Canoe Island French Camp
Encyclopedia
Canoe Island French Camp (CIFC) offers children ages nine to sixteen the opportunity to learn the French culture
while participating in traditional camp activities. The camp is located on Canoe Island
in the San Juan Islands
in Washington state
. CIFC capitalizes on its secluded island location by keeping session sizes to about 45 campers. Canoe Island is accredited by the American Camp Association
and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps. CIFC is a non-profit organization.
. The camp moved onto moved to Canoe Island
in 1975.
Facilities include a heated swimming pool, a small lake and gazebo, tennis court (with rackets and balls), sports field, archery range, fire ring, more than two miles of trails, a dock, and several beaches. Campers dine in the "Maxim's", have access to a two-stiry "bibliothèque", or library, filled with French and English stories and reference books, and "Le Ritz", a game room with a ping pong and foosball tables. French Cuisine classes are held in "Malmaison" guest house, as well as the kitchen in the Ritz. Theater classes are held in the "Théâtre", modeled after Amerindian Longhouses, equipped with costumes and a stage. "L'Atelier", or art barn, is where students can participate in art classes and make projects for theme day and other events. Canoe island has several motorboats, sailboats, canoes, and plenty of kayaks for boating activities, as well as fencing swords and protective equipment for fencing class.
Campers stay in canvas tipis on platforms, equipped with cots and matresses, electricity, and storage boxes, with 3-4 other campers and a counselor. The majority of the tipis are located in main camp, although 3 tipis are located across the sports field. These three tipis, commonly referred to as "Siberia", usually house the oldest female campers, providing more privacy and seclusion. Campers share bathrooms, and have cubbies in which to store their toiletries. They also have access to an outhouse, located in the main camp area.
Ben Straub also lives on the island year round as the caretaker. He has technical and mechanical skills, as well as a dog, called Addy, a friend to many of the campers. Sandra Gavillot is the marketing and program coordiantor.
For the summer, Connie, Joseph, Ben, and Sandra are joined by more staff, including a program director, chefs, counselors, and a nurse. The counselors come from a variety of places (including France and other Francophone countries) and are all fluent in French. They have also all been in college for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age. Each counselor has an area of expertise in which they can instruct students. There is always a CPR-trained lifeguard to oversea swimming and water play. In addition, there are volunteer positions open to students 17 and older, including a volunteer program assistant, volunteer kitchen assistant, and a volunteer maintenance assistant. The chefs prepare all of the magnificent food for island inhabitants, including the final banquet, and are trained in cooking French Cuisine. Each session also has a volunteer Nurse to take care of staff and campers if necessary.
CIFC is a location where short-term employment opportunities for international staff create a rich environment for cultural exchange.
Most of the campers come from the western Washington area, while others are from western Oregon
and California
. Some arrive from other parts of the US or from foreign countries, including France
, Canada
, Japan
, China
, Poland
, Russia
, and Argentina
.
San Juan Island region for 9- to 16-year-olds. Two-week sessions are open to children ages 9 through 16, while three week sessions are open to those aged 10 through 16. Each session focuses on a different theme (such as the French Revolution
or the knights of the round table) and offers beginning and advanced French language
learners a chance to practice in a semi-immersion environment.
CIFC is a semi-immersion camp (most activities are in a combination of French and English; most campers speak English among themselves), and everything has a French theme. There are two-week and three-week sessions. Different theme for each session (Les Voyageurs
, Le Monde Francophone, French Revolution
, Chevaliers de la Table Ronde). Campers may arrive with no knowledge of French, or may already be fluent, or anywhere in between. Multiple levels of French class are taught, from beginners to advanced, and all campers take classes. Within their first few days at camp, all campers learn and use such phrases as "Bienvenue" - welcome, "Je viens de" - I come from, "Je m'appelle" - My name is, and language to use at mealtimes ("passe-moi...", "je voudrais", puis-j'avoir", "merci", "de rien", etc.) Campers live in Tipis. There are around 40 kids per session, with around 20 staff.
