Each summer young adults from France or other Francophone countries are selected to come to Canoe Island to teach French and share information about their home. These staff members come with the highest recommendations from respected agencies that interview them, check references, do background checks and guarantee their respectability. Together with French-speaking counselors from the US (who we personally interview, check references and do background checks on), they form an energetic, enthusiastic and fun team to provide care and nurturing for your child. Each counselor has at least one other area of expertise - fencing, sailing, theater, French cuisine, photography, kayaking, archery, music, or art. CPR-trained lifeguards oversee all swimming and boating activities. Counselors are at least 18 and have had at least one year of college. Many of the counselors were Canoe Island campers themselves and know what will make the camp experience memorable for your child.
A registered nurse reviews all health forms, safely stores and dispenses campers' medications, and oversees the health and welfare of all. Paramedic services and physician-staffed medical clinics are available within 15 minutes on the major, ferry-served islands, and area hospitals are 20 minutes away via medivac helicopter.
Our Year Round Staff
Directors
Canoe Island French Camp is led by the husband and wife team of Joseph Jones, Executive Director, and Connie Jones, Camp Director, who live year round on the island. They have more than 30 years of experience running some of the Northwest's most respected camp programs. Joseph has a geology and natural resource undergraduate background, and a graduate degree in science education and education administration. He has extensive experience in land, sea and air search and rescue and emergency medical response. Connie has lived, studied and traveled extensively in France. She is a past EMT, has an English literature degree, was a certified teacher, and a reporter, editor, and restaurant reviewer with The Oregonian newspaper prior to joining Joseph in camp operations.
Island Caretaker
 Ben Straub, originally from Eastern Pennsylvania, is a part of the year round staff of Canoe Island French Camp. Ben brings fine technical and mechanical skills to most applications of construction, woodworking, metal working and manufacturing. Before coming to Washington, he produced and sold museum-quality kaleidoscopes and wooden accessories that were represented in approximately 130 galleries nationwide. Ben has been involved with two philanthropic efforts in South America. Addy lives on Canoe Island and is a three-years-old, Red Merle Australian Shepherd. She is very sweet and well behaved and can typically be found by Ben's side. Addy likes boat rides, playing frisbee, walks around the island, running on the beaches and watching otters. 2009 was her first year at camp and she LOVED it, she looks forward to all of the campers and families returning to the island, so that she can show off the new tricks she's learned during the winter.
Marketing and Program Coordinator
 Sandra Gavillot
I also live full time on Canoe island; this is my second year. I help spread the word about the fun ways to learn French and with spring and summer programming. I am originally from a small French island in the Indian Ocean -- La Réunion -- and went to college in the US. My background is in International Hospitality Management, with an emphasis in sustainable tourism. I taught English in Spain and in Paris for three years before moving to the San Juan Islands. Canoe Island French Camp truly combines all my interests into one: French culture and food, outdoor activities, environmental awareness, creativity, and being around amazing people, all of this in a magical setting!
2011 Summer Staff
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Tristan Amblevert - Counselor
Hello!! I'm back on Canoe! This is my 5th summer as a counselor. I'm from Bordeaux in France - where I grew up - and I've been coming to the U.S. every other summer since I was born, because part of my family lives on the West Coast. I also did my 6th grade year in Lake Oswego. I've been playing the cello since I was 6. Last year, I didn't come to Canoe because I was finishing an educational program, which involved working with underprivileged kids in Bordeaux. I am a big fan of sports, particularly of the Bordeaux soccer team and I really like music of all kinds. My summers at Canoe Island represent an unforgettable part of my life and personal development, and I look forward to returning this summer.
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Eden Cooke - Counselor
I'm thrilled for the opportunity to spend this summer on Canoe. This will be my 8th summer on the island! This summer I'll be leading the Fencing classes which is particularly cool because I actually started fencing when I was a camper on Canoe (9 years ago!) Beside fencing I have several hobbies including painting, traveling, and making/sampling French desserts. I spent the last few years studying French and Fine Art in Seattle. This September I'm moving to Vancouver B.C. to study Illustration at Emily Carr University. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this summer and having a blast learning and discovering together!
