Summer Day Camp

Summer 2023: Camp is over, see you next year!

Our team was delighted to welcome children aged 6 to 12 for an unforgettable day camp in Mount Royal Park this summer! Our camp will be back in 2024. In the meantime, to make sure they don't lose touch with nature, enroll your children in the Forest School. Places are still available for 9-12 year-olds.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our activities for children by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

The groups

This group is geared for children who completed grade 1 at the end of the 2023–2024 school year and who were 6 years old on September 30, 2023. No exceptions will be made, unless proof of school derogation is provided prior to registration.

Through contact with the natural environment, the “Salamandres” group discovers that nature takes on many forms: animal, plant and mineral. In this camp, children learn how to take care of what is around them. Activities in nature teach campers to work as a team and help each other, while cultivating their sense of belonging to the mountain. Stories, games and exploration allow young participants to have fun while learning about Mount Royal’s heritage.

The camp includes two weeks of programming (A and B) that alternate throughout the summer. Children can be registered for one or two weeks, but can only participate once in each program. We make sure to offer a variety of activities in programs A and B so that children can experience two very different weeks. The weekly schedule of activities appears in the Parent Handbook that will be available soon.


Photo : Freddy Arciniegas

This group is geared for children who completed grade 2 at the end of the 2023–2024 school year and who were 7 years old on September 30, 2023. No exceptions will be made, unless proof of school derogation is provided prior to registration.

The “Libellules” group works as a team to develop the children’s critical thinking skills by taking on challenges in accordance with each child’s level of ability! In this camp, children visit various places on the mountain, learn to recognize different types of ecosystems, understand the characteristics of biodiversity and identify conservation issues! Team games consolidate the information learned during the week, while allowing the kids to play outdoors and have fun.

The camp includes two weeks of programming (A and B) that alternate throughout the summer. Children can be registered for one or two weeks, but can only participate once in each program. We make sure to offer a variety of activities in programs A and B so that children can experience two very different weeks. The weekly schedule of activities appears in the Parent Handbook that will be available soon.

Photo : Kayla Nickson

This group is geared for children who have completed grade 3 at the end of the 2023–2024 school year and who were 8 years old on September 30, 2023. No exceptions will be made unless proof of school derogation is provided prior to registration.

The “Faucons” set off in search of Mount Royal’s many ecosystems as they explore the mountain. They deepen their knowledge of the park's biodiversity, the mountain’s built and historical heritage, the importance of parks in urban settings and the evolution of Montréal's landscape over the years. Campers work as a team to complete missions in the forest and play games that require them to help one another and test their physical limits. Group decisions influence the course of the day.

The camp includes two weeks of programming (A and B) that alternate throughout the summer. Children can be registered for one or two weeks, but can only participate once in each program. We make sure to offer a variety of activities in programs A and B so that children can experience two very different weeks. The weekly schedule of activities appears in the Parent Handbook that will be available soon.

Photo : Kayla Nickson

This group is geared for children who have completed grades 4, 5 or 6 at the end of the 2023–2024 school year and who were 9, 10 or 11 years old on September 30, 2023. No exceptions will be made, unless proof of school derogation is provided prior to registration.

Day campers head out on day-long expeditions, which sometimes take them outside the boundaries of Mount Royal Park. In this camp, children learn about conservation issues that affect Mount Royal and take part in hands-on activities that help address them and protect the mountain. Campers also participate in competitive games where strategy is needed to win, but where team spirit and inclusion are also valued.

The camp includes two weeks of programming (A and B) that alternate throughout the summer. Children can be registered for one or two weeks, but can only participate once in each program. We make sure to offer a variety of activities in programs A and B so that children can experience two very different weeks. The weekly schedule of activities appears in the Parent Handbook that will be available soon.

Photo : Freddy Arciniegas

 

Every summer since 2009, Les Amis de la montagne’s day camp has taken place in the heart of Montreal’s beautiful Mount Royal Park. Children spend the week outdoors, exploring, playing and discovering the mountain’s natural environment and historic heritage. Our day camp is certified by the Association des camps du Québec.

What does a typical day at summer camp on the mountain look like?

