By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Two Eastern Townships camps, Quebec Lodge and Camp Kionata, have recently achieved accreditation from the Association des camps du Québec (ACQ). This accreditation marks a significant milestone, as the ACQ’s stamp of approval requires rigorous adherence to provincial camp standards, ensuring both safety and quality for participants. For the camps, this accomplishment is the result of intensive preparations, staff commitment, and adjustments aimed at meeting ACQ’s high standards.
Quebec Lodge’s Program Director, Bailee Fraser, shared insights Oct. 24 into the process, emphasizing the importance of ACQ’s oversight in a province where camps otherwise lack regulatory governance. “The ACQ is essentially the only body that provides standards for camps in Quebec,” Fraser explained. “It’s about ensuring that a camp is safe and that it maintains proper staff-to-camper ratios, among other key factors.” Accreditation by the ACQ involves a thorough verification process of camp practices, protocols, and even the accuracy of promotional content. “They want to make sure we’re not falsely advertising, and that what we claim on our website is accurate and truthful,” Fraser added.
For Quebec Lodge, gaining accreditation was less about overhauling operations and more about formalizing existing practices. “We’ve been following ACQ guidelines for three years,” Fraser said. “We had to sit down and write policies so that the camp’s standards would remain intact regardless of who’s managing it.” She acknowledged that the most challenging aspect was creating comprehensive documentation for future camp leaders. This was necessary to preserve the knowledge accumulated by longtime staff, ensuring smooth operations for years to come.
The accreditation process also includes ongoing maintenance of standards, as ACQ requires camps to submit updated policies annually. In addition, an inspector will conduct an on-site visit every three years to verify compliance with language laws, staff regulations, and safety protocols. Reflecting on this year’s camp season, Fraser noted that the successful launch of a sailing program was a high point. However, unexpected staffing challenges meant that some team members had to step up in new ways. “Some of our staff found new talents in themselves,” Fraser said, illustrating the adaptability that the camp environment cultivates in its team.
