April 2026 news

Here are the highlights of this month's newsletter:

• Discontinuation of the Beach Environment Program

• 52 camps are receiving funding to support the care of people with special needs this summer

• The ACQ’s official suppliers: valuable partners in getting you ready for summer!

• Two tools for preventing bullying

Discontinuation of the Beach Environment Program

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP) are discontinuing the Beach Environment Program, which all certified camps were required to enroll in to meet standards. Consequently, the responsibility for ensuring the quality of bathing water now rests exclusively with beach operators.

You can find confirmation of this news on the ministry’s website, along with information on the sampling methodology (sampling period and frequency, sampling procedures, classification, etc.).

You will also find on the MELCCFP website a sample report template, a list of accredited laboratories, and recommendations and preventive measures to implement.

Please note

To be considered compliant with the ACQ’s standards for beach water quality, all beach operators must sample their beach water and review the results before the first swimmers arrive, as well as comply with the recommended sampling frequency based on their previous classification (see sampling methodology).

Evidence of water testing must be documented and may be requested upon demand.

52 camps are receiving funding to support the care of people with special needs this summer

As part of the Program to Improve Programming and Living Environments at Camps Serving Clients with Disabilities, the ACQ is awarding 52 grants to member camps.

One program, two programs, $530,000 distributed among the camps

Program 1 

Forty-seven nonprofit organizations submitted funding applications. The grants awarded, ranging from $600 to $15,000, will enable the camps to purchase specialized equipment tailored to their clients with disabilities or to develop new activities or programs.

Program 2

Five nonprofit camps that serve clients with disabilities exclusively will receive between $30,000 and $50,000 to create, optimize, or upgrade new activity areas that are accessible to people with disabilities.

The camps whose projects were selected are:

1. Association Garagona: purchase of a minibus to enable participants to take part in activities offered in the region and to provide transportation between Sherbrooke and the camp for people without cars
2. Bon-Départ Outdoor Recreation Center: widening of a pedestrian sidewalk leading to the beach, addition of a mat and a ramp, and replacement of the slide
3. Camp Carowanis: installation of permanent or semi-permanent shelters in the center of the activity areas to allow clients to receive care without having to go to the infirmary
4. Corporation Cité Joie: purchase of yurts to allow clients to experience overnight stays in the forest
5. Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima: complete renovation of the mini-golf area, which will include a rest and socialization area

Thank you to the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation and the Mouvement québécois des vacances en camp for providing people with disabilities with access to activities tailored to their needs and unforgettable camp experiences!

The ACQ’s official suppliers: valuable partners in getting you ready for summer!

Whether you’re looking to update your equipment, streamline your registration process, enhance your program offerings, or train your staff, you can count on the official suppliers of the Association des camps du Québec (ACQ) to provide you with high-quality tools and service.

Take advantage of preferential rates while investing in the camp industry!

As an ACQ member, you benefit not only from offers from 62 partner suppliers but also from group purchasing programs with three exclusive suppliers:

• Decathlon Pro
• Rona
• Cardio-Choc

Even more discounts!

Did you know that as an ACQ member, you also have access to discounts and offers from the Canadian Camps Association (CCA) business partners? Discover the ACC’s business partners.

Two tools for preventing bullying

Operation Drapeau

Operation Drapeau is an awareness program developed by the Association des camps du Québec (ACQ) to prevent violence and bullying at summer camps, building on initiatives already in place in schools and recreational settings.

The program kit includes:

• An implementation guide to help you plan and integrate the program into your camp.
• A guide and a short video for camp directors, covering prevention and intervention strategies.
• A guide and a short video for camp counsellors, offering activities and practical tips.
• A guide to large-scale games and other activities designed to raise awareness among young people in a fun way.

July 16 is Opération Drapeau Day!

Every third Thursday in July is “Opération Drapeau Day” at all camps across Quebec. At the heart of this day is a large-scale game featuring various challenges and activities designed to help develop skills in preventing violence and bullying.

On s'élève!

This kit aims to raise awareness and serves as a tool to address prejudices against people with disabilities. It helps prevent and combat the bullying they may face. As such, it is a valuable resource to incorporate into various activities for campers.

The kit includes group activities. For each activity, you will find a scenario and the steps to follow.