REaL

The Risk Education and Literacy (REaL) Program is a unique series of bootcamps designed for high school students who want to build the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate the complex risks and challenges of today’s world.

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Upcoming REaL Camps

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon

REaL Virtual Camp

Eligibility: Open to Grade 9–12 high school students in Canada

When: November 29 & 30 (Weekend)

Where: Fully virtual

Price: CAD $125 (+HST); FREE for equity-seeking communities

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon

REaL In-person Camp

Eligibility: Open to Grade 9–12 high school students in Canada

When: January 26-30, 2026

Where: In-person/Hybrid

Price: CAD $395 (+HST); FREE for equity-seeking communities

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Malton Black Development Association

REaL In-person Camp

Eligibility: Open to Grade 9–12 high school students in Canada

When: February 7 & 8; 14 & 15, 2026

Where: In-person

Price: CAD $316 (+HST); FREE for equity-seeking communities

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Camp Testimonials

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Autumn Mayes

REaL Camp Instructor

The combination of group activities, case studies, and game play made the camp a more engaging experience where the students could form bonds with each other even during a short, two-day, camp. The games also vividly demonstrated cognitive biases and intuition errors.

Parent of a REaL Camp Participant

"Everything was perfect! From the very beginning, as a parent, I received clear information about the bootcamp, what to expect and benefits from the organizer. There was clarity and value in this experience for me as a parent who only wants the best for my teen."

Parent of a REaL Camp Participant

"This was her first experience doing a virtual bootcamp. It was unique and she expressed her interest in doing more of these, if available."

Parent of a REaL Camp Participant

"My teen spent the weekend learning useful skills. I wish more bootcamps like this will be offered so that teens can continue to benefit."

Parent of a REaL Camp Participant

"It was nice to learn new things that students aren't exposed in school. A great productive weekend."

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The Need for a REaL Future

The REaL program exists to fill a vital gap in education by equipping Canadian high school students, particularly Black youth, with the skills to understand and navigate risk in their daily lives. In a world where threats such as climate change, cybersecurity issues, financial instability, and mental health challenges are constantly evolving, students need tools to make informed decisions. By introducing risk literacy, REaL empowers youth to critically evaluate real-world challenges and respond with confidence. Ultimately, the program seeks to build a generation of resilient, thoughtful, and future-ready Canadians.

How does it work?

Hands-on Learning

Take part in interactive activities, problem-solving challenges, and teamwork with other motivated students.

Virtual Reality (VR) Games

Explore real-world risk scenarios through immersive VR experiences that make learning fun and engaging.

Expert Guidance

Learn directly from PhD-level academics and leading risk professionals, and collaborate with peers who share your interests and goals.

Risk Olympics & Awards

Apply your new skills in a high-energy competition, celebrate your achievements, and earn a certificate plus a LinkedIn badge.

What is it?

Developed by the RISC Fundation and supported by NSERC’s PromoScience Grant, REaL empowers high school students to navigate an increasingly complex world where risks are constantly evolving.

To the best of our knowledge, it is the first initiative of its kind dedicated to increasing risk awareness among high school students. Through this program, we at RISC strive to cultivate a more informed, resilient, and future-ready generation of Canadians.

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2025 Virtual Bootcamp Recap

Canadian high school student participants

of the students developed an interest in pursuing careers related to risk, insurance, or finance.

of the students' parents would recommend this camp to others.

Perks & Benefits

Your learning journey doesn’t end when the bootcamp does, it’s just the beginning! Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll get after completing the program:

Completion Badge

REaL Passport

Stamp

Voucher for Future Camps

Certificate

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Volunteer with us!

The REaL Program is looking for Youth Engagement Leaders to help deliver a powerful camp experiences focused on Risk Education and Literacy for high school students, especially Black youth.

We’re building a space where young students feel seen, supported, and inspired while they learn about risk – and we can’t do it without you.

Learn more