Jumpstart your summer with a creative jolt! Our camp imagi·nation is a unique and playful lab for creative thinking and making in the wilderness for curious spirits ages seven and up.

Get your summer jumpstarted with a creative jolt! Our camp imagi·nation is a unique and playful lab for creative thinking and making in the wilderness for curious spirits ages seven and up.

Get your summer jumpstarted with a creative jolt! Our camp imagi·nation is a unique and playful lab for creative thinking and making in the wilderness for curious spirits ages seven and up.

Get your summer jumpstarted with a creative jolt! Our camp imagi·nation is a unique and playful lab for creative thinking and making in the wilderness for curious spirits ages seven and up.

re-envision the world

Set in our beautiful outdoor space by our lake and enchanted forest, our overnight camp invites participants to exchange and express themselves on important themes that fascinate them—from the environment and innovation to justice—in order to re-envision the world.

explore your creativity

With each day’s imaginative explosions, participants take on a flurry of projects, from drawing and photography to writing, performance arts and multimedia, energized by a caring team of facilitators and special guests who are practicing professionals. 

live in the heart of nature

Beyond learning to think and make outside the box, participants happily live together in our eco-lodgings, all the while getting to enjoy the great outdoors with activities ranging from swimming, kayaking and team sports to forest hikes, campfires and stargazing!

learn more

feed yourimagination

What do creating a movie, performing slam poetry, painting a mural, drawing a comic, constructing a robot, making choreography and designing recycle-fashion have in common? Creativity! Our camp imagi·nation offers kids an array of daily creative challenges to think and make outside the box.

SUMMER DATES

camp imagi·nation 2024

Calling all kids who have big hearts, bold thoughts and spirited imaginations! We offer a diversity of formats, from our discovery camp (part urban, part nature) for younger campers to our leadership mini-camp for teens.

camp
session 1

ages 9 to 12
JULY 8 TO 12, 2024
(5 days, 4 nights)

camp
session 2

ages 9 to 12
JULY 15 TO 19, 2024
(5 days, 4 nights)

camp
session 3

ages 9 to 12
AUGUST 12 TO 16, 2024
(5 days, 4 nights)

mini-camp
discovery

ages 7 to 8
JULY 2 TO 5, 2024
(4 days, 2 nights)

mini-camp

teens

ages 13+
JULY 24 TO 26, 2024
(3 days, 2 nights)

mini-camp

adults

ages 18+
AUGUST 23 TO 25, 2024
(2.5 days, 2 nights)

discover our land of wonder

Discover our headquarters in the wilderness where our camp imagi·nation takes place! After over a decade of urban day camps in Montreal (and so many amazing memories!), we are thrilled to be offering overnight camps in the great outdoors.

This film was made on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.

camp imagi·nation
album

amazing memories from our recent imaginative adventures...

frequently asked
questions

Curious to learn more about our camp imagi·nationadventures? Get all the specifics right here!

registration is open!
SPOTS ARE LIMITED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
Click the button to reserve your spot!

The reduced early registration fee applies until April 15.
what is camp imagi·nation ?
Our camp imagi·nation is an overnight camp unlike any other: it’s a unique and playful lab for creative thinking and making in the wilderness for curious spirits with a sense of adventure! We chose the name “imagi·nation” to highlight the importance of wonder and creativity for us—they are the core values of our little oasis in the forest! Arriving at camp means discovering a space dedicated to re-imagining the world and broadening horizons, while having fun and making friends.

Every day, participants embark on creative challenges that awaken their sense of curiosity, creativity and social responsibility in a supportive, exciting atmosphere set in a beautiful natural environment. We inspire participants to take part in a flurry of captivating dialogues, creative projects and kooky games, setting the stage for producing their very own philosophical magazines.

Brila is a registered Canadian charity offering bilingual educational programming that fuses philosophical dialogue and creative experimentation to cultivate critical thinking, empathic engagement and self-efficacy. For over 16 years, we have been hosting immersive experiences for all ages, including hundreds of camps based on our Philocreation® approach for thousands of young people! View testimonials from young people who have grown up with our programs and what their parents are saying.
who can participate in our camp?
Any and all kids who have big hearts, bold thoughts and spirited imaginations! We offer three weeks of overnight camp (five days, four nights) for youth aged 9 to 12. Our hybrid discovery program offers kids ages 7 and 8 a taste of the overnight camp experience in a safe and welcoming setting. Youth aged 13 and up can participate in our teen leadership workshop

We welcome anglophone and francophone youth from all over Quebec, as well as from the rest of Canada and the world. While all our summer camps are bilingual, participants can choose between English or French for the dialogue activities. No previous experience necessary. Spaces are limited so register now!