The goal of the camp is to encourage curiosity; by engaging kids in a new culture, they are exposed to different lifestyles. Campers use the French language throughout the day and attend classes in the morning to learn vocabulary and grammar. After language classes, campers are sent on to other activities, such as art, theatre, photography and archery. While each activity provides a level of fun and interaction, each is tied in some way to the culture. For instance, French cuisine is served at every meal by authentic French chefs. Campers are encouraged to learn how to make the meals and where the food comes from. All campers take a French Culture class sometime during the session.
Some special activities that campers can participate in include the Olympic French Games, Potlatch, Bastille Day celebration, World's Fair and Knights of the Round Tablefeast. The reenactment of the Knights of the Round Table allows campers to learn about chivalry and respect while role-playing. They imitate living in the Middle Ages by creating castles, and earn points through several activities that encourage respect, kindness and courage. To celebrate the French Revolution
and Bastille Day
, a water-balloon fight (aka "Storming the Bastille") is held. French history is incorporated into camp activities, while still having fun.
On the first day of each session, campers take a swim test and have a brief conversation (in French
) with the program director to determine their language class placement. They also receive a CIFC sweatshirt and t-shirt
.
. After lunch, campers enjoy Repos, a one hour rest time that can be used to sleep, socialize quietly with tipi-mates, read, write letters home, or practice the French learned earlier that day. Campers then participate in elective afternoon activities, have free time, enjoy dinner, and participate in an evening activity. Evening activities can include theatre night, photography challenges, all-island games, charades, Casino Night, movie nights, and competitians - all planned by the "animateurs", or counselors. The wonderful location is taken advantage of with all island games such as "Capture the Flag", "Orientering", "Capture the Counselor", and "Les Contrabandiers".
Three family-style meals in a dining hall. Lunch might be a croque monsieur; dinner, bistro classics like bouillabaisse
(using local mussels and crabs partially harvested by families), beef bourguignon
ne, and crème brûlée
. A snack is also served between lunch and dinner. Campers are expected to ask to sit down and to be excused in French, ask for food to be passed in French, and to say a French blessing before each meal.
Each morning and evening, students raise and lower the French and American flags, as well as a flag of another country represented by campers or staff (England, Canada,etc.). Campers sing patriotic American songs, la Marsaillaise, and the national anthem of the country represented by the third flag (God save our king, O Canada - in French.) Campers learn traditional French songs after lunch and dinner, and during their French classes.
Each Saturday, as well as on the last day of the session, campers participate in "Grasse Matiné" - or "fat morning", where they can sleep in and breakfast is served to order. Campers and staff then go to Inspiration Point (considered by many one of the most beautiful places on the island) to share what they've learned, discuss important questions, and sing songs in both French and English. After Inspiration Point, there is a talent show (or "Spectacle de Jacques Martin") and an afternoon full of free-time and optional activities.
Throughout the session, campers may have the opportunity to participate in a whale watch boat ride, visit the beach on Shaw Island, or do other activities on nearby islands. Campers also have the opportunity to sleep on the dock or sports field to learn about astronomy
from Joseph, the executive director. Other overnights can be arranged throughout the session.
At the end of each session, campers participate in a Theme Day, or a day to celebrate all that they've learned in regard to the theme of the session. In addition, they also have a "bal", or camp dance. On the last full day of the Session, campers don their finest clothes and attend a seven-course, formal banquet, prepared by the Kitchen Staff. Campers receive French Class certificates, souvenirs, and a commemorative yearbook, with articles by and pictures of fellow campers and counselors.
and Camp Four Winds Westward Ho together with Canoe Island Camps are the three overnight camps for children in the San Juan Islands
. CIFC is accredited by the American Camp Association
(ACA). The camp brings together an international staff, and is an opportunity for summer employment.
