International Summer Camp in Canada

Do the owners have more than one camp?

Is it a new camp?

No, it has been operating for over 30 years. However, the owners decided to "go international" in 1994.

What are the natural surroundings  of the camp like?

Ekocamp is situated on a lake amidst woodland and mountains. The camp is 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains. Ekocamp is located near the famous "Parc du Mont-Tremblant".

This enormous wilderness park is 1,500 square kilometers (580 squares miles) in size and includes 400 lakes and 3 rivers within its boundaries. Access to this environmental treasure adds exciting opportunities for Ekocamp. If you like wilderness, you will adore our canoeing excursions with overnight camping and wilderness survival outings.

Who do you hire as counselors?

Each summer, we have 20-30 counselors whose average age was nearly 20 years old. Two thirds of the counselors are usually girls.
All counselors are either university students (20%) or Junior College students.
All counselors take a 3-week in-house training program and a thrid of them return to camp each summer.

Is my child likely to have problems adapting to the camp because of being in a French-speaking environment?

A child’s capacity to adjust to a new environment is very large. The more sociable your child is, the less risk there will be in adapting. Numerous children have come to the camp with no knowledge of French whatsoever and adapted very well. However, to reduce the risk of feeling isolated by language, your child could come to the camp with one of his friends, if that is possible. Also, there are always other English-speaking campers to talk to, even though the camp itself is run mainly in French.

Is it likely that my child will constantly be in the company of other English-speaking children and therefore not improve in French at all?

It is always possible that a certain child will stick to a group of English-speaking children, so yes… it does happen. However, about 60% of campers speak French and all instructions are given in French first (counselors repeat instructions in English when necessary).

A child’s personality is key: children who are curious and sociable will automatically get to know other campers in the sleeping quarters (usually two English-speakers and two French-speakers are grouped together) as well as the other children in camp.

Please describe the facilities

The camp has two pavilions, two dining rooms , kitchen and classrooms, as well as meeting rooms. each pavillon has two floors: one for girls, one for boys.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are also located in these two buildings; each room (which includes bedding) has accommodation for four (some rooms hold six but with a private bathroom). Each room has its own sink. There are shared washrooms and showers on each floor.

Can a vegetarian come to the camp?

Yes. We should be informed in advance about a child's special dietary requirements.

Can a 9-year-old child come to the camp?

We offer programs for children 10 years old and older. Experience has demonstrated that below this age, homesickness becomes a problem, especially for a child whose first language is not French or English.
If your child is just 10 years old, it might be preferable that s/he comes with a friend or an older sibling; we would be glad to take special care of them.

Do boys and girls live together?

No, they have separate quarters. A night watch ensures separation between boys' and girls' quarters.

Can I visit the camp?

Are there activities for parents near the camp?

Many parents of campers take advantage themselves of Ekocamp’s location.
Numerous pretty alpine villages are scattered throughout the Laurentian Mountains. The Laurentians have become the preferred playground of Montrealers and their neighbors from all parts of eastern North America.

Travelers can explore a multitude of winding forest roads, discover quaint villages tucked away in the hills and then enjoy gourmet meals equivalent to the best to be found in Montreal. Also, hiking and biking trails abound throughout the region. more info

Do the children go to church?

Because of the many religions of the campers, no official religious services are held. However, a period of one hour per week is reserved for reflection.