The Pine Project

My 6 YO daughter’s time at Pine’s summer day camp was an incredible experience for her. Every time I picked her up she was muddy, sweaty and super happy — she declared it was “the best day ever!” literally every day. And I can see why: she hiked, played nature games, carved wood, learned to identify plants and animal tracks, foraged for wild edibles, sang songs, made frog houses, painted rocks, and was given her own “nature name” at the end of each week. We delighted in seeing her thrive and hearing about all of these adventures and discoveries. Extremely highly recommended!

I signed up for the 3-session adults program. It was about $300 total. The first session was spectacular and 5/5 stars. However, for the 2nd session I was sick. The organization has a strict policy indicating folks showing any covid symptoms at all should not attend, which I support. Of course, I did not attend. I was aware that there are no refunds but I didn't expect to get sick. I emailed the team and they confirmed that no refund could be given even though I was adhering to their covid policy.A month later, the 3rd session comes around and of course I get strep throat. I didn't bother asking for a refund this time.I understand and appreciate that they make the no refund policy very clear and obvious in their communications. They also are very clear that anyone who is even slightly sick shouldn't attend. The danger here is that someone would attend anyways, hiding their symptoms, so they don't waste $100 per session. I would appreciate if they consider at least doing partial refunds to prevent this from happening. I basically lost $200 for factors beyond my control and for trying to keep my peers safe from infection.

My 6 and 8 year old children just finished a week at Pine Camp in the East end location. I honestly cannot recommend this experience enough. My kids could not have been more excited to attend every day. They came home and couldn't wait to share their experiences hiking in the forest discovering animals, plants, wood carving, and playing creative games. This is such an enriching experience for city kids and they practically begged to return next year.

My daughter just finished a week in the woods with the Pin Project Team in the East End. The experience was definitely the highlight of her summer. Each day, she came home bubbling with excitement of all the adventures of the day. She hiked, she carved, and grew in confidence in the short week she attended. The staff are caring, compassionate and radiate a love for the land and their work that is infectious. Highly recommend for anyone looking for opportunities for their children to connect with outdoors, challenge themselves and build confidence. Looking forward to attending next year. Thank you for the unforgettable week

Pine Project is hands down the best two weeks of our 7 year old daughter's summers in Toronto. Each day she comes home having learned a new nature game, having made an interesting tea from the local trees, having spotted an intriguing creature like an otter, a deer, or a paracan falcon, having carved a stick into a tool...the adventures are endless, and her confidence in nature has grown significantly. The counsellors are truly engaged with the kids and the environment around them, so are not sitting around, disenchanted on their phones. Pine Project is a one of a kind, stand out day camp experience that builds knowledge and confidence, and is full of fun and rain or shine adventure.

Pine is a key part of our children’s lives in Toronto. The growth they’ve had in nature awareness, resilience, and observation is incredible - family members and friends comment on it often. They also have so much fun, get to do really cool things, and have leaders they can respect and trust, who themselves are so knowledgeable and skilled and kind that I never feel anything but gratitude that they would take time to invest in me and my kids. I’ve recommended this program to a dozen friends and would do it without qualms a dozen times more.

In a world where we're all on devices for learning, work and entertainment, the opportunity to simply enjoy a sit spot" in nature and notice what birds

Pine is a true reminder that nature is not somewhere to escape to but who we are. I feel Pine teaches our kids so many things; the importance of song, community, interconnection, self-reliance, focus, patience, collaboration, reflection….wild and wonderful understandings about nature, but most importantly how to stand in the world….standing up for nature, ourselves and each other.

My 6 year old just finished at week at Pine summer school and loved it. Even though it rained nearly every day, she came home excited about all the cool stuff she had learned about plants and animals. The councillors are enthusiastic and responsible and you know you’re leaving your kid in great hands every day. They come filthy, exhausted and happy, with stories to tell. I believe this is a transformational camp for kids. We will enrol her again.

Pine Project is everything you'd hope for in an urban nature experience for youth. Our boys, 7 and 10, attended a day a week during the school year but also camp this summer and they both come home bursting with stories of adventures, new knowledge and interesting ideas about nature and our place in it. Most gratifying is really seeing the pride they take in toughing out bad weather or a tough challenge or a new undertaking; Pine has been a bright light for us during such a tricky time. We're looking forward to what future experiences with Pine will bring.