We begin the day with a group assembly followed by snacks and sunscreen application. We then head off for a morning activity such as bird watching in the forest. Lunchtime is a picnic and rest period when children can play quiet games or nap, depending on their energy level. In the afternoon, we reapply sunscreen before starting a group game to get kids moving and playing.

At the end of the day, each group returns to base camp for a last snack and to prepare for pick-up time or daycare service. Our daycare provides calm and less structured time for kids to draw or play.

Please note that camp programs are offered in French and do not include swimming or access to pool facilities.


 

What is this year’s program?

Normally, the day camp program is posted at the beginning of winter and registration opens in March. It is important to note that registration for our day camp is done online only through the Amilia reservation system. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of when registration begins and about our activities for children by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

 

Who are Les Amis’ day camp counsellors? 

Our counsellors are often students in biology, environment, teaching or other related fields at CEGEP or university. They are all passionate about nature and have experience working with children. Our team receives 70 hours of training to enable them to better respond to the children’s needs, ensure their safety and provide first aid if needed as well as a complete overview of the historical and natural heritage of Mount Royal.

 

Do you run the camp on statutory holidays?

The camp runs from Monday to Friday, even on holidays like Fête nationale and Canada Day.

Our day camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Mount Royal Park.

Cost of day camp: To be determined for 2024

A daycare service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost of daycare: To be determined for 2024

Registration is done online and on a first come, first served basis, as places are limited. Accepted methods of payment are VISA and MasterCard. Full payment is required to reserve your child’s spot in our programs. 

Cancellation Policy

The Consumer Protection Act applies.

To enable all children to enjoy a camp week on Mount Royal, we are happy to offer 12 spots at a reduced rate ($50 per week) for low-income families. Additional spots may become available, depending on the number of registrations.

Important Information

  • If you are a community worker, please contact the camp coordinator or campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca before filling out the form on behalf of a family.

  • Please submit a form for every child you wish to send to the day camp.

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a place at the day camp.

  • In order to make the camp accessible to as many children as possible, only one discounted week may be offered per child according to the dates selected in the form.

  • If your child is already registered for the Les Amis de la montagne day camp, you are not eligible for the reduced rate.

  • Places will be allocated starting in April, based on the number of eligible applications, reserved places and available spots.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is valid. Proof of family income (tax statement) will be required when selecting candidates.

  • Priority will be given to families with pre-tax family incomes below Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) (population 500,000 and over).

  • We will contact selected families by email or phone. Failing confirmation after two business days, we will offer the spot to another family.

  • If the number of eligible applications exceeds the number of places available, we reserve the right to draw lots.

  • If the number of eligible applications is lower than the number of places available, we reserve the right to offer spots to the general public at regular rates.

  • We reserve the right to require a tax assessment, or proof of immigration or refugee status.

  • The information submitted is confidential and will only be shared with certain members of Les Amis de la montagne’s administration.

Submit your Application

Parents’ Handbook

How to prepare for camp? The Parents’ Handbook is full of important information that will allow you to best prepare for our day camp.

PARENTS' HANDBOOK

 

Where is the base camp? 

Our base camp is moving to the Mount Royal Chalet this year (1196 Camillien-Houde Way). Please note that the closest parking lot is at Smith House, a 650-meter walk away. What a great opportunity to enjoy a brief walk in nature with your kids!

Unfortunately, the buildings near the parking lots cannot accommodate the day camp this summer. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, and we hope you find a solution that works for your family. We encourage all parents to use active transportation or public transit to get to camp. 

 

What wil the sanitary measures be this summer?

It is too early to know what health measures will be in place this summer. We will, of course follow all Public Health guidelines and directives issued by the Quebec Camp Association.

 

Do the campers do a lot of walking? I’m worried my child might be too tired.

We are very active at day camp and do a lot of hiking each week in the form of explorations or expeditions. Our activities are always adapted to the rhythm of each age group. Our goal is to ensure that the children have fun, learn about the mountain’s natural environment and enjoy the summer. If we feel that a rest period is necessary in the middle of the day, we  take a break!

 

How do I make sure I’ll receive updates and information after I’ve registered?

