July 2026 news

Here are the highlights of this month's newsletter:

• Amendments to the Regulations on Water Quality in Swimming Pools and Other Artificial Bodies of Water
• Book Your Accommodations for the ACQ Conference
• The ACQ Submits a report to the Government on the Mental Health Benefits of Summer Camps
• A Resource to Promote the Inclusion of People of Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Camp Safety: 8 Emergency Protocols You Should Know

Amendments to the Regulation on Water Quality in Swimming Pools

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP) has updated several sections of the Regulation on Water Quality in Swimming Pools (RQEPABA).

These amendments took effect on July 2, 2026.

This reform affects several aspects of the regulation, including:

• water quality standards;
• requirements for facility closures;
• information to be entered in the registry;
• etc.

To view the details of the amendments:

For a summary of the main amendments:

Book Your Accommodations for the ACQ Conference

Take advantage of a special rate starting at $195 per night, for single or double occupancy, at Delta Hotels Mont-Sainte-Anne, for the 2026 Quebec Camps Conference, which will take place November 10–12.

To qualify for this group rate, make your reservation no later than October 12, 2026.

Address:

500 Beau-Pré Boulevard, Beaupré, Quebec G0A 1E0, Canada

A surcharge of $20 (excluding taxes) per additional person, per night, applies for triple or quadruple occupancy.

The ACQ Submits a Brief to the Government on the Mental Health Benefits of Summer Camps

In response to the government’s call to define future directions in the areas of mental health, homelessness, and addiction, the ACQ submitted a report on June 5 titled "Attendance at Summer Camps: A Protective Factor for Mental Health and Addiction Prevention Among Children and Youth".

 Based on the fact that camps already play a positive role in mental health and overall well-being and help 500,000 children and adolescents and 50,000 young employees disconnect from their daily lives, the ACQ presents three recommendations to the government:

1. Recognize camps as essential environments for mental health prevention and promotion during the summer

• Day camps and summer camps should be officially recognized as environments that contribute to the mental health and overall development of young people during the summer.

• The two-month school break should be considered a period for taking action to prevent hyperconnectivity, problematic Internet use, and screen addiction.

2. Support camps in implementing measures to prevent hyperconnectivity and promote healthy lifestyles

• Implement awareness, information, and prevention initiatives related to problematic screen and Internet use
• Encourage screen-free periods, ranging from a few hours to several weeks depending on the context.
• Promote the long-term adoption of healthy lifestyle habits that support mental health.
• Develop and distribute tools tailored to camps, particularly in collaboration with recognized partners such as Capsana and its PAUSE initiative.

3. Promote youth access to camps as a concrete preventive measure

• Increase the tax credit applicable to attendance at residential camps for youth aged 16 and under.
• Enhance the Financial Assistance Program for Access to Summer Camps (PAFACV) to enable more children and youth from lower-income families to participate in a camp experience.
• Promote attendance at and support the promotion of day camps and residential camps as a preventive measure for mental health and hyperconnectivity, both for participants and for young people employed there.

A Resource to Promote the Inclusion of People of Sexual and Gender Diversity

The Quebec Camp Association is proud to have contributed to the review of the 2nd edition of the Mouvement allié·e·s Practical Guide, developed by Sport'Aide, so that it better reflects the realities of the sports, recreation, and outdoor sectors—and camps!

The Mouvement allié·e·s invites everyone to take concrete steps to promote the inclusion of people of sexual and gender diversity (DSPG/LGBTQIA2S+). This initiative goes beyond raising awareness: it provides practical tools for taking action.

The guide is intended, in particular, for managers and teams who wish to create more welcoming, safe, and inclusive environments. It includes accessible explanations, points for reflection, examples of interventions, concrete actions to implement, and resources to support organizations in their efforts.

Because every young person deserves to have a camp experience where they can be fully themselves, we invite you to explore this new resource and continue your efforts to create ever more supportive environments.

View the Allied Movement’s guide and tools here:

Camp Safety: 8 Emergency Protocols You Need to Know

To respond effectively and professionally to emergency situations, protocols approved by experts are a camp’s best ally. Familiarize yourself with them before you find yourself in the heat of the moment. You’ll be all the better prepared!

1. Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature rises too quickly. It is a more serious condition than heat exhaustion, which can be treated more easily.

See also:

• Heat Waves and Extreme Heat
• Heat Exhaustion (Before Heat Stroke)

2. Water Rescue

This situation can occur in any type of body of water, whether supervised or unsupervised, developed or natural. 

3. Tick bites

A tick bite is caused by a small arachnid that attaches itself to the skin to feed on blood. Ticks can transmit certain infections (e.g., Lyme disease), especially if they remain attached for a long time.

4. Blow to the head or concussion

When the head or body is struck, the brain moves inside the skull, which can cause a concussion. Symptoms may appear up to 48 hours after the impact.

5. Running Away

If a participant leaves or has left the premises without permission, it is essential to respond quickly to ensure their safety and to notify a supervisor.

See also:

• Disappearance—Missing Person

6. Bullying

Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior intended to hurt, exclude, humiliate, or frighten another person. It can be verbal, physical, social, or digital. Any suspected or confirmed instance of bullying must be taken seriously and reported to a supervisor.

7. Confidentiality or Disclosure

If a minor participant or employee confides that they are going through a difficult situation, or if their behavior or physical signs appear concerning, it is essential to gather the information sensitively and promptly report it to a supervisor.

See also:

• Suicide—Thoughts or Comments
• Complex Trauma—Manifestations and Symptoms

8. Poor Air Quality

Air quality can deteriorate for several reasons, and poor air quality can occur in any season. Certain population groups may be at higher risk of complications, including children, older adults, and those with cardiorespiratory conditions.

See also:

• Forest Fire