Working at Canoe Island French Camp can be a unique experience both for those visiting the United States for the first time, and for those from Canada and the United States who are already familiar with the Northwest US.  With a small staff of 19 and only 40 campers at a time, staff and campers quickly get to know everyone, making for a family atmosphere in camp.  Away from the distractions of modern technology, highways, and malls, campers tap into their own creativity, curiosity and desire to learn.

Training week, the week prior to the first week of camp, will cover such topics as safety, emergency response, and working effectively with children.

Summer on a private island in the San Juan Islands can be a memorable experience.  Be a part of an enthusiastic, creative, fun, and professional team who are dedicated to bringing French language and culture alive for children ages 9-17 and families.  

Counselors

Campers look to counselors for acceptance and understanding, and hence, counselors have a significant impact on campers' self-esteem and confidence. You will gain experience in the areas of leadership, communication, organization, and teamwork, as well as further your knowledge of French and French culture and history.

Counselors need to be at least 18 and have had at least one year of college, be able to conversationally speak French and English, be able to teach French at least at a beginning level, and be able to lead at least one of the following activities (see Job Descriptions for more details).

Counselors live in tipis with 3-4 campers and are expected to speak French most of the time but be also conversationally fluent in English.  Time off is 36 hours between each two-week session and at least 2 hours per day.  Contracts are for 9 weeks of camp plus one week of staff training in mid-June.  Additional work may be available in spring, fall and Labor Day Weekend with family and group programs.

Program Director works closely with the Camp Director to plan each day's activities, plans special activities, oversees counselor-led activities, and makes sure each day runs smoothly.  This person often shares a tipi with campers.

French Director, preferably a native French speaker, instructs counselors in fun, effective ways to teach French, assists the French instructors in teaching throughout the sessions, teaches French culture, plans French language outings, and brings the French language to all aspects of the program from theater to sports.

Chefs should have experience cooking for groups and be interested in cooking recipes from the cuisines of France and other Francophone countries that are interesting to young people.  A knowledge of vegetarian cooking is expected.  The head chef is in charge of menu planning and ordering.

Kitchen Assistant helps with prep and dishwashing and must be at least 18 years old.