Camp counsellors, who are they?

As of June, many Quebec children will attend camps for the summer break. Since safety and supervision are at the heart of their parents’ concerns, many of them ask themselves who will take care of their child during one or more stays.

Here is a short description of these counsellors who, nonetheless, are the soul of camps!

Selection

The animation staff is handpicked and selected, first and foremost, based on their experience, dynamism, creativity and sense of responsibility. These elements are evaluated during recruitment workshops that are done in multiple different ways: group activities, individual interviews, animation, scenarios, etc.

The camp coordination teams then proceed to check references and criminal records of the candidates and then proceed to hiring the selected ones.

Training

50 to 60 hours of training is offered to employees before the beginning of camp. Since 2009, a program recognized and standardized for camp counsellors, the DAFA (diplôme d’aptitude aux fonctions d’animateur) is preferred and used by many leisure organizations. This training, which includes a 33-hour theoretical part as well as 35 hours of field work is then completed with a first aid and reanimation course. This allows the coordination team to ensure that their staff is equipped and able to intervene in any emergency situation.

A valid permit or certificates of competency (lifeguard, specialized activities, cooks, etc.) are also required for more specialized positions requiring special skills.

Evaluation and monitoring

Throughout the season, counsellors are invited to view continuing education videos.  In addition, each employee is evaluated at least twice in the season to assess their strengths and challenges and to allow the coordination team to provide the necessary support.

Camps are numerous in Quebec and little laws are currently in place to regulate their activities. Fortunately, hundreds of camps, such as Edphy International, are certified by the Quebec Association of Camps, which is a guarantee of quality for parents. These camps are obliged to respect more than 60 standards, including the minimum age of employment (17 years old), the number of hours of training, child-counsellor ratios, etc.

Camps et clubs de jour E.I, mandated by Edphy International, is always looking for new candidates to be a part of their big family. You know the perfect candidate? Visit our Jobs section on our website to learn more.

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