Q: Many summer camps in the West Island are experiencing a drop in subscriptions this year. Ile Bizard soccer camps’ numbers are way up. What do you attribute this to?

A: Once we started listening to the campers’ and parents’ feedback, our numbers started rising. Since this is a soccer camp, we used to focused exclusively on soccer. The feedback we received helped us realized that soccer 100% of the time became too much for the campers. We’ve integrated several other activities that have resulted in the kids having much more fun and wanting to come back week after week. We’ve also refined our hiring criteria. Having a soccer background is not enough. Monitors also need to have experience dealing with our young campers.

Q: What percentage of time do the campers spend on soccer vs other activities, and what are those activities?

A: We spend 60% of the day on soccer. The remaining 40% is spent on other activities such as swimming, gym games and games that the campers share from their schools.

Q: Did you have to make any adjustments during the week of the record breaking heat wave?

A: Yes. That was a challenging week. Outdoor soccer activities were limited to the mornings and we had increased water breaks. We also installed shade tents and stayed away from the hotter artificial turf. The afternoons were limited to pool time and indoor activities in air conditioning. I have to thank the parents who came by regularly with popsicles and freezies! Ile Bizard has the best parents!

Q: Are there any spots left for the rest of the summer?

A: The week of July 16th is full. The following 4 weeks have spots available but are filling up fast.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: Fridays are BBQ days! Hot Dogs, chips and water on me!