Isabelle Carmelo
Where do you currently live?
J’habite maintenant à Harrington dans les Laurentides.
What years were you at camp and in what capacity?
2001-03 as Assistant Chef
2004 as Head of French
2005-06 as Chipka Unit Head
2009-2011 Worked in the kitchen during Women’s Weekends
2013-2015 as Camper Care Coordinator
I also worked full time with Jacqui from 2002-2006 and at the MOO (Montreal Office) from 2013-2015. I was also there for 2 spring camp seasons but I can’t remember the dates, and I’m pretty sure there were one or 2 more years in the kitchen for WW.
It’s officially 9 Ouareau years but I’m still arguing with Jacqui that I should be at 10 - Women’s Weekend should count! #paddletime
What are some of your fondest memories from camp?
Flying out of the kitchen when hearing “Deep Deep Down Down” grace, Sunday morning in the kitchen with Joe’s parents helping out, walking around with an elephant at camp, night duty with no flashlight (‘cause you know the campers won’t see you coming), travelling to New York and Mexico for camp conferences, working Women’s Weekend with Leslie, Lyndsay, Faye and Jacqui, or the kitchen staff dance during skit night.
What did camp teach you, what did you learn at camp?
I learned to cook for 200 people. I learned to always be prepared for the unexpected. I learned English at camp. I learned that everyone has something to learn and something to teach.
What did camp teach you? What did you learn at camp?
Camp taught me to be independent and self sufficient. I learned new activities, made new friends, I was taught to get out of my comfort zone and have fun in ways that were so different then everyday home life. Camp was a completely unique experience and environment and the memories and friendships that I formed during my time at camp will stay with me forever.
Tell us about your current career
I was still in College when I started working with Jacqui during the off season. When I graduated, as a counsellor for delinquent youth, I was offered a job but I decided to stay longer with camp, wanting more life experience before working in that field. Working by Jacqui’s side was the best job I have ever had. I didn’t even have my license yet and she would pick me up and drive me back home at night. Every morning she would have a breakfast ready for me. I have to admit that she put my expectations for work conditions to an impossibly high standard!
I moved back to Montreal in 2006 and worked for the McGill University Health Centre until 2012. I was still on an extended maternity leave when I went back to Ouareau and then I became a full time mom once I had my 2nd daughter. I now have 3 kids; Amylia will be 9 in May, Alys is 4.5 years old and my youngest, Ayden, is 18 months. We officially moved to the country in 2019 and I have been homeschooling Amylia since the 2020 COVID lockdown first happened. Back in November, I decided to start my own business called Domaine LaRouge #likemeonfacebook. My husband and I wanted to have a more sustainable lifestyle and are working into adapting our small 4 acres of land into a homestead and permaculture. We are working towards becoming gourmet mushroom farmers as well as transforming food products from our permaculture. Our project is a long term one of living off and from our land while respecting its biodiversity. You can follow our adventure on social media!
Instagram: @domainelarouge
Facebook: @DomaineLaRougeQC
“But as I never experienced camp as a camper, it is easier for me to recognize the importance for young adults to experience working at camp. We learn a strong work ethic during our formative working years.”
Finish this sentence.... thanks to camp…
I always have access to a group a cheerleaders. People who will believe in me or make me feel smarter than I am on my own. #jacquisaidimagenius
Why do you think camp is an important experience for kids?
Camp is often the first place where kids are out of their comfort zone for a long period of time and without their usual emotional support. Camp becomes the perfect place to experience their individuality.
But as I never experienced camp as a camper, it is easier for me to recognize the importance for young adults to experience working at camp. We learn a strong work ethic during our formative working years. What we learned at camp as a staff has a long term impact in our work relationships.
Favorite program, song, activity, day, etc. at camp?
I have no memory for camp songs. If you think it can’t be that bad....I can’t even remember Taps!
My favourite program was Cow’s Tea when I worked in the kitchen, because I suddenly had all of the campers for myself. It was my time to shine.
Out of the kitchen, I think my favourites were my Chipka Unit Nights because it was an excuse to find a new Theme Dance Party where I could wear my old prom dress. It had cost me 200$ and I was going to make the best use of it!
Anything else you would like to share?
I rewrote these answers at least 5 times. Trying to put what Ouareau means into words felt impossible. Ouareau is everything. My amazing mother-in-law is a Ouareau girl; I text at least once to 85 times a day a Ouareau friend or family member; for the last 20 years everything in my life happened because one day I decided to face my social anxiety fears and worked at a camp. I found an amazing community of smart, strong and welcoming women. A place where you can be special in your own way and not be judged for your differences.
