FAQ from parents

	Ekocamp International International Summer Camp in Canada
	Answers to Frequently Asked Questions from parents

Do the owners have more than one camp?
	No, and the camp is relatively small (capacity of 150 campers). This allows for a family atmosphere.

What is the natural environment of the camp?
	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 canoeing with overnight camping, wilderness survival and our hiking excursion to Mont Tremblant.

Who do you hire as counselors?

Last summer, we had 30 counselors whose average age was nearly 20 years old. Two thirds of the counselors were girls.
All counselors were either university students (20%) or Junior College students.
All counselors took our 3-week in-house training program and 12 of them were returning to the camp for their third 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 French whatever 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 is always others 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, yes… it does happen. However, about 60% of campers are French-speaking and all directives are given first in French (monitors repeat instructions in English when necessary).

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

Are the sleeping quarters more like a college dorm, or a rustic camp? Are showers in a different hut?
We are located in a rustic environment and our facilities are the equivalent of a standard college dorm. The camp has two pavilions, two dining rooms , kitchen and classrooms, as well as meeting rooms.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are also situated in these two buildings; each room has accommodation for four (and includes bedding, some rooms six). Each room has its own sink. There are shared washrooms and showers for every two rooms. The older of the two buildings was once a fashionable inn that has been well preserved.

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.

Are there activities for parents near the camp?
Many parents of campers take advantage themselves of Ekocamp’s location. The Laurentian Mountains are scattered throughout with pretty alpine villages. The Laurentians has 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.

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.

Is it cold in August?
The average daily temperature is 75 F (24 C) during the day with peaks up to 85 F (30 C) and an average of 50 F (10 C) at night.

Can I visit the camp?
	Parents are welcome to visit the camp (with a prior appointment).