Transcript of our interview with Brittany, Director of Summer Programs

What is unique about Stanstead College Summer Camps?

I think our program is unique because it's really a fully immersive environment. The students aren't only learning their second language while they're in classes—during outdoor activities, they're also encouraged to speak the language that they're learning. And they'll be put into a group that’s learning the same language. 

Their roommates are always from a different country and they’re there to learn the same language. When we're out on excursions, we're always really encouraging students to practice their second language in a real-world environment. 

What type of student is successful at Stanstead College Summer Camps?

The type of child who's typically successful in our camp is one who's willing and wants to embrace new experiences. We understand that not all kids come from the same background and have the same experience. So we encourage kids to embrace new experiences and to want to do so. It doesn't matter if they've never tried it before or participated in the activity, we just want them to want to try new things. 

So if a child has a willingness to embrace a new experience and everything this camp has to offer, they usually do very well. As for activity levels, I would say about 65% of our activities at our camp are more active outdoor activities. Typically, the children who enjoy our camp are excited to be outside and try different activities, and all of our activities are always adapted to be inclusive so everyone can enjoy them.

Is your schedule structured or is it more open?

The schedule is pretty structured for the most part. Students do, though, have some freedom during the weekend to choose off-campus activities, and there are workshops two afternoons a week where students get to pick what they'd like to improve upon or learn about. Sometimes it will be a sport, and sometimes it will be cooking, science, or something else. But for the most part, during the week they are in classes in the morning, then they have their afternoon activities, then they have a class in the evening, and then they have a little bit of free time. But for the most part, those things are pretty set. 

How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?

We do our best to first have an environment that is filled with positive reinforcements. So by celebrating good behaviours, students end up mimicking those good behaviours because they too want to be celebrated. So for example, if a student is always speaking the language that they're there to learn during our weekday assembly, they'll get a prize for going above and beyond and they’re celebrated by everyone. 

Thus, typically, we don’t have many behavioural issues because all students want to be rewarded by the staff. If we do need to step in for behavioural issues, we usually have a three-strike policy after they have met with their teacher outdoor leader, and they usually also meet with me, the camp director. Then the student will have to miss an activity or free time, and if they get a third strike, we call home and send a letter to the parents..

That’s typically how it works. However, there are cases where we will skip all those steps, for instance, if there’s bullying or anything like that.

What do students value most about their experience at Stanstead College Summer Camps?

The confidence that they gain from coming here and the confidence in speaking a new language. They also become so much more independent after they've been here. A lot of these kids travel from across the world. They travel alone, so just getting here is a big step for them. 

Overall, learning a new language, developing independence, becoming more comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone, and making lifetime friends are huge benefits for the kids. Also, I'm always taken aback by how close all the students and staff become.

What advice would you give to a new child attending Stanstead College Summer Camps?

I would say try to be open to trying new things and always make an effort to step out of your comfort zone. Often, kids in the first week are really nervous about stepping out of their comfort zone. We always encourage them to do so. And then by the end, they are thriving, they're super excited, and they would have been really disappointed if they had not taken that opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone, make new friends, and create lifelong memories.