Culture of France
The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups. France, and in particular Paris, has played an important role as a center of high culture and of decorative arts since the seventeenth...
while participating in traditional camp activities. The camp is located on Canoe Island
Canoe Island
Canoe Island lies in the center of the San Juan Islands in Upright Channel between Shaw Island and Lopez Island. The two water approaches to Indian Cove County Park on Shaw Island pass to either side of Canoe Island, which protects Indian Cove from high waves and surf. At low tide, mudflats in the...
in the San Juan Islands
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States between the US mainland and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are part of the U.S...
in Washington state
Washington State
Washington State may refer to:* Washington , often referred to as "Washington state" to differentiate it from Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States* Washington State University, a land-grant college in that state- See also :...
. CIFC capitalizes on its secluded island location by keeping session sizes to about 45 campers. Canoe Island is accredited by the American Camp Association
American Camp Association
The American Camp Association , formerly known as the American Camping Association, is a 501 nonprofit that serves the United States. It is an association for camp owners, camp professionals and others interested in summer camps and similar camp programs.ACA runs an accreditation criterion for camps...
and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps. CIFC is a non-profit organization.
History
The camp was founded in 1969 by Dr. Warren Austin and his wife Florence Heath Horton Austin, as they had a deep interest in the French culture and child development. They wanted to send their daughter to a French camp, but there was none on the West Coast, so they started CIFC on Orcas IslandOrcas Island
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located in the northwestern corner of Washington state in San Juan County, Washington.-History:...
. The camp moved onto moved to Canoe Island
Canoe Island
Canoe Island lies in the center of the San Juan Islands in Upright Channel between Shaw Island and Lopez Island. The two water approaches to Indian Cove County Park on Shaw Island pass to either side of Canoe Island, which protects Indian Cove from high waves and surf. At low tide, mudflats in the...
in 1975.
Location and Facilities
Canoe Island is a 47-acre private island in the San Juans, in Upright Channel between the islands of Shaw and Lopez. Many campers arrive by ferry, though some do arrive by sea plane or by private boat. Campers flying in from out-of-town unaccompanied can be met by counselors at SeaTac airport and transported to camp for an extra charge of $150.Facilities include a heated swimming pool, a small lake and gazebo, tennis court (with rackets and balls), sports field, archery range, fire ring, more than two miles of trails, a dock, and several beaches. Campers dine in the "Maxim's", have access to a two-stiry "bibliothèque", or library, filled with French and English stories and reference books, and "Le Ritz", a game room with a ping pong and foosball tables. French Cuisine classes are held in "Malmaison" guest house, as well as the kitchen in the Ritz. Theater classes are held in the "Théâtre", modeled after Amerindian Longhouses, equipped with costumes and a stage. "L'Atelier", or art barn, is where students can participate in art classes and make projects for theme day and other events. Canoe island has several motorboats, sailboats, canoes, and plenty of kayaks for boating activities, as well as fencing swords and protective equipment for fencing class.
Campers stay in canvas tipis on platforms, equipped with cots and matresses, electricity, and storage boxes, with 3-4 other campers and a counselor. The majority of the tipis are located in main camp, although 3 tipis are located across the sports field. These three tipis, commonly referred to as "Siberia", usually house the oldest female campers, providing more privacy and seclusion. Campers share bathrooms, and have cubbies in which to store their toiletries. They also have access to an outhouse, located in the main camp area.
Staff Profile
Connie and Joseph Jones are the executive directors, who live on the island year round. Joseph is trained in geology, ecology, and science education, and has a background in search and rescue and emergency medical response. Connie has studied in France and used to work as an EMT, teacher, and reporter.Ben Straub also lives on the island year round as the caretaker. He has technical and mechanical skills, as well as a dog, called Addy, a friend to many of the campers. Sandra Gavillot is the marketing and program coordiantor.