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Justine Robinett - Counselor
I feel so lucky to get to come back to Canoe this summer, even if it's just for first session. I've been a camper and a counselor and have only missed 3 summers since 1999! I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area but now live in Paris, after going to college in Chicago. I'm currently in the middle of getting my masters in Paris, but took this past year off to do the opposite of what we do at Canoe: teach French kids English. Hopefully my dog Lucas will be able to come back with me to Canoe, as he misses being in touch with his animal side and getting to run around.
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Jennifer Douglas - Counselor
Bonjour! I am from Vancouver, Canada, where I love to backpack, kayak, sail, and do just about anything outdoors. This past year I have been living in Paris while working as an au pair and traveling as much as possible. I studied French and Russian in college and spent time in Quebec, Senegal, and Russia as part of my studies. Another hobby of mine is playing Ultimate Frisbee. Some of my fondest memories of France are from playing with a French Ultimate team. I hope to teach English abroad in the coming year either in France or Austria, and I'm excited to come back for my second summer at Canoe!
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Claire Menon - Counselor
I come from Montpellier in the South of France but I live in Bordeaux for my studies. I study international relations, particularly Italy, in a Political Sciences Institute. I‘m used to being with children; two years ago I was a scout leader during two weeks in a camp in France. I love sports, field sports, and I practice Taekwondo. I love travelling and meeting people. I am glad to be involved with the French camp and to share my French culture!
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Max Leconte - Counselor
Salut toute le monde! My name is Maxence, I am 2o years old and I live just next to Lille in Northern France. I am currently studying History at the University. I'm fond of reading, music, and theatre of course. My plan is to be a French teacher in an English speaking country. But for the moment, I'd like to travel all over the world to discover as many different places and cultures as possible, as well as sharing my French culture with all of you! So far, the greatest adventure I've had was Canoe Island. This summer, I will be the theatre and French Cuisine instructor during the morning activities. I''ll show you just the right mix between a play of Molière and the Art of French pastries. I also love swimming, soccer, and especially badminton - which I practice twice a week - so you'll see me during the afternoon sports activities.
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Gaetan Lusven - Counselor
Salut tout le monde !
My name is Maxence, I am 20 years old and I live just next to Lille in the North of France. Some of you may remember me, as it’s going to be my second summer on Canoe Island! Anyway… You will all know me very soon!
I am currently studying History at the University, and I used to learn Literature when I was in highschool. I really enjoy learning all these things about the past, because I believe it helps you to understand better the present time. I am fond of reading, music, and theatre of course. I intend to become a French teacher in an English speaking country. But for the moment, I am aiming to travel all over the world to discover as many different places and cultures as possible, as well as sharing my French culture with all of you! I have already been to Italy, Greece, Germany, South Africa, Canada… Every time it’s a new sensation, between excitement and curiosity, that I call adventure. And for the moment, one of the greatest adventures I have lived was on Canoe Island!
This summer, I will share my time between the stage and the kitchen, being your theatre teacher during some morning activities, or your French cuisine one during some others! I will make you find the ideal mix between Moliere’s plays and the art of French pastry! I will also be in charge of sports during afternoon activities. I love swimming, soccer, and especially badminton that I practice two times a week.
Now, let’s see you all this summer, and be prepared to have a wonderful summertime learning French and having fun with mr
I live in Montpellier, a city in south of France, and I'm 19. I'm actually studying economics, and I expect to join the best trade school in France. I play guitar almost every day, and I play in a band in Montpellier. I also practice badminton at a national level, and I coached children in badminton for 3 years. Later, I would like to work in the trade, and, of course, I will continue to play guitar and badminton. I'm really looking forward to spending my summer at the Canoe Island French Camp.
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Sarah Stevens - Counselor
I’m an adventure seeking, travel loving student currently attending Western Washington University. I study French and Psychology. Outside of academics I like being outdoors and particularly enjoy Ultimate Frisbee, hiking and sailing. Music is and has always been a strong passion of mine, particularly for jazz. I’ve spent a third of my college career in France and love sharing the culture and language with others. Being able to do this in a camp setting is such a rich experience. I remember the wonderful times I’ve had not only as a camp counselor but also as a camper at French camp, and this is a reason why I developed such an attachment to the French language and culture. In my personal opinion singing, playing and interacting are the best ways to learn a second language.
