This is a wonderful opportunity for children in grades 1 – 3, who have never been away from home, to experience YCC for a two week session. These campers are fully integrated with our regular campers in Rocky Point, the youngest unit at YCC. Our success with these campers is underlined by the fact that most of our ‘starters’ end up staying for the full session…and return year after year.

Children in Junior Camp live in cabins with 2 counselors and 2 specialists, and 8 –10 campers in each bunk. Campers in grades 1-3 are in ‘Rocky Point’, while ‘ Hillside’ campers include children in grades 4 and 5. Campers are grouped by specific ages in small units (separate units for boys and girls), with each unit having its own unit head and rec-hall, creating a warm, familiar and personal atmosphere. The staff supervision is especially close with this age group, with the Camp Mother a popular and comforting presence.

Campers in grades 6 – 8 live in platform tent villages, a feature that encourages both independence and co-operation. ‘Ridgeview’ is made up of children in grade 6, ‘ Summit’ includes campers in grade 7 and Masada is for campers in grade 8. Although YCC is based on the cohesiveness of bunk activities, our senior campers do have the option of spending more time at preferred activities. A unique feature of the Senior Camp program, are the multi-day hiking and canoeing out-of-camp trips, which further encourages self-confidence and team-building skills.

For 15 year-olds completing grade 9, the Jr. CIT program helps campers begin the transition from camper to staff role, helping them develop a sense of responsibility and pride in being part of YCC. These campers live in the CIT Village, develop their own schedule of camp activities, and participate in the “Adventure Series”. This program includes weekly excursions, such as white water rafting, St. Sauveur Water Slides, Go-karting, mini-golf in St. Jovite, five day hiking or canoe trip, inter-camp programs, and an adventure- packed four day trip to Ottawa.

The Jr. CITs are assigned as big brothers/sisters with our younger campers for three days each session, and also plan and organize several camp-wide activities – the camp talent show, Carnival Day, and the Tisha B’Av ceremonies.

The Jr. CITs are also involved in community service projects throughout the summer, which have included; A visit to the Shriner’s hospital in Montreal, Maimonides, and The Cummings Centre for Seniors. The highlights of these visits includes a talent show, the presentation of gifts that they had prepared in our Arts & Crafts program, and, most important, ‘hanging out’ with the kids and Seniors.

This 7½ week program is for 16 year-old guys and girls, and is based on a selection process, since most participants will have the opportunity to apply for a staff position at YCC the following year. The summer for our Sr. CIT’s is divided in the following areas:

1) an introductory orientation and training program

2) three 5-day placements, when the CIT’s are assigned to a Junior Camp bunk, Senior Camp bunk, and a specialty of their choice

3) A 3-5 day canoe or hiking trip in Parc La Verendrye or Tremblant area

4) a 5- day trip to Boston (activities include an off –Broadway play, a day at a Six Flags Amusement park, Fenway park Tour, a Disco Boat ride in Boston harbour, an evening at a Comedy club, a trip to the New England Aquarium, and a midnight ice cream sundae party)

5) the planning and performance of the CIT Play and ‘Alma mater’ song, which is eagerly anticipated by all our campers and staff in the exciting last week of camp.

Another element to the program is a visit by the CIT’s to local Senior Citizens residences. Along with a musical presentation, the CIT’s interact with the Seniors in a variety of ways. This program has become one of the highlights of the CIT summer, both for the Seniors and for our CIT’s.