Trails Youth Initiatives

Our mission is to challenge and equip vulnerable youth from at-risk communities in Toronto to become contributing members of the community. Every year, thousands of vulnerable youth do not get a chance to realize their potential. They are consistently challenged by a combination of barriers stemming from their circumstances. By no fault of their own, they are at risk of not achieving positive life outcomes and are most vulnerable to violence, poverty and crime. At Trails, we strive to ensure youth can pursue their hopes, dreams and aspirations, free of barriers based on race, gender, economic status or geography, so that they can achieve success and meaningfully contribute to their community. We train through the outdoors, not for the outdoors. The Trails programme teaches our participants skills, exposes them to relevant knowledge and then builds their confidence so they can succeed. Boys and girls start at age 12 and attend Trails for two weeks in the summer and for one weekend a month from October to May, for four years. We believe that early intervention, along with the right amount of guidance, support and structure, can change everything for our kids. Trails is about prevention: helping our participants identify their strengths and imbuing them with a desire to complete high school, seek further education and/or productive careers, and to contribute to their community.