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Fiona Connors - Counselor
I am from upstate New York and am studying International Relations and French at the State University of New York at Geneseo. After my senior year of high school, I studied abroad in French-speaking southern Belgium for a year. This will be my first summer at beautiful Canoe Island. I can’t wait to meet all of the campers, enjoy the great natural surroundings, and have some fun! I will be helping out with with the art and theatre programs at Canoe Island. I’m looking forward to a wonderful summer, à bientôt!
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Romain Berger - Counselor
I live in Montpellier (France). I study Finance. Also, tennis is very important in my life, I’ve been playing tennis since childhood. I practice for a national competition with my team. And I’m a tennis teacher on week-ends and the summer. It will be my first experience in a foreign country, and I’m really excited to work for Canoe Island and share my skill with all the campers.
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Emily Hunter - Program Assistant Sessions 1 & 2
I am 17, and I come from Bellevue, WA. I was a camper at Canoe for 2 summers, and I'm excited to be back for a third. In June, I will graduate from Bellevue High, and I start at Smith College in the fall, with plans to study psychology, and bien sûr le français! I am active in my school's drama department, and am a competitive singer. I love soccer (I'm an avid Sounders fan) and I also love to bake. I am the photo editor of Bellevue's yearbook, and I am taking AP French. I'm delighted to be able to spend time in the San Juans, meet all the campers and staff, and practice my French.
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Marissa Croft - Program Assistant Sessions 3 & 4
I am so excited to get to spend a fourth summer on Canoe Island, this time as the volunteer program assistant! I come from Corvallis, Oregon and will be a senior this autumn. In my free time I love to knit, make music, and study historical costume. I recently joined the track and field team, and I love to long and triple jump. French language and culture have been longtime fascinations of mine, and I look forward to a fabulous summer filled with both!
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Shannon O'Donnell - Chef du Cuisine
Shannon is a lifelong lover of the wilderness and comes from a family of foodies. In addition to having worked as a camp cook for over four years, and having recently completed a year of professional training with Le Cordon Bleu in Seattle, she has also studied for many years as a naturalist. She loves using ingredients she finds in nature for her dishes. She also loves shopping at farmers markets and learning about different types of cuisine.
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Robin "Towner" Buck - Sous Chef & Baker
Towner grew up in the Cascade Foothills of Washington State and spent many summers in the San Juans as kid. He graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle's Culinary Arts Program in 2004. He has worked in different restaurants such as the Earth and Ocean at the W hotel, Rovers, The Salish Sea and the Triple Door in the Seattle area. He has also spent some time in Arizona, working for the luxurious resort Boulders and the Mosaic restaurant. He loves all things in the outdoors, in particular camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. He does also enjoy rock climbing, working out and anything related to motorcycles.
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Alexis Lee - Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, Session 1 & 2
I live in Anacortes, WA, and attend Anacortes High School. I take ballet four days a week, and am involved with the Broadcast Club and the TV show at my school. In my free time -- when I get any -- I enjoy sleeping and watching TV. When it’s nice out, I like to go sailing, hiking, swimming, or just hang out at the beach. I attended camp last year, first session, and had a great time, and so I am very excited to come back this year as a kitchen assistant!
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Sarah Neville - Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, Sessions 1 & 2
I live in New York, and I love spending my summers at Canoe Island. I've been a camper at Canoe Island for three years. I love photography, and enjoy dancing, traveling, and playing the violin, flute, and piano. I've been dancing since I was four, and I've taken dance classes in tap, jazz, ballet and pointe. I also love to bake and my ambition is to study the baking and pastry arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Canoe Island and I cannot wait to start what will be a fantastic summer!
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Eliza Lane - Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, Sessions 3 & 4
I’m 19 years old, and I was a camper on Canoe Island three years in a row. I’ve lived in Washington my whole life, and I’ll be a sophomore at Western Washington University next fall. I’m majoring in Theatre Arts with a focus in Technical Theatre, and designing and building sets for plays is my passion. I also enjoy tap dancing. I took tap for 10 years while in high school. Looking forward to seeing you all on the island this summer!
