Our Camp Counselors
Julia Peillon
Julia was born and raised in Nice, in the south of France. Since turning 18, she has embraced the world with curiosity, often setting off on solo adventures. Her passion for languages and fascination with global cultures naturally led her to study foreign languages, followed by a Master’s degree in translation (French, English, and Chinese), with the aim of building bridges between cultures.
Alongside her academic journey, Julia has been involved in youth programs for nearly 15 years. Over the years, she has taken on a range of roles, including camp counselor, lead camp counselor, and currently, BAFA/BAFD trainer. She has led groups of children in France, China, and the United States.
In 2018, Julia joined the EFBA team as the lead camp counselor of the Mountain View camp and has been part of the organization ever since. Since 2020, she has served as EFBA’s Camps and Cultural Programs Director.
When working with children, Julia embraces a nurturing, inclusive approach that fosters personal growth, curiosity, and global awareness. She is deeply committed to helping young people develop empathy, learn non-violent conflict resolution skills, and take on responsibility. Her top priority is to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident enough to find their place and contribute meaningfully to the group. Her guiding motto: “Investing in childhood is planting the seeds of a world that is more just, more humane, and more full of light”.
Anaëlle Meerpoel
A second-year law and political science student, Anaëlle has been involved in camp programs for many years. She earned her BAFA (the French certification for camp counselors) three years ago and has been babysitting since the age of 12, building solid experience in after-school programs and recreation centers. She has also worked with children and teens ages 8 to 16 as a dance instructor, a role that allowed her to blend teaching, energy, and creativity.
What does she love most about working with kids? Mystery games and problem-solving activities, along with every form of self-expression—physical, theatrical, or emotional. Comfortable with conflict resolution and highly attentive to group dynamics, Anaëlle enjoys designing and leading large-scale projects of all kinds: sports-based, artistic, intellectual, or simply fun. Always attentive to children’s needs, she is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. (She’ll also happily admit that cooking is not her strongest skill 🙂)
Outside of youth work, Anaëlle is passionate about dance, sports, and travel. Curious and energetic, she draws constant inspiration from her experiences and discoveries to imagine new activities.
In a few words, she is organized, cheerful, caring, patient, energetic, and deeply thoughtful toward others.
Fun fact: With a wildly creative imagination, Anaëlle can spend hours inventing stories, improvising (sometimes completely improbable) performances, or dreaming up ambitious activity projects—often much bigger than originally planned!
Nary Bouafia
Through a path combining academic studies, hands-on experience, and international mobility, Nary has developed a strong passion for working with children and youth programs. She has supported groups of children and teens in a wide range of settings and has also trained camp counselors—experiences that have helped her develop great adaptability, strong listening skills, and a keen understanding of group dynamics.
For Nary, working with children is not just about offering activities; it is first and foremost about creating a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where every child feels valued.
Her favorite aspects of youth programming include group games, activities that foster verbal expression and cooperation, and everyday moments that help strengthen group cohesion. Attentive and energetic, Nary places great importance on listening, conflict resolution, and respect for each child. She is inspired by a caring and participatory approach to education—one that encourages children to find their voice, take their place within the group, and learn without fear of making mistakes.
Outside of camp, Nary is deeply interested in languages, cultures, and travel. Currently in Canada, she chose to explore Québec and experience its culture firsthand. She has had the opportunity to go whale watching in Tadoussac and is now in Mont-Tremblant, where she is discovering the region through skiing. Curious and open-minded, she loves immersing herself in new environments and growing through each encounter.
In a few words, Nary describes herself as caring, responsible, adaptable, creative, and always smiling.
Fun fact: Nary has a real talent for art and drawing. She especially enjoys creating collaborative murals with children—an activity that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and individual expression.
This summer at EFBA, her goal is to help each child build confidence, progress in French at their own pace while having fun, and leave camp with strong, positive memories.
Sacha Bancel
Sacha has been working with children in camp programs for over two years. He holds the BAFA (the French certification for camp counselors) and has learned to design games and activities in all kinds of settings, whether by the sea, in the mountains, in the forest, or even in the middle of the desert. With Sacha, there truly are no limits to where or how activities can take place.
Currently taking a gap year after earning his high school diploma with a focus on film studies, Sacha plans to resume his studies next year and specialize in tourism. At the same time, he is completing a civic service placement in a school, an experience that allows him to further strengthen his skills and gain hands-on experience as a counselor.
He loves organizing outdoor activities, especially large-scale games that challenge children to think and solve problems, such as Cluedo-style mystery games. A passionate athlete and sports enthusiast, Sacha places great importance on respect and team spirit, convinced that a positive group dynamic is essential to an unforgettable camp experience.
Outside of youth work, his main interests include sports, cinema, theater, and travel. With a strong sense of humor, he likes to describe himself as a mix between Mike Horn and Steven Spielberg, without their talent, a few years younger, but with plenty of enthusiasm.
The words that describe him best are athletic, imaginative, dreamy, and fearless. Add to that an infectious zest for life, and the picture is complete.
Fun fact: At age 8, Sacha once ran straight into a wall while trying to win a race at school. He is convinced that this moment is the source of the small dose of craziness that defines him, and that kids absolutely love.
This summer at EