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Group Trips

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is located on 263 acres of breath taking countryside.  Only 40 minutes from downtown Toronto, it is the perfect backdrop for groups to experience the outdoors!  Whether you are looking for teambuilding, leadership development or some outdoor fun, we offer year-round outdoor programs. Programs are scheduled in advance and our team will work closely with you to create a customized schedule that meets the needs of your group. All our programs are delivered by a highly trained group of experienced and enthusiastic Outdoor Education staff, dedicated to making a positive experience for each participant.

Day and Overnight Trips
Trip Information
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Day & Overnight Trips

We are ready and excited to host your group for a day or overnight visit!

A Day Trip typically runs from 9:00am until 4:00pm with all meals included, but we can be flexible depending on what works for your group's schedule.
If you are looking to stay a little bit longer, but are not quite ready for an overnight, we have an extended day trip option with a departure time of 9:00pm.

An Overnight Trip is a great way to escape the city, have fun and create a lasting bond amongst your group. Whether you are looking for a quick 24hr trip, a week-long visit, or something in-between, our team will work with you to plan a memorable experience with outdoor activities and all meals included.

Image for Day & Overnight Trips

Image 1- Bikers
Image 2- Roasting Marshmallows
Image 3- Person Swimming

Trip Information

The following is information that might be helpful when considering a trip to our site:

Booking Outdoor Programs

Prior to confirming your dates at Cedar Glen, you will be asked to complete our Program Request Form. This provides you the opportunity to let us know more about your group, the goals of your visit and to select activities that you are interested in. This information will be used to create a tentative schedule that will be sent to you for review in advance for your trip. All outdoor programming, including swimming during the summer months, must be requested and booked in advance.

We are happy to offer a full schedule of day and evening programming or we can work with you to plan a schedule that includes your own programming and partial programming with YMCA Cedar Glen staff. For more information on our programs, click here.

Sample Schedule

Day Visit

9:00am

Arrival & Community Meeting

9:15am

Program 1

10:45am

Program 2

12:30pm

Lunch

1:15pm 

Program 3

2:30pm 

Program 4

4:00pm

Departure

 

Overnight Visit

 Day One

9:00am

Arrival & Community Meeting

9:15am

Program 1

10:45am

Program 2

12:30pm

Lunch

1:15pm 

Program 3

2:30pm 

Program 4

4:30pm

Free Time & Move into Rooms

5:30pm

Dinner

6:15pm

Evening Program & Campfire

8:45pm

Program Ends & CG Staff Depart

Day Two

8:00am

Breakfast

9:15am

Program 1

10:45am

Program 2

12:30pm

Lunch

1:15pm 

Program 3

2:30pm 

Program 4

4:00pm

Departure

                                                                       


Rain & Inclement Weather

We ask that participants come dressed for the weather and in a light rain we often continue with outdoor programming. In the event of a thunderstorm or severe weather, we have indoor meeting spaces or shelters that we can move into while the storm passes.

Our staff are always prepared with rainy day plans and indoor activities to keep participants engaged and learning.

Program Adaptations

Many programs can be adapted in order to accommodate varying participant needs with the goal of creating an inclusive experience.

For participants with mobility limitations, we can assist them by using an all-terrain vehicle to move them between activity areas. Please contact us to discuss any specific needs your participants may have.

Teachers & Chaperones

The leadership provided by teachers and chaperones is one of the most important factors for a successful visit. Although YMCA Cedar Glen staff will be responsible for providing all program, your participants are accustomed to looking to you for guidance and support. As such, we encourage teachers and chaperones to take an active role in program, providing a positive role model for participants as they challenge themselves to try new things. Being part of the experience will also assist in transferring ideas and lessons learnt by participants back to “everyday life” outside of Cedar Glen.

We don’t have a mandatory ratio of chaperones to youth, however, for programming we will be dividing into smaller groups of approximately 15 participants per group. As we strongly encourage you to bring 1 adult for each group, we offer a discount of 1 free adult for every 10 youth/students!

