ARJ Sports has launched its first-ever all-female hockey camp, the Camp féminin Gabrielle Santerre, which took place from July 13 to 17 at the Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur. The initiative targeted girls aged 10 to 13 and reached full capacity of 35 participants within a few weeks, leaving approximately ten additional players on a waiting list.
Demand for Dedicated Girls’ Hockey Training
The creation of the camp follows a multi-year planning phase that began in 2022. According to Zachary Choinière, president of ARJ Sports, the organization waited to launch the program until there was sufficient demand. Choinière stated that the project finally became viable this year with the assistance of a parent heavily involved in women’s hockey who helped recruit players.
The rapid sell-out of the 35 available spots reflects a broader growth trend in female hockey. Choinière noted that while the sport has been expanding, the necessary resources to support that growth haven’t always been available. Due to this initial success, ARJ Sports plans to expand the program next summer by adding a second week of camp. Choinière also expressed a long-term goal of forming a team to compete in tournaments.
Curriculum and Leadership under Gabrielle Santerre
The camp is led by Gabrielle Santerre, who is supported by four university players from Bishop’s University. Santerre, a long-time collaborator with ARJ Sports, designed the program to focus on individual skill development and the importance of female role models in sports.
A primary focus of her coaching is increasing "offensive confidence." Santerre observed that young female players often hesitate to take offensive initiatives, and she intends for the camp to encourage more assertive play on the ice.
Growth of ARJ Sports Summer Programming
The launch of the female-specific camp coincides with the fifth anniversary of ARJ Sports’ mixed summer camp. The mixed program has seen significant scaling, growing from roughly 50 participants in its inaugural year to nearly 185 players this season.
Choinière attributes this growth to the quality of the coaching staff, which consists entirely of collegiate or university-level players. He reported a 60% retention rate among eligible youth, which he views as a confirmation of the program’s effectiveness. To accommodate further growth, the organization is looking toward the addition of a new ice surface at the Colisée in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Camp Overview and Quick Facts
- Event: Camp féminin Gabrielle Santerre
- Dates: July 13–17
- Location: Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur
- Target Age: 10 to 13 years old
- Capacity: 35 players (plus a waiting list of ~10)
- Staffing: Gabrielle Santerre and four Bishop’s University players