From Camps to Classrooms Tim Hortons Foundation Camps brings the best from our signature Summer Program to schools and youth who need it most, from coast to coast.
About Tims Camps
Since 1974, Tims Camps has expanded the horizon of what is possible for over 325,000 young people. A leader in youth development programming, Tims Camps supports youth from low-income communities between the ages of 9-16, build resilience and responsibility, which empower them to believe in their potential and change their stories for the better.
About the Tims Camps In-Community Program
In September 2024, Tims Camps officially launched the new In-Community Program throughout Southern Ontario and Southern Manitoba. In the first 3 months of the program, Tims Camps visited more than 45 classrooms, with nearly 1,150 students participating.
The In-Community Program offers the best of the Tims Camps Summer Program, free of charge, to schools and community groups that serve youth from low-income neighbourhoods. The program focuses on youth leadership and prosocial skill development and is intended for students, in grades 5 and 6.
“It’s not that youth have a gap in knowledge or a gap in ability, but it’s actually that there is an opportunity gap. Young people from low-income backgrounds often don’t have the chance to attend youth development programs where they get to develop these skills and showcase what they’re capable of.”
– Victoria Povilaitis, PhD, Director, Program Innovation
Through our current summer and year-round programs with schools and community groups, we serve nearly 15,000 campers per year. The addition of the In-Community Program will allow us to reach more youth, and serve more communities, by providing a more accessible opportunity that can occur in classrooms, schools, playgrounds and community spaces across Canada and the United States.
* The program is typically offered over several sessions but can customized to meet school/community group needs
What Students Learn
Students participate in a variety of activities that centre around The BIG 3.
Plain Text
The Big 3 activities are all about improving your self, community, and future!
Self | Self activities focus on the goals you make, creating plans to reach you goals, and changing those plans and goals when needed!
Community | Community activities are all about helping other people, exploring and practicing empathy, and creating a positive group environment.
Future | Future activities are designed to help you look forward and feel excited about what you see! You could focus on relationships, safety, education, employment, goals, etc.
“What we’re intentionally focusing on with our youth are activities where they can develop a sense of self, where they can develop a sense of community, and where they can take these two things and apply it to their future.”
– Katie Wheatley, Executive Officer, Programs and Operations
Students develop these skills by participating in active, hands-on activities typically outside the traditional classroom setting followed by opportunities for reflection and discussion.
- Personal identity and self-awareness
- Goal setting
- Building confidence and independence
- Building meaningful connections
- Positive communication
- Empathy and sensitivity towards others
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Collaboration and team building
- Developing healthy culture and community
“I think it’s so valuable to have extra supports in our schools. Our kids are at a point, post-COVID, where they really need the social and emotional skills that have been provided through this program. They need that play, they need those team building skills, they need to learn how to communicate face-to-face, off a screen, unplugged, and just play – because they’re not always getting it at home, and with the curriculum, we don’t always have the time at school. So, when we have a program like this...we make the time because it’s powerful, and it’s important.”
– Madame G, School Teacher
Students will ultimately develop these skills by participating in intentional activities, in an active, hands-on environment, typically outside the traditional classroom setting followed by opportunities for reflection and discussion. This program provides an opportunity to enhance students’ personal leadership skillset empowering them to take on leadership roles and initiatives at school and within their communities.
“Sometimes when there is a hard challenge, we have to do it a couple of times before we reach our goal, but we shouldn’t give up and still keep trying.”
– In-Community Program Camper
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this program different from "at camp" programming?
Students learn through similar activities that take place at our camp settings. What makes this different is that the program happens in your school or community group setting rather than at camp and therefore, reduces potential barriers for youth who are unable to attend a traditional camp setting.
What is the Benefit of a Tims Camps Experience in the Classroom?
This program supports students in developing skills commonly learned at camp, including leadership, communication, responsibility, and resilience.
What are the criteria for schools/community groups to be considered for the program?
Schools and community groups that service a significant proportion of youth, typically over 30%, from low-income homes.
How can schools/community groups apply for the program?
If your school or community group meets the criteria and would like to be considered for this program, please contact info@timscamps.com.Please note that the program is only available in a small number of communities as we have just launched but expect it to be available in more communities each year as we grow.
How can I receive more information about this program?
Please contact info@timscamps.com. We will be pleased to share more details with you.