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Volunteer Maintenance Assistants, Sessions 1 & 2
Stephanie Cleland - This is going to be my fourth summer on the island and I can't wait. I am 17 and from Corvallis, Oregon. I love to travel, ski, and throw shot put and discus. Last year I missed French Camp because I spent the summer in the small village, Dindefelo, in Senegal with a host family. It was a great experience in a French speaking country! I am looking forward to coming back to work at the camp and practice my French. See you there!
Aidan McCormick - I spent four amazing years at Canoe as a camper, but I knew I would have an even better time as a maintenance assistant. I am very excited and eager to begin working for the camp. From birth, I have lived in a bilingual home, and I am very thankful for that. I am a junior in high school and I am on both the soccer and sailing teams. I love learning and I find world history and science fascinating. I am very much looking forward to keeping the island in tip-top shape for the campers to enjoy.
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Volunteer Maintenance Assistants, Sessions 3 & 4
Robert Johnson - Robert was borned and raised in the Bay Area of California with a French mother and America father, making him fluent in both French and English. Next year he will be a senior at Bentley High School and he is interested in organic chemistry and neuroscience. Robert has always loved nature and spends most of his time outdoors. When he's not writing about himself in the 3rd person, Robert loves to go mountain biking and rock climbing. He has only been to Canoe island once before and loved it so much he would do anything to come back. Wish granted. A bientôt!
Harry Page Salisbury - I'm seventeen years old. I have lived in both Seattle and Costa Rica, and I speak fluent English and Spanish, as well as conversational French and some Latin. I love being outdoors, especially if it means I‘m rowing or playing soccer. Though I’ve attended Canoe Island for two summer sessions as a camper, this is my first time returning as a maintenance assistant. I’m thrilled to be headed back to help provide this year’s campers with the same great camp experience I was lucky enough to have.
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Manuele Mayer - Session 1 Nurse Manuéle be returning for her fourth year on Canoe Island. A native of France, she is the school nurse at Kenmore Junior High School. She brings her knowledge of French language and culture as well as her nurturing caring spirit to take care of staff and campers alike.
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Elaine Adams - Session 2 Nurse Elaine grew up in South America speaking English, Spanish, and German. She later studied French and was amazed how similar it is to Spanish. Unfortunately, today she only claims to speak English, and Spanish fairly well, but intends to improve her French this summer. She is an elementary school nurse in Houston, Texas, and has been a camp nurse before. For a short time she departed from nursing to study architecture. She also loves being outdoors, art, photography, music, traveling, and kids! Elaine is returning for her 3rd summer.
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Glenda Schuh - Session 3 Nurse Glenda has been a volunteer nurse at Canoe Island French Camp for 30 summers and has been a constant supporter of our programs. A Girl Scout life member and alpine ski instructor, she has focused on infectious disease nursing in her professional life. Glenda always has her camera ready to document the fun activities at camp.
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TuYen LeTran - Nurse, Session 4 Tuyen was born in South Vietnam to a family of teachers and professeurs de lycee. At the age of 5, her parents sent her to a French elementary school. She then attended the French High School of Saigon, the famous Lycee Marie Curie. The high school graduation diploma she obtained is exactly the "baccalaureat" awarded to French students in their native France. Four years of college at The University of Saigon in "L' Ecole de Pedagogie, section Francais" placed her as a French Language and French literature teacher in Saigon High School from 1961 to 1975. In the USA, she returned to school in 1979 and became a registered nurse. When the opportunity was presented to her to join the Canoe Island French Camp staff in the summer of 1996, she accepted with full responsibility. She is looking forward to returning this summer to assume her duty as a camp nurse for the 16th summer on Canoe Island.
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About Us
Parents driving their children to camp take I-5 north from Seattle or south from Vancouver BC or Bellingham to Exit 230 towards Anacortes. The ferry terminal is a few miles past the town of Anacortes at the end of Highway 20 and is well signed. 
