Summer camps are a place for children to practice swimming, learn arts and crafts, and get active outdoors.
But they are also being used to teach children how to deal with bullying.
The human rights group Equitas is, for the eighth year in a row, running its 'Play It Fair' workshops at day camps throughout Montreal.
On a recent day 150 children in Montreal North took part in Play It Fair and resolved to do more to stop bullies.
Children who have taken part said they have learned about teamwork and the importance of not excluding others.
"Respect is helping people, doing what we need to do," said ten-year-old Avery Mackay-Usai.
Equitas Executive Director Ian Hamilton said the program is very good at helping people who are new to a community.
“It really helps children learn how to express their concerns if they're experiencing bullying and discrimination,” said Hamilton.
“It helps children understand what the impact of their behaviour is on other children.”
Daycamp co-ordinator Marie Pier Bleu has worked in Montreal North for close to a decade. She said the program has made a significant difference in how children interact.
“They are more able to express themselves, and there is much more mutual respect,” said Bleau.
Play It Fair is now taught to 65,000 children across Canada and in other countries.
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Children learning about fair play at day camps
ctvmontreal.ca
Published Tuesday, August 7, 2012 2:12PM EDT