For the summer, Connie, Joseph, Ben, and Sandra are joined by more staff, including a program director, chefs, counselors, and a nurse. The counselors come from a variety of places (including France and other Francophone countries) and are all fluent in French. They have also all been in college for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age. Each counselor has an area of expertise in which they can instruct students. There is always a CPR-trained lifeguard to oversea swimming and water play. In addition, there are volunteer positions open to students 17 and older, including a volunteer program assistant, volunteer kitchen assistant, and a volunteer maintenance assistant. The chefs prepare all of the magnificent food for island inhabitants, including the final banquet, and are trained in cooking French Cuisine. Each session also has a volunteer Nurse to take care of staff and campers if necessary.
CIFC is a location where short-term employment opportunities for international staff create a rich environment for cultural exchange.
Camper Profile
Canoe Island campers are intellectual and curious about the world around them. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students who cannot afford to attend camp otherwise.Most of the campers come from the western Washington area, while others are from western Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
and California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Some arrive from other parts of the US or from foreign countries, including France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, and Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
.
Program
Canoe Island French Camp is the summer production of Canoe Island Camps, and provides overnight camp programs in Washington'sWashington State
Washington State may refer to:* Washington , often referred to as "Washington state" to differentiate it from Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States* Washington State University, a land-grant college in that state- See also :...
San Juan Island region for 9- to 16-year-olds. Two-week sessions are open to children ages 9 through 16, while three week sessions are open to those aged 10 through 16. Each session focuses on a different theme (such as the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
or the knights of the round table) and offers beginning and advanced French language
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
learners a chance to practice in a semi-immersion environment.
CIFC is a semi-immersion camp (most activities are in a combination of French and English; most campers speak English among themselves), and everything has a French theme. There are two-week and three-week sessions. Different theme for each session (Les Voyageurs
Voyageurs
The Voyageurs were the persons who engaged in the transportation of furs by canoe during the fur trade era. Voyageur is a French word which literally translates to "traveler"...
, Le Monde Francophone, French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
, Chevaliers de la Table Ronde). Campers may arrive with no knowledge of French, or may already be fluent, or anywhere in between. Multiple levels of French class are taught, from beginners to advanced, and all campers take classes. Within their first few days at camp, all campers learn and use such phrases as "Bienvenue" - welcome, "Je viens de" - I come from, "Je m'appelle" - My name is, and language to use at mealtimes ("passe-moi...", "je voudrais", puis-j'avoir", "merci", "de rien", etc.) Campers live in Tipis. There are around 40 kids per session, with around 20 staff.
The goal of the camp is to encourage curiosity; by engaging kids in a new culture, they are exposed to different lifestyles. Campers use the French language throughout the day and attend classes in the morning to learn vocabulary and grammar. After language classes, campers are sent on to other activities, such as art, theatre, photography and archery. While each activity provides a level of fun and interaction, each is tied in some way to the culture. For instance, French cuisine is served at every meal by authentic French chefs. Campers are encouraged to learn how to make the meals and where the food comes from. All campers take a French Culture class sometime during the session.
Some special activities that campers can participate in include the Olympic French Games, Potlatch, Bastille Day celebration, World's Fair and Knights of the Round Tablefeast. The reenactment of the Knights of the Round Table allows campers to learn about chivalry and respect while role-playing. They imitate living in the Middle Ages by creating castles, and earn points through several activities that encourage respect, kindness and courage. To celebrate the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
and Bastille Day
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale and commonly le quatorze juillet...
, a water-balloon fight (aka "Storming the Bastille") is held. French history is incorporated into camp activities, while still having fun.
On the first day of each session, campers take a swim test and have a brief conversation (in French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
) with the program director to determine their language class placement. They also receive a CIFC sweatshirt and t-shirt
T-shirt
A T-shirt is a style of shirt. A T-shirt is buttonless and collarless, with short sleeves and frequently a round neck line....
.
