Bootcamps for Change Inc.

I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of working with Katie and the Bootcamps for change initiative. This was truly an amazing experience and a great turn out from the youth in terms of participation. I could see the amount of work put in by Katie to build the amazing relationships to get such a turn out.The trainers involved did a great job instructing as well as being very supportive throughout the whole experience.I have worked with youth's from many different backgrounds and it has been a long time since i have been apart of something that has run so smoothly and i was happy to be apart of something so impact-full.I recommend this program to anyone who wants to incite change for those who aren't afforded the same opportunities. You never know, you could be the difference!I would definitely love to come back again.

I recently had the experience of volunteering with @bootcampsforchange. I taught a fitness class to an amazing group at Horizons For Youth, a shelter that supports homeless and at-risk youth.-I don’t know the individuals I taught today much beyond their names. I don’t know their stories or their challenges and I also don’t know their strengths or their own stories of bravery. What I do know is that they showed up today to a total stranger (me), each one of them accepting of me, willing to trust me and to try. To try new exercises, to try a new workout and to try to work together as a team. We moved, we stretched, we laughed and we all learned something new. That is what fitness is all about and today I could not be more proud to be a trainer/coach/instructor to such an open and inviting group.I could not feel more honoured to have been part of an amazing organization providing weekly programming to this community and for making physical activity accessible to everybody.Thank you for the work you do in Toronto, I look forward to working together again in he future.

I recently started volunteering for Bootcamps for Change in April.Before I started volunteering, I did not know much about the homeless population across Canada but through my experience, I am learning so much about homelessness and their impact on society. I got involved with Bootcamps for Change because the projects I have been working on aligns with my career goals to become a health promoter. I am passionate about helping others, physical health, mental health, and self-improvement. I love how the #SweatierfortheBetter program promotes all the things I am passionate about and to help homeless youth get back on their feet while setting them up for success by investing in their career growth and motivating them to be the best versions of themselves.

I cannot say enough great things about Bootcamps for Change. The work they do is truly phenomenal and should not go unnoticed. Last month, I had the honour of leading a group workout at Horizons for Youth with Bootcamps for Change. If you haven’t heard of this incredible shelter, definitely take time to look into all the great work they do right here in Toronto. It was amazing to connect with the youth and see no matter what your circumstances are, health is still a priority for all. I decided to incorporate a few exercises that the youth are able to complete on their own. That way their fitness journey doesn’t stop when we’re not there. All in all, it was a fantastic experience that I’m absolutely looking forward to continuing. Thank you to Bootcamps for Change for this amazing opportunity, you guys are fantastic and cannot get thanked enough for all the support you provide to shelters and charities in this city.

Solange and I had the honour of volunteering for Bootcamp For Change teaching a fitness class to homeless youth at Horizons for Youth. I had been in contact with Katie Heggtveit who had been so helpful and so patient with all my questions and inquires.I’ve been following Bootcamp For Change for a year and have always wanted to volunteer so when I was approached, I knew I couldn’t take let this chance to help the community out go. I ended up reaching out to Solange who I had just met but had been following her story and her experience with homeless youth centers and thought she would be a perfect combination to the fitness class. I brought the fun, movement, confidence, and motivation with fitness and she bought mindfulness, balance, meditation with stretching and yoga.I found inspiration in Bootcamp For Change through their story on how they provide free weekly fitness program for homeless and at-risk youth, helping them improve their physical health, mental health, and resiliency. I knew this was the perfect fit for Solange and I because fitness changed our lives. We wanted to give them that inspiration that fitness could create new opportunities that make a big impact for them as well (even if its for 5 mins a day). Fitness is just as important as music, the elements we learn are; experiences, knowledge, wellness, emotions, breathing, eating, and overcoming fears and challenges that help support us through the fundamentals of everyday life.When we arrived, we felt welcomed and were greeted by friendly staff, they showed us where we would be teaching and helped us set up the room. They gave us an introduction of the facility, the youths, and their history in the community. When we started the class, we weren’t sure as to how many youths would be participating in the class but soon enough the room was packed up. Solange and I were both very happy that they came and showed up for themselves, participated and stayed engaged the whole way through. We thanked everyone for taking the time out of their day to give us a chance to inspire them and most importantly giving themselves the self-care, they needed that day.We can’t wait to volunteer again in the near future when plans are to launch in Ottawa. Thanks again Bootcamp for Change and Horizon For Youth for allowing us to teach in your space.

I had a great experience last month volunteering with Bootcamps for Change teaching a bootcamp, talking nutrition and doing meditation with some of the homeless & at-risk youth at Horizons For Youth! Some chose fitness, some chose meditation and some chose both! The youth were polite, hard working and knowledgeable! And the staff at Horizons For Youth were so pleasant and welcoming! Thank you Bootcamps for Change for this awesome opportunity to give back!

I recently had an amazing experience of working with Bootcamps for Change and they gave me the opportunity to teach a outdoor fitness class to youth experiencing homelessness. I first met with Katie and she debriefed me on the whole situation with regards to who I was dealing with and the background on the specific shelter I was going to. I felt very aware of the entire situation, and very comfortable interacting with the youth. I was inspired to give back to my community because I come from a similar background, where I was misguided and troubled as a youth. I also feel that fitness & sports were my healthy outlet and that it allowed me to overcome my hardships. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely do it again and recommend this program highly to anyone in the fitness industry!

I recently had the experience of working with Bootcamps for Change and they gave me the opportunity to teach a fitness class to youth experiencing homelessness.Katie had reached out to me asking if I'd like to stop by to help out and I'm glad she did. I think what she, along with the entire Bootcamps for Change community, are doing for these youth is incredible and should be supported whether or not you're a fitness professional.Growing up in an environment of poverty and hardship myself, I know that all it takes is for one kind gesture from somebody to completely change the trajectory of an individual's lives. It sure did for me.So there is no doubt in my mind that this program will change the lives of the MANY youth who just need that positive line of support to help take control of their futures.Thanks again for the opportunity Katie and I wish you all the best with your future endeavours.- Ty

I recently taught a fitness class with @bootcampsforchange. I was greeted warmly by the staff at Horizons for Youth who showed me around and made sure I had what I needed.-We worked through some stretching, cardiovascular drills, and foam rolling exercises. A few youth participated and they were so open-minded about learning new things and trusting me. We laughed a lot as we played our way through ladder drills. I felt so humbled and left with an immense sense of joy for how fitness can make an impact in our communities.-I look forward to volunteering again in the future.

Two days ago, I had the opportunity to work with Bootcamps for Change at Horizons for Youth. I always knew I wanted to do something bigger with my fitness background and platform, and I'm so grateful I was given this experience. It brought me so much joy to take the youth through an exercise program, even sharing my love for boxing with them by taking them through a few combos (which they loved!!!), and the excitement and happiness it brought them reminded me why I do what I do. Definitely will be contributing more of my time to this amazing initiative! Thanks Katie!