In the past, our day camps welcomed campers as young as five years old because we love working with all age groups! As of 2024, we are offering discovery camps for kids aged 7 to 8, but we encourage families with younger children to sign up for our philo-family day. For those who are still young at heart, we also offer an adult mini-camp over a weekend!
where is our camp located?
Our camp takes place at our new headquarters in the wilderness just one hour north of Montreal in the Lanaudière region. This beautiful 96-acre space boasts a lake, a forest, a field, eco-friendly lodgings and more, to enable truly immersive philocreative experiences in nature for youth and communities. In addition to fabulous outdoor experiences, participants will also get to think and create in our dedicated indoor workshop spaces and our lovely wood cabins and medieval tents. Check out the video above to get a sneak peek!
what is our camp schedule?
Each camp is jam-packed with innovative workshops that boost imagination by blending innovative creative projects with engaging conversations and inspiring special guest visits. Participants share meals together and get a choice of daily outdoor activities, from swimming, kayaking and hiking to various sports and nature-based crafts. 

Every day ends with free time that includes our kooky games, campfires, live music, talent shows and other creative activities facilitated by our passionate team. Participants are expected to attend the whole week of programming—since activities build on each other, absences are highly discouraged!

Each camp revolves around a fascinating theme, and includes one of our famous "Owl Challenges", which invite participants to reflect on a real-world issue and devise a creative solution with their team through collaborative creation. Each session concludes with an epic talent show and exhibition, as well as our famous relay races and water games!

To get an idea, check out the photos from our 2023 camps: Session 1, Session 2, Teen workshop.
who are the facilitators and guests?
Brila is propelled and energized by its dedicated facilitation team of experts. We boast an impressive staff-to-camper ratio of 1:3. Our senior facilitators are seasoned educators with over 50 combined years of experience as well as advanced graduate degrees in philosophy, pedagogy and mental health. Our junior staff are inspiring young adults who have grown up in our programs and know our Philocreation® approach inside and out!

We also have visits from a wide variety of special guests who are practicing professionals and love to infuse kids with their passion for creative thinking. To ensure everyone's well-being, our staff are first aid certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and by the Canadian Wilderness Medical Training, undergo an official police background check, adhere to our code of conduct and have references checked prior to joining our team. We also have a lifeguard and a medical doctor on site!
what about the food and sleeping arrangements?
We offer healthy, yummy meals and snacks, cooked in our kitchen. Everyone shares meals together at our outdoor tables overlooking the lake or in our indoor dining area. Most meals are served buffet style so participants can choose what (and how much!) they would like to eat. Our food philosophy is to have a local, vegetarian base to our meals then offer a variety of additions to satisfy even the fussiest taste buds! There are also opportunities for aspiring chefs to help with the cooking process, including campfire recipes and our kooky classics, ranging from cupcake sculptures to sundae bars!

Though we are a small camp, we can accommodate most dietary needs, including nut allergies and gluten restrictions. We will be delighted to discuss any requirements with you to ensure your child’s safety!

Our sleeping arrangements are as cozy as they are fun! We take great care in creating lodging groups to ensure all participants are happy and comfortable in our cabins and fancy bell tents. Each group is led by one of our team members to help create a friendly feeling of home from the get-go! Everyone is in close proximity to keep the community vibe alive throughout the day.
how should participants prepare for camp?
Before camp, participants will receive a detailed info-letter providing all the specifics regarding the program, including a full packing list and tips to prepare. We are an unplugged camp, meaning that we offer an immersive experience without internet or cell connection, though we use our on-site technology for many creative projects, from photography to film to music recordings. Of course, we are absolutely reachable if parents need to urgently contact their children plus we send photo updates to families throughout the week.

It is normal for participants (and their families!) to feel a bit nervous about an overnight camp experience—rest assured we are here to support you and will happily answer any questions you may have! Here is what youth and their parents say about their experience with us.

Brila is not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items: though we will try our utmost to keep personal belongings safe, we strongly recommend that new, expensive or favourite items be left at home.
how do participants travel to camp?
Bus transport to and from camp is provided as part of the registration fees. The meeting spot is on the Université de Montréal campus, with drop-off hours on the morning of the first day and pick-up hours in the early evening of the last day. The whole camp group travels together to begin building relationships right away! Additional details are provided to families in the info-letter sent prior to camp.
what are the philozines all about?
In addition to boosting their creativity through original projects and group dialogues, participants will be producing their very own philosophical magazine—or “philozine”—by contributing as storytellers, illustrators, photographers, multimedia artists, designers, performers and more. They'll not only create their own original publication, but also leave with a strong sense of responsibility about what they say, how they communicate it and who is affected by it! Check out some of our recent zines.
are there bursaries available?
Indeed! As a charity, Brila prides itself on offering cost-effective programming that is eco-friendly and resource-savvy so access is never a problem. We have full and partial bursaries available, thanks to generous funding from our partners. Bursary funds are distributed on the basis of financial need and granted to those who would be unable to attend camp without financial assistance. Applications are assessed in the order they are received and recipients are notified in the spring. To apply, please complete the bursary form.
what if i have more questions?
By all means, please get in touch! You can reach us by phone at 438.338.5956 or by email at info@brila.org. Plus, prior to camp, all participants will receive an info-letter and a welcome call from one of Brila's team members.
JULY 2-5, 2024

discovery
camp for littles

Are you a nature fan who loves adventure and learning new things?

