrates, observe beaver handiwork, and learn about wetland adaptations with a digital microscope.

Find Out More

Weather or Not!

Grade 07

Students build weather instruments, predict weather patterns, and study how animals adapt to extreme conditions.

Find Out More

Water Stewardship

Grade 07 | Grade 09 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12

Using a watershed model, students investigate water quality and biodiversity, focusing on the need to preserve freshwater resources.

Find Out More

Water Cycle: “What goes around comes around!”

Grade 02

Students explore the water cycle through drama and games, emphasizing the importance of fresh water, which makes up less than 1% of Earth’s supply.

Find Out More

“Treeific” – a Program about Plants and Trees

Grade 03 | Grade 04 | Grade 06

Students explore tree parts, identify local trees, and gather sap in spring to make maple syrup at the sugar shack.

Find Out More

Tracking and Trailing

Grade 02 | Grade 04 | Grade 06

Learn tracking by identifying footprints, following trails, and casting realistic tracks, while enhancing observation and problem-solving skills.

Find Out More

Taming the Wildflower

Grade 03

Students learn about wildflowers and pollinators, including bee dances and pollination, and uncover the secrets of six local species.

Find Out More

Sustainable Living

Grade 05 | Grade 07 | Grade 08 | Grade 09 | Grade 11

Explore green design and renewable energy at Camp Kawartha, including straw bale construction and solar/wind energy systems, while reflecting on eco-friendly lifestyles.

Find Out More

Snow Wonder!

Grade 02

Students learn how water changes forms, study snow crystals, and build shelters for animals, highlighting winter adaptations.

Find Out More

Signs of the Seasons

Grade 01 | Kindergarden

Students investigate seasonal changes through scavenger hunts, shadow measuring, and temperature tracking, fostering an appreciation for nature’s cycles.

Find Out More

Seeds and Seed Dispersal

Grade 03

Students simulate seed dispersal, sort wildflower seeds, and explore creative ways plants spread to ensure their survival.

Find Out More

Rocks and Fossils

Grade 04

Step back in time to learn about fossils, create fossil replicas, and uncover ancient stories through rock and fossil exploration.

Find Out More

Renewable Energy

Grade 02 | Grade 04 | Grade 05 | Grade 06

Learn about renewable energy by building solar-powered cars and witnessing solar cooking with a parabolic cooker, if the weather cooperates.

Find Out More

Patterns in Nature

Grade 05

Explore the symmetry and beauty of nature’s patterns through scavenger hunts and activities, connecting them to mathematics and art.

Find Out More

Natural Neighbours

Grade 01 | Kindergarden

Explore the wildlife in your neighborhood through stories and games, discovering how local animals contribute to environmental health.

Find Out More

Mom, it’s not Dirt, it’s Soil!

Grade 03

Discover the hidden world of soil, meet its critters, and learn its vital role in ecosystems.

Find Out More

Mind Your Mammals

Grade 02

Explore the world of mammals through tracks, scat, and observation, mimicking predator and prey movements to understand survival strategies.

Find Out More

Local Eats: The Importance of Healthy Food

Learn about healthy eating by visiting an organic garden, harvesting fresh herbs, and preparing snacks using a solar oven.

Find Out More

Landform Liars Club

Solve geological mysteries in this investigative program, using mapping skills to uncover the history of the area around Camp Kawartha.

Find Out More

Instincts for Survival: The Survival Game

Play a survival simulation game where students take on the roles of animals, learning how to stalk prey, find resources, and evade predators.

Find Out More

Honing in on Homes (the importance of habitat)

Grade 04 | Grade 06

Investigate the role of shelter in wildlife survival and create bird nests, robin nests, and more to support local habitats.

Find Out More

Hide and Seek: A Program about Camouflage

Grade 01 | Grade 02 | Kindergarden

Discover how animals use color and patterns to blend in or warn predators, with interactive activities showcasing camouflage.

Find Out More

Habitat Enhancement

Take action for wildlife by building bird boxes or butterfly houses and learning how habitat loss affects local species.

Find Out More

Flying High

Grade 06

Learn about natural flight through role-playing, and explore how birds, bats, and seeds conquer the sky.

Find Out More



Adventure & Leadership

Trust Activities and Low Ropes

Low ropes challenges to build trust, focus, and respect, tailored to themes like positive communication.

Find Out More

Initiative Tasks

Creative problem-solving tasks to develop leadership, strategy, and communication, customizable for themes like inclusion.

Find Out More

High Ropes

Students set personal goals and face challenges on high ropes, learning teamwork, collaboration, and determination.

Find Out More

Co-operative Games

High-energy teamwork games that build trust, communication, and camaraderie as students achieve goals together.

Find Out More

Climbing Wall

A 32-foot accessible climbing wall helps students explore trust and teamwork, with challenges for all abilities, including those in wheelchairs.

Find Out More

Character Education and Leadership Program

Over 2½ days, students engage in team-building, problem-solving, climbing, and high ropes challenges to develop leadership, trust, and communication.

Find Out More



Environmental Arts

Sensorama

Grade 01 | Grade 02 | Grade 03 | Grade 04 | Kindergarden

Engage all your senses in nature! Listen like animals, recreate sounds as an “eco-symphony,” and explore the world in new ways. Perfect for younger students.

Find Out More

Nature Sculpting

Design 3D sculptures inspired by nature’s colors, patterns, and textures. Capture your masterpiece digitally to share with family and friends.

Find Out More

Nature Music

Grade 01 | Grade 02 | Grade 03 | Grade 04 | Kindergarden

Explore the sounds of nature to create a unique musical piece using found materials. Learn nature songs and play simple instruments in this creative program (staff availability applies).

