The Fondation des Ressources Alternatives du Sud-Ouest (FRAS) was proud to announce at a press conference that it had acquired Camp Bosco, an exceptional natural site that is dear to the hearts of Suroît residents. 

The press conference was held on Monday, October 16 at Camp Bosco, in the presence of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield mayor Miguel Lemieux, Coteau-du-Lac mayor Andrée Brosseau, Soulanges MNA Marilyne Picard, Beauharnois MNA Claude Reid and Steve Hickey, representative of Salaberry-Suroît MNA Claude DeBellefeuille. 

The Camp's reopening will enable us to offer specialized services to young people with special needs. 

"Thanks to the mobilization of community partners who have pooled their strengths, Camp Bosco is more vibrant than ever, promoting the principles of inclusion and participation for customers with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In fact, by leasing the accommodation located on the Camp Bosco site, we hope to develop a youth pavilion that will welcome 28 young people aged 5 to 17 with an intellectual disability or an ASD with a behavioral disorder. Camp Bosco is located in an enchanting setting and offers a peaceful environment conducive to rehabilitation. Above all, it's an ideal gathering place for families, which is why it's the perfect location for this unique residential environment in Quebec" explains Philippe Gribeauval, President and CEO of CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest.

At the moment, eight young people aged between 5 and 17 are being cared for by CISSSMO professionals. The aim is to accommodate a maximum of 28 on site. Some stay for a few weeks or months. 

A promising acquisition in line with its mission to serve young people

FRAS also took the opportunity to unveil its upcoming projects. "The FRAS Board of Directors is committed to supporting organizations that work with people with autism or intellectual disabilities.We want them to devote time and energy to their mission of providing quality services.The FRAS wants to be at the forefront of the development of these people from childhood onwards, and in the pursuit of objectives aimed at achieving an active adult life " mentioned Marielle Beaulieu, President of the FRAS.The acquisition of Camp Bosco is in line with FRAS's desire to pursue its mission, which has been helping people with intellectual disabilities and autism for almost 40 years.The acquisition was made possible by a bequest from the former administrators of the Valleyfield Family Vacation Camp, Camp Bosco.

To ensure the camp's viability, FRAS will lease its facilities to organizations working with the clientele it serves. The site will enable FRAS to expand its range of continuously assisted living facilities for children with intellectual disabilities and autism. With a view to perpetuating its mission and maximizing the use of the Camp's premises, the organization has already set up partnerships to ensure the long-term rental of the space.

"FRAS wishes to express its gratitude to the former owners for the precious legacy of Camp Bosco. A special mention goes to Desjardins for their support and confidence in the Foundation's mission.Finally, I would personally like to extend my warmest thanks to our Board of Directors for their vision, ambition and constant commitment" continued Brigitte Asselin, General Manager of FRAS.With its strong community vocation, the reopening project also aims to broaden the clientele by offering school group activities, day camps, accompaniment with ongoing assistance for temporary accommodation of children, and activities for community organizations and businesses.

"In all humility, we believe that Desjardins' $700,000 contribution will enable the Camp Bosco revitalization project to become a reality.Our commitment will also help ensure the long-term future of the organization and of this wonderful site " said Jean-François Gagnon, President of the Caisse Desjardins de Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and representative of the contributing Caisses.

FRAS is doing everything in its power to bring this exceptional natural site back to life as a welcoming outdoor venue. Camp Bosco will provide parents with much-needed respite, while offering children the benefit of qualified staff and supervision adapted to their needs. The unique site will offer year-round services for the entire community, and will also be open to the public. It should be noted that the site will retain its original name, in order to maintain a name that is well known in the community." People are very attached to this site and some come to walk here every day.I want to reassure them that the site will remain accessible to all, according to the same schedule as Salaberry-de-Valleyfield's parks" added Ms. Beaulieu. 

FRAS also took the opportunity to unveil its upcoming projects.

"The FRAS Board of Directors is committed to supporting organizations that work with people with autism or intellectual disabilities. We want them to devote time and energy to their mission of providing quality services.The FRAS wants to be at the forefront of the development of these people from childhood onwards, and in the pursuit of objectives aimed at achieving an active adult life" mentioned Marielle Beaulieu, President of the FRAS.

Jean-Luc Brassard, Camp Bosco spokesperson

The organization is also honoured to announce the appointment of Jean-Luc Brassard as spokesperson for Camp Bosco. Mr. Brassard grew up in the family home in the Grande-Île sector of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.Naturally very active, from an early age he put his energy into numerous sports and outdoor activities.

It was in 1994 that Mr. Brassard received his Olympic consecration when he won the gold medal in freestyle skiing at the Lillehammer Olympic Games in Norway. At the age of 21, he became one of Quebec's most talked-about athletes.

The new spokesman is not only a great champion, he's also a man who loves the outdoors and is renowned for his charity work. His attachment to Camp Bosco leads him to want to contribute to its development.

He will put his expertise at the service of the organization, working with it to develop a recreation and tourism offering on site. 

A new image for Camp Bosco and FRAS

Taking advantage of this acquisition and the permission to use this emblematic name, FRAS decided to refresh the Camp Bosco logo and harmonize it with the colors of the Foundation's current logo.This move is part of an overall visual overhaul for FRAS, which will manifest itself at events, on social networks, and more.With nearly four decades of active work in the healthcare field behind it, FRAS now wants to make itself better known to the general public. This redesign is therefore an essential step in bringing us closer to the community and strengthening our presence and strengthen its presence in the community.

New facilities to discover FRAS has also announced that it now has two rooms available for rental: a conference room and a banquet hall, ideal for a variety of events (e.g. training, team meetings, weddings, etc.). For further information on rental or to make a reservation, please contact the administration at [email protected].

Security measures in place

FRAS will be putting in place measures to enhance safety for all. Opening hours for access to the property will be enforced, and dogs will no longer be allowed on the Camp Bosco grounds. However, they will still be welcome on the trails of Parc de l'Île-des-Patriotes.