January 2026 news

Here are the highlights of this month's newsletter:

• $768,000 in financial support for camps welcoming people with special needs
• Standards and guidelines in effect for 2026
• Job offer: Certification Consultant
• Promotion of your certified camp
• 10th edition of the Camp Exchange Seminar

$768,000 in financial support for camps welcoming people with special needs

The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation renews its support for the ACQ with the continuation of three programs and the creation of a brand new one!

Renewed programs

Support program for people with special needs to attend camp

Offers low-income participants or families access to a camp stay with reduced-cost accommodation.

Budget: $180,000

Program to enhance programming and living environments in camps that welcome clients with special needs.

Offers camps the opportunity to purchase specialized equipment for their clients (intervention, care, outdoor activities, furniture) (component 1) or to set up a new activity platform adapted to the needs of people with disabilities (component 2).

Budget: $500,000

Program to distribute mobility and care equipment in camps that welcome people with special needs 

Offers camps and respite organizations the opportunity to obtain free care or mobility equipment delivered directly to their region.

Partner organization: Collaboration Santé Internationale (CSI)

Budget: $28,000

New program 

Support and advice for integrating clients with special needs into camps

Enables the implementation of a support and advice service for analyzing the registration files of young people with special needs in camps.

Budget: $60,000

How to apply for these programs

The programs are open to ACQ member camps with legal status as “non-profit organizations” or “charities.” Program guides and access to the application form will be sent to members by email by the end of January.

Thank you to the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation for their support!

Questions about this announcement? Contact Josée Piquette at [email protected].

Standards and guidelines in effect for 2026

The ACQ wishes to inform its member camps that there are no changes to the certification standards and guidelines of the Reference Framework for Municipal Day Camps for the coming year. The 2025 edition of each handbook remains the version in effect for 2026.

To download the handbooks and their tools:

Certification standards: https://campsquebec.com/outils/normes-et-balises/outils-des-membres-certifies

Guidelines for the Reference Framework for Municipal Day Camps: https://campsquebec.com/outils/normes-et-balises/membres-municipaux-cadre-de-reference 
 

Job offer: Certification Consultant

The certification consultant is responsible for conducting camp visits, contacting organizations, and drafting and submitting reports. The consultant applies the certification standards and guidelines of the ACQ reference framework to assess program compliance, formulate clear findings, and make useful recommendations.

In addition to the evaluation role, acting as a resource person for camp managers, offering guidance, information, and support in the use of ACQ tools and services. In this way, they contribute directly to the continuous improvement of safety, quality, and the overall experience at Quebec camps.

This position is open to anyone who wishes to put their expertise in the camp industry in a concrete and meaningful role.

Required skills and experience

• In-depth knowledge of different types of camps and industry issues
• Degree in recreation, education, intervention, or management and/or experience relevant to the position
• Excellent writing skills (French)
• Ability to work in French required. Bilingualism an asset

Desired profile

• Leadership and coaching skills
• Analytical and feedback skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Rigorous and highly organized

Specifications

• Service contract with competitive compensation on a flat-rate basis (per visit), plus travel and living expenses as needed.
  Paid training.
• The consultant performs their duties from home and at the assigned camp site(s). To this end, they must have access to a car and a laptop computer.

To apply

Those interested in the position may submit their application by Friday, February 20, 2026, to the attention of Tanya Desrochers at the following email address: [email protected]
 

Promotion of your certified camp

Journal de Montréal and Journal de Québec 

Shortly before the holidays, the ACQ negotiated a 20% discount for its certified members on the purchase of promotional space in the special sections on spring break and camps in the Journal de Montréal and/or Journal de Québec, which will be published on February 21.

Highlights of the offer

• Various formats available (and different prices)
• 20% discount on all formats (the ACQ makes no profit on sales)
• The purchase of a promotional space includes: the writing of a text about your camp by a professional.
• Free of charge, an advertisement layout is included (if desired). 
• Visibility in the special “Spring Break and Camps” print supplements and in the digital version of the newspapers (potentially in the “Families” section) 
• Your ad must include the “Certified Camp” or “Certified Camps” logo.
• Payment by credit card to Quebecor

Deadline to reserve your space: Friday, January 30, 5 p.m.

Deadline for submitting materials: February 16

Advertise your certified camp on ACQ platforms

• Newsletters for schools and families
  • Some editions are already sold out. Don't delay if you're interested in this option.
• Website (campsquebec.com)
  • This is the start of the site's high-traffic period.
• Facebook page for the general public (facebook.com/campsquebec)
  • 10,000 subscribers
• Exclusive visibility for certified camps at an exceptional rate 
  • 50% less than market value

To find out about all your options and rates, click here: campsquebec.com/advertise-in-acq-media 

…

Whether you wish to advertise on the ACQ platforms or in the Journal de Montréal or Journal de Québec, I am available to answer all your questions and address any requests for additional information.

[email protected]
514 252-3113 ext. 3652
 

10th edition of the Camp Exchange Seminar

The Camp Exchange Seminar returns for its 10th edition on March 26 and 27 at Plein Air Lanaudia. Under the theme “Back to basics — ideas that take root and grow,” this edition invites you to explore and nurture ideas that stem from your talents, creativity, experiences, and skills. As in previous editions, the seminar's success depends on rich discussions, knowledge sharing, questions asked, and the active participation of everyone present.

You are expected on Thursday, March 26, at 11 a.m., and the discussions will continue until Friday, March 27, at 1 p.m. Meals and accommodation are included in the registration fee. The cost is $95 per participant. Friday's lunch will be offered at an additional cost of $20.26. Organizations participating for the first time will receive a 15% discount on their total bill.

The registration period continues until February 20. 

As space is limited, we invite you to register quickly by filling out the online registration form: 

If you have any questions, please feel free the Seminar's team [email protected]

For all the details about the event, please visit their Facebook page.