Find Out More

Nature Arts & Crafts

Create one-of-a-kind crafts using natural materials, like clay bowls, walking sticks, or forest weavings. A hands-on way to connect with nature! Craft options vary—ask staff for details.

Find Out More



Canadian History

Traditional Skills & Games

Experience traditional games and survival skills, like the Inuit blanket toss and knee jump. Learn to build fires using ancient techniques. Fun and hands-on activities that showcase the skills of northern peoples.

Find Out More

Fur Trade Program

Re-enact the fur trade by trading goods for fur, role-playing as a Coureur du Bois. This hands-on program teaches history, teamwork, and strategic thinking, all while using replica trade goods.

Find Out More

First Nations and Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Learn about the Anishinaabe’s sustainable relationship with the land. Discover traditional foods, medicines, and skills that have supported First Nations cultures for thousands of years.

Find Out More

Adventures of a Coureur Du Bois

Step into history by living like a voyageur! Dress in costume, paddle a 26' canoe, eat traditional food, and sing French-Canadian songs. In winter, try dog-sledding! A full-day immersive experience.

Find Out More



Physical Education

Geo Caching Global Position Systems Mapping (GPS)

Students use Garmin GPS units to find hidden treasure boxes, learning how GPS systems work while enjoying a treasure hunt and physical activity.

Find Out More

Orienteering

Learn how to use maps and compasses to find hidden markers. A fun and challenging introduction to orienteering, with advanced options for older students.

Find Out More

Snowshoeing

Explore the winter landscape on snowshoes, learning about traditional snowshoe designs and enjoying exercise across 180 acres of trails.

Find Out More

Quest for Fire

Combine adventure with map reading and fire making! Students locate wooden boxes with fire-starting materials, then race to start a fire and brew forest tea.

Find Out More

Maps and Mapping

Students learn orienteering by using a 3D map of the camp to find hidden objects. A great introduction to basic map reading for younger kids.

Find Out More

Lost in the Woods

Learn essential survival skills like shelter building, using natural materials for warmth, and identifying edible plants. In winter, focus on building a debris hut or quinzhee to stay warm.

Find Out More

Cross Country Skiing

Experience the winter landscape through skiing! Students learn basic techniques and safety while exploring 180 acres of fields and forests. Fun games and activities are included to boost confidence on skis.

Find Out More

Canoeing or Voyageur Canoeing

Learn the basic skills of canoeing by our qualified instructors.

Find Out More

Triple A – Archery, Atlatl and Axe Throwing

Grade 09 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12

Combine archery, atlatl, and traditional axe-throwing. Students aim to embed an axe in a target 3 meters away, following strict safety protocols.

Find Out More

Double A – Archery and Atlatl

In addition to archery, students try the atlatl, a traditional spear thrower that launches feathered spears over 100 meters.

Find Out More

Single A – Archery

Learn the basics of archery, from stringing a bow to shooting an arrow at a target. A fun introduction to the sport!

Find Out More

Testimonials

{

"The importance of learning about environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. In today's rapidly changing world, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges is crucial. This program not only educated them about the significance of preserving our natural resources but also empowered them to take action within their communities.

Overall, the experiential learning provided by Camp Kawartha has been an invaluable asset to our students' education. It has inspired a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals, ready to lead and advocate for a sustainable future. We are immensely grateful for this partnership and the lasting impact it has made on our students' lives. I have been an advocate for the importance of Camp Kawarthas programs over the last decade and the importance in our school board and we look forward to our continued partnership."

- Melissa Morris, Experiential Learning, Science and Math Consultant, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

{

"We have been coming back for 15 years! We love Camp Kawartha! Kids love it too! Staff are experienced and nice. All the activities are great. Free time is fun for our teens who play volleyball, basketball, and soccer…together! Long live CK!" -Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph

{

"I had the opportunity to see first-hand how the outdoor programs benefited some of our most marginalized students. The excitement and full-on participation in, for example, the wetlands study by these students was so great to see. When their guardians heard the stories, they were overcome with joy." -Dundas Junior P.S.

{

"Our grade 8 grad trip was fantastic! The knowledgeable and supportive staff allowed students to go out of their comfort zones and have a memorable trip!" -St. Mary CES, Campbellford

{

"This is a great experience for both staff and students. The staff (CK) are amazing with the students and so very knowledgeable! Thanks for an awesome experience." - St. Jacinta Marto CES

{

"After coming to Camp Kawartha with our school for nearly 15 years, we are always amazed at the high calibre of instructors, programming, and overall camp facilities. From delicious and locally sourced food, to engaging outdoor activities, Camp Kawartha truly has it all." - Voice Integrative School

{

"As teachers, we saw such positive growth in our students over our three days here. I have been their teacher for eight months, but I have seen the most personal development, new friendships, and kids coming out of their shells this week than ever before. Students were engaged in programming and got to experience so many new things. Thank you CK for refreshing our staff and inspiring our kids!" -Keith Wightman P.S.

{

"We had a wonderful experience at Camp Kawartha. All the staff were incredible, the food was awesome, and the facility was spotless!" -St. Michael CES

{

"Very friendly, supportive staff. All program activities were very well planned and executed. Staff also enforced positive re-enforcement behaviour strategies (i.e., Helped school staff with positive behaviour management tactics). Loved our time." -Alexander Guir/Gladstone P.S

{

"Over the past few days our students had the chance to experience nature and learn incredible team building skills! Thank you Camp Kawartha!" -Corpus Christi