To ensure that you receive our messages after registration, we recommend that you add notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and check your junk mail periodically. We will email the person in charge of the account before the start of camp to let them know that the Parents’ Guide is available. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions!

 

Can my child and his or her friend be in the same group? 

It will depend on their respective ages. If your child and his/her friend are registered in the same age group, they will be together during the week. However, if they are not in the same age group, they will not be in the same group at camp.

 

My child does not understand a lot of French. Should I register him/her anyway? 

Our day camp is offered in French. Children must have a basic knowledge of French (comprehension and oral communication) in order to participate. The team must be able to communicate easily with the children to explain game rules and safety instructions. We do not offer an immersion program and we do not have the resources to provide the services of an interpreter.

 

Is your camp adapted to children with special needs?

Our programming is not necessarily adapted to children with special needs, but we suggest you contact the camp coordinator at campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca to see if we can accommodate your child.

 

My child received a school derogation. Can I register him/her in the same group as his/her classmates?

In terms of age groups, the only exceptions we make are for children who have been granted a school derogation.

Children participating in the day camp must be aged 5 years or older as of September 30. A child who meets this condition and who has obtained a derogation can be registered with his or her classmates. To do so, you must send proof of your child’s education, prior to registration, to campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca.

Once we have received and validated the proof of derogation, we will let you know how to proceed.

Help with registration 

We are excited to be using a new registration system that you may already be familiar with: Amilia! If you already have an account, registration will be a breeze! If not, create your account on the Create and Verify Your Personal Account page. For help with registration, see the How to Make a Purchase from an Organization page. Once you’ve registered, download the Amilia mobile application to view the details of your purchases and modify them, if needed. For help, visit the How to use the Amilia app page.

 

Is it too late to register my child at your camp? Are there spots available?

Registration for day camp is now open. To check availability for the age group and camp week you are interested in, please visit our reservation system, Amilia. There are still spots available, although some groups are full. It is always possible to sign up for a waiting list.

 

I registered my child for day camp, but I want to change the dates. Can I change my registration?

We suggest you immediately register your child for your preferred camp week (or put him or her on the waiting list, if the desired group is full) to reserve his/her spot. You will need to download the Amilia mobile application to be able to view the details of your registration(s) and modify it/them, if required. For more help, visit the Comment utiliser l'application Amilia page (in French only).
 

Note regarding cancellations: If you registered very recently, it may still be too early to cancel; you’ll need to wait until the transaction has been confirmed on your credit card  first. Therefore, we suggest you register your child for the desired camp week now (to guarantee a spot) and then cancel a few days later, once it becomes possible in the system. Rest assured that you will be reimbursed for the amount paid without penalty.

 

Cancellation Policy

To view the details of your registrations and to modify them if needed, you must download the Amilia mobile application. For help, visit  the How to use the Amilia app page.

Note regarding cancellations: If you registered very recently, it may still be too early to cancel; you’ll need to wait until the transaction has been confirmed on your credit card  first. Therefore, we suggest you register your child for the desired camp week now (to guarantee a spot) and then cancel a few days later, once it becomes possible in the system. Rest assured that you will be reimbursed for the amount paid without penalty.

 

The provisions of the Consumer Protection Act apply.

Day Camp | Summer 2023:

  • Cancellation before camp begins: You can cancel your registration yourself, but only using the Amilia mobile app. Since camp hasn’t started yet, there is no charge or penalty for cancellation.

  • Cancellation during camp: a credit will be given in proportion to the service rendered, minus 10% of the price of the activities that have not been attended. In case of absence, no credit and no resumption of activities will be possible.

  • When a refund is issued, please note that it can take up to several days for the refund to appear on your credit card account. The amount will be automatically deposited in the same credit card account that was used for the initial registration.

 

Unknown technical problem with the reservation system

If you are having trouble with the registration system, we invite you to consult the Amilia Customer Help Center.

It is recommended that you use a computer rather than a mobile device to complete the registration process. It may also help to sign out of your account and restart the process. If this doesn’t work, try connecting again after rebooting your computer. You may also get better results with a different browser; we have a preference for Google Chrome. Some clients have told us that the system runs better on their PC computer than on their Apple device.

