As summer approaches, outdoor activities for children are on the rise, prompting a renewed focus on the dangers posed by ticks, particularly in urban settings like Montreal. Camp GUEPE, a summer programme dedicated to immersing children in nature, is actively informing parents about the importance of monitoring for ticks, which are increasingly linked to Lyme disease. With public health officials sounding the alarm over rising infection rates, families are urged to adopt preventive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.
Tick Awareness at Camp GUEPE
At Camp GUEPE, located in Montreal, parents are provided with an online resource detailing the potential risks of ticks, including guidance on how to identify them and the best practices for checking children after a day outdoors. “We encourage families to perform a tick check at the end of the day when the kids return from camp,” explained Anne Frédérique Préaux, a spokesperson for GUEPE and former camp counsellor. This proactive approach aims to ensure that children remain safe while enjoying their time in nature.
Montreal’s public health agency has reported a concerning increase in Lyme disease cases, with 161 recorded in 2025—the highest since the city began tracking these statistics in 2003. Nicolas Sheppard-Jones, the medical lead for infectious emergencies and disease at Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, noted that while 38 per cent of these cases stemmed from outdoor activities in the city, the majority of infections were likely contracted elsewhere in Quebec.
Understanding Tick Risks
Two primary types of ticks, the blacklegged and western blacklegged varieties, are known carriers of the Borrelia bacteria, which causes Lyme disease. Health experts emphasise that timely removal of ticks is crucial to prevent transmission. “Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to avoid prolonged feeding, which can last hours or even days,” advised Préaux. Although ticks are not typically a prevalent issue at summer camps, GUEPE advocates for routine tick checks and suggests that campers wash their clothes immediately after returning from outdoor activities.
Counsellors at GUEPE, who assist children aged five to thirteen, receive training on how to safely remove ticks using tweezers, which are included in their first-aid kits. As summer camp kicks off next week, counsellors will engage campers in discussions about potential outdoor hazards, including ticks and poison ivy. The aim is to educate rather than alarm, encouraging campers to adopt preventive practices, such as wearing long sleeves and applying insect repellent.
Addressing the Growing Threat
The Association des camps du Québec is also stepping up its efforts to raise awareness among camp administrators and participants about tick safety. Through an informative app called Réflexe, the association disseminates crucial information on tick removal and the symptoms to watch for after a tick bite, such as rashes.
Virginie Millien, an assistant professor of biology at McGill University, acknowledges that while the implications of tick bites can be serious, it is vital for the public not to panic. She points out that many individuals are unaware that ticks inhabit parks and residential backyards. “It’s natural for children to play outside, and while they may encounter ticks, the key is that they are checked thoroughly when they come home,” emphasised Prof. Millien.
Climate change has further complicated the situation, as it has permitted ticks to thrive in regions that were once too cold for them. Additionally, migratory birds can inadvertently spread ticks to new areas. “We need to learn to coexist with ticks,” she concluded.
Preparing for a Tick-Filled Summer
Dr. Sheppard-Jones reiterated the need for heightened awareness regarding tick safety across the island of Montreal. “It’s essential to understand that ticks are no longer confined to remote hiking trails,” he stated. “Recognising the risks is the first step in motivating people to adopt necessary precautions.”
As families gear up for summer adventures, a collective effort to educate and inform about tick safety will be crucial in protecting children and ensuring that outdoor experiences remain positive and healthy.
Why it Matters
The rising prevalence of Lyme disease presents a significant public health challenge, particularly as children engage in outdoor activities during the summer months. By fostering awareness and promoting preventive measures, communities can better equip families to handle the risks associated with ticks. This proactive stance not only safeguards individual health but also empowers families to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence.