Camp Life and Activities
Mornings begin with language classes taught by fluent instructors. They then participate in morning activities. The selection of activity classes includes French Cuisine, Fencing , Archery, Ceramics, Theatre, Photography, Kayaking, Sailing, Art, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Swimming (in the heated pool), Snorkeling, "Journal" - yearbook, Theatre, and Marine BiologyMarine biology
Marine biology is the scientific study of organisms in the ocean or other marine or brackish bodies of water. Given that in biology many phyla, families and genera have some species that live in the sea and others that live on land, marine biology classifies species based on the environment rather...
. After lunch, campers enjoy Repos, a one hour rest time that can be used to sleep, socialize quietly with tipi-mates, read, write letters home, or practice the French learned earlier that day. Campers then participate in elective afternoon activities, have free time, enjoy dinner, and participate in an evening activity. Evening activities can include theatre night, photography challenges, all-island games, charades, Casino Night, movie nights, and competitians - all planned by the "animateurs", or counselors. The wonderful location is taken advantage of with all island games such as "Capture the Flag", "Orientering", "Capture the Counselor", and "Les Contrabandiers".
Three family-style meals in a dining hall. Lunch might be a croque monsieur; dinner, bistro classics like bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a seafood soup made with various kinds of cooked fish and shellfish and vegetables, flavored with a variety of herbs and spices such as garlic, orange peel, basil, bay leaf, fennel and saffron. Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew originating from the port city of...
(using local mussels and crabs partially harvested by families), beef bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon or bœuf bourguignon , also called beef Burgundy, and Boeuf à la Bourguignonne, is a well known traditional French recipe....
ne, and crème brûlée
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée , also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel...
. A snack is also served between lunch and dinner. Campers are expected to ask to sit down and to be excused in French, ask for food to be passed in French, and to say a French blessing before each meal.
Each morning and evening, students raise and lower the French and American flags, as well as a flag of another country represented by campers or staff (England, Canada,etc.). Campers sing patriotic American songs, la Marsaillaise, and the national anthem of the country represented by the third flag (God save our king, O Canada - in French.) Campers learn traditional French songs after lunch and dinner, and during their French classes.
Each Saturday, as well as on the last day of the session, campers participate in "Grasse Matiné" - or "fat morning", where they can sleep in and breakfast is served to order. Campers and staff then go to Inspiration Point (considered by many one of the most beautiful places on the island) to share what they've learned, discuss important questions, and sing songs in both French and English. After Inspiration Point, there is a talent show (or "Spectacle de Jacques Martin") and an afternoon full of free-time and optional activities.
Throughout the session, campers may have the opportunity to participate in a whale watch boat ride, visit the beach on Shaw Island, or do other activities on nearby islands. Campers also have the opportunity to sleep on the dock or sports field to learn about astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
from Joseph, the executive director. Other overnights can be arranged throughout the session.
At the end of each session, campers participate in a Theme Day, or a day to celebrate all that they've learned in regard to the theme of the session. In addition, they also have a "bal", or camp dance. On the last full day of the Session, campers don their finest clothes and attend a seven-course, formal banquet, prepared by the Kitchen Staff. Campers receive French Class certificates, souvenirs, and a commemorative yearbook, with articles by and pictures of fellow campers and counselors.
Other Programs
Family camps, cooking classes, work parties, and yoga weekends are held throughout the year. School groups participate in specialized programming in the spring and fall.San Juan Camps
Camp OrkilaYMCA Camp Orkila
YMCA Camp Orkila is on the northwest shoulder of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington. It has been in operation since 1906. It is operated by the Greater Seattle Area's YMCA...
and Camp Four Winds Westward Ho together with Canoe Island Camps are the three overnight camps for children in the San Juan Islands
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States between the US mainland and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are part of the U.S...
. CIFC is accredited by the American Camp Association
American Camp Association
The American Camp Association , formerly known as the American Camping Association, is a 501 nonprofit that serves the United States. It is an association for camp owners, camp professionals and others interested in summer camps and similar camp programs.ACA runs an accreditation criterion for camps...
(ACA). The camp brings together an international staff, and is an opportunity for summer employment.