 

My child does not have a RAMQ card, but we do have private insurance. 

If you do not have a RAMQ card but have private insurance, your child will still be able to attend day camp. You will need to provide us with the details of your private insurance. Please send the information to campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca following registration.

 

Can I register my child’s friend on my account? 

We strongly discourage enrolling someone else’s child with your account for several reasons. If you pay for the enrollment of someone else’s child, neither you, nor the child’s parent will be eligible for the tax credit (RL-24) for that program. In addition, you will be the contact person for all children enrolled from your account; therefore, you will be the person called in case of an emergency and the child's parent will not have permission to change their medical record or any other important information provided about the child. Please note that registering two children from one account does not guarantee that they will be in the same group at day camp.

 

Waiting list

If the camp week you want is full, we encourage you to sign up for the waiting list in the reservation system. There is no charge for this service.

You will be notified by email if a spot becomes available and you will have 24 hours to complete your registration and payment to reserve that spot. To ensure that you receive the email, we recommend adding notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and checking your junk mail periodically.

 

Where is my child on the waiting list?

Unfortunately, we are not able to verify where your child is on the waiting list as the lists are managed automatically by the reservation system. In addition, movement on the wait lists is very unpredictable. Note that being on a waiting list does not guarantee you a spot at camp, but you will be notified if a spot becomes available and you will have 24 hours to complete your registration and make payment to reserve that spot. To ensure that you receive our emails, we suggest you add notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and check your junk mail periodically.

 

Can you confirm that I registered my child properly, and if so, for which week?

To consult your registration details, we recommend downloading the Amilia mobile application. For help, consult the How to use the Amilia app page.

 

Why have I received a payment error notice?

You can visit the help center page of our reservation system by clicking here. We are not able to verify why your payment was not accepted, but here are a few things to explore: 

  • The payment method used was not a credit card. 

  • The information entered during payment did not match the bank information (incorrect mailing address, different card owner name, invalid numbers, etc.)  

  • You made a typo.

  • Your card was declined.

  • There was a technical error. Log out of your account (click on "Log Out") and try again later.

Are tax receipts available? 

Tax receipts will be available on our reservation system before the end of February. An email will be sent to you once they are ready. To ensure that you receive our messages, we recommend that you add notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and check your junk mail periodically.

 

Do you offer priority registration for last year's campers? 

Yes. If your child attended our day camp last year, you have a priority registration period starting 24 hours before the official start of registration. We notify parents of last year’s campers of the priority period by email in February. To ensure that you receive our messages in the future, we suggest you add notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and check your junk mail periodically.

 

Why do you offer a priority registration period to last year’s campers? 

As part of our mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal and its heritage, we seek to create the next generation of stewards of the mountain and encourage young people to adopt a lifestyle that is in harmony with their environment. In order to develop a strong bond with these campers and make them friends of Mount Royal, we believe it is important that children spend several summers with us on the mountain.

 

Can I register the siblings of my child who attended camp last year during the priority registration period? 

Yes, you can register your child’s siblings for camp during the priority registration period.

 

Can I register the friend of my child who attended camp last year during the priority registration period? 

No, it is not possible to register your child’s friends during the priority registration period. This period is reserved for families who attended camp last year.

New opportunity: This summer (2023), the Les Amis de la montagne day camp is offering a Junior Counsellor Program! We are currently seeking to recruit young people who have completed Secondary III to V at the end of the 2022–2023 school year to work as volunteer junior counsellors. See the application form for more information.

For general information concerning the Junior Counsellor Program, please send your question and phone number to our Day Camp Lead and Education Development Agent at campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca.

Application form

For general information about the day camp, please email your question and phone number to campdejour@lemontroyal.qc.ca, or call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 258. Please note that we answer emails first.

If you have a question about the reservation system or concerning a cancellation, please email your question and phone number to reservations@lemontroyal.qc.ca or call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 2.

 

Are you looking for a summer job or internship?

Visit our Careers & Internships page to find out about our job offers. Day camp positions are usually posted in January and interviews are held in February and March.

 

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