Our discovery camp for younger kids (ages 7 and 8) is a magical introduction to the overnight camp experience! This four-day program starts with an introductory day in Montreal where participants get to know each other and plan for their big adventure in the wild. Then on the second day, we head out together by bus to our land of wonder for three days and two nights of creative thinking and making at our beautiful space in nature.

With our impressive staff-to-child ratio, our discovery camp offers kids a chance to get a taste of independence with other adventurous spirits who have big ideas and love being creative, all the while being guided and mentored by our warm and loving team. Beyond learning to think and make outside the box, participants will get to enjoy the great outdoors with activities ranging from swimming, kayaking and team sports to hikes, campfires and stargazing!


EARLY REGISTRATION FEE:
495 $
***Until April 15, 2024, then $525***


Camp fees include the first day of camp in Montreal (July 2, 224), meals, snacks and lodging (3 days, 2 nights—from the morning of Wednesday, July 3 to the early evening of Friday, July 5, 2024), all our original programming and outdoor activities, as well as bus transport between Montreal and our camp space.

Spaces are limited so reserve your spot:

JULY 24-26, 2024

teen
leadership
workshop

Are you an emerging leader in your school or in your community?

Our teen leadership program is a highly concentred dose of creative thinking for young agents of change! Over three days, participants will get the opportunity to hone their skills as leaders, experimenting with novel ideas and creative forms alongside seasoned educators and practicing professionals in creative fields ranging from writing and design to illustration and new media.

Through multifaceted projects inspired by the social issues that resonate with them most, they will get to collaborate with others who share their energy and vision, while shaping each other into leaders in their schools and communities. Beyond learning to think and make outside the box, participants will get to enjoy the great outdoors with activities ranging from swimming, kayaking and team sports to hikes, campfires and stargazing!


EARLY REGISTRATION FEE:
$395
***Until April 15, 2024, then $425***


Workshop fees include meals, snacks and lodging (3 days, 2 nights—from the morning of Wednesday, July 24 to the early evening of Friday, July 26, 2024), all our original programming and outdoor activities, as well as bus transport between Montreal and our camp space.

Spaces are limited so fill out a form to reserve your spot:

OUR TESTIMONIALS

experiences with brila

For more than 16 years, we have had the chance of witnessing amazing humans grow up with our philocreative camps! Meet some of our long-standing participants and parents:

what parents are saying...‍

AFTER A DECADE WITH BRILA

"I think it’s a very welcoming, accepting environment so my girls have felt very free to be themselves, to express themselves, to ask questions that are outside the normal realm."

"Since arriving in Canada, my sons feel part of something important so they have a responsibility to build toward a more peaceful atmosphere of discussion."

what participants are saying...

AFTER SPENDING THEIR CHILDHOOD WITH BRILA

"I’ve spent two-thirds of my life at Brila! Without philosophy, I wouldn’t have learnt there is a whole world to explore: your mind. I love the hands-on creative projects and the perspectives."

"I keep coming back because Brila is something special. It has really changed me—forged and sculpted part of my personality for the better. Transformation is the word to describe it!"

"It's so fun! You get to think about things a lot more deeply than just a surface level and realize that your actions have real impact and realize your reasons for doing things."

These films were made on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.

SAVE YOUR SPOT

camp imagi·nation
registration

Sessions 1-2-3
EARLY REGISTRATION FEE:
685 $
***Until April 15, 2024, then $725***

meals & lodging
original programming
bus transport

Camp fees include meals, snacks and lodging for one week (5 days, 4 nights), all our original programming and outdoor activities, as well as bus transport between Montreal and our camp space in Lanaudière, Québec. 

To register, please complete the form by clicking the button above. Camp fees can be paid securely online by credit card or bank transfer via PayPal (a 2% transaction fee applies). Participants must pay the full camp fees to reserve their spot. Registration can be cancelled with a 50% refund up to 28 days before the first day of camp. Cancellations requested after this date cannot be refunded. If extenuating circumstances present themselves (e.g., a health or family emergency), do get in touch with us directly. If you have any questions, please contact us!

discover our philozines

Every summer, our camps lead to the creation of one of our philosophical magazines—or “philozines”—which come alive with the ideas and creations of our participants, from powerful words and drawings to inventive photos and multimedia.

see the latest issue

apply for a bursary

As a charity, Brila prides itself on offering full and partial bursaries to families who would be unable to attend camp without financial assistance. Bursary funds are distributed on the basis of financial need. Fill out an information form to convey your interest!

get some support
CONTACT

connect with us

PO Box 47535, RPO Plateau Mont-Royal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2H 2S8
SIGN UP FOR OUR


Brila’s space is situated in Lanaudière, Québec, Canada, one hour north of Montréal. We acknowledge that our headquarters is located in the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.