Arrivals & Departures

Upon arriving to YMCA Cedar Glen, we ask that you check-in with us in our office, which is located just inside our Main Lodge. You will be greeted by a Cedar Glen staff member that will help get you checked in, confirm any last minute details, provide you with all necessary information and complete any outstanding paperwork. We will then direct you/your group over to your meeting space or a spot where you can store your bags for the day and you can get started with our program/your own session.

Arrival and departure times are flexible to meet your schedule, but check-in times for the overnight accommodations is 4:00pm and check-out is 9:00am unless you have arranged otherwise. This allows our housekeeping staff to clean the rooms during the day to prepare for the next group.  After checking out at 9am, if departing at a later time, an indoor or covered storage area will be provided for your bags and belongings until your departure.

Booking Process

In order to book a trip, please contact us at cedarglen@ymcagta.org or 905-859-0622 x 0 for more information on our availability.

Once your visit has been booked and you’ve received your contract and invoice, you will be connected to an Account Holder. This Account Holder will be your main point of contact leading up to your visit, as well as when onsite. Your Account Holder will connect with you prior to your visit to confirm details about your group (numbers, dietary, special needs, etc), as well as provide you with all the necessary information to ensure you have a successful visit.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your Account Holder.

Program Groups

Larger groups will be divided up into smaller program groups of approximately 15 participants. Each smaller group, led by a YMCA program facilitator, will rotate through the activities that are on the group’s schedule.

For overnight groups, in the evening, we often come together for large group activities such as a field games or a campfire.

Waivers

Waivers are not required for each participant. However, our Booking Contract includes an acknowledgement that the group leader has:

  • obtained the appropriate consent from parents or legal guardians if group members are minors.
  • made group members and parents/legal guardians aware of the risks associated with outdoor or camp activities, and that by participating or allowing participation in these activities, they assume the risks associated with doing so.
  • obtained the appropriate health history information of minors from their parents/guardians as needed, and that (s)he has obtained the appropriate authorizations for any emergency medical treatment.
Outdoor Education Staff

We have a diverse staff that comes to us with backgrounds in outdoor education, teaching, camping or other youth work. All of our program staff hold their Standard First Aid certification, complete a weeklong seasonal staff training and submit a Police Background Check.

Overnight Accommodations

Cedarview and Glenview Lodges (Tablelands) Overnight guests stay in two lodges that have several rooms connected by a hallway. Each room has two bunk beds, accommodating up to four guests, along with a 3pc ensuite washroom. Bedrooms are booked based on four youth per room and two adults/teachers, chaperones per room. For youth groups, teachers or chaperones stay in rooms adjacent to their group to provide overnight supervision. If booked in advance, single occupancy is available for adults at an additional cost.

See more information and photos of our Lodges.

The Grove Cabins (Mid-Valley) Four cabins offer traditional cabin style accommodations for up to 72 guests. Each cabin has two rooms, each with 8 beds, and an additional room for 2 guests (perfect for chaperones or group leaders). Portable washrooms are located near the cabins and showers are available at our swimming pool change rooms which is a quick walk down a path.

See more information and photos of our Grove Cabins.

Free Time

On the field in front of our Main Lodge, you will find our outdoor games area complete with sports equipment, ping pong tables and a volleyball court. The outdoor games area is available for anyone to use while they are onsite.

Adult guests are welcome to go for a hike on our trails during their free time. Please check in at our Front Desk for a trail map and more details. We ask that you stay away from designated program areas, which are strictly off limits, and groups participating in programming with our staff.

During the summer months, our swimming pools can be booked during non-peak times. Swimming must be booked in advance of your visit through your Account Holder.

Related Programs

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Outdoor Programs

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Facilities

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FAQ

Contact Us

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre
13300 11th Concession
Schomberg, ON
L0G 1T0
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Outdoor Centre
Email: cedarglen@ymcagta.org
Main Office: 905-859-9622 x 0
Outdoor Centre Inquiries: 647-294-8288

Day Camp
Email: CedarGlen.DayCamp@ymcagta.org
Day Camp Registration: 647-439-6611
Day Camp (July & August): 416-508-4301
Kinder Day Camp (July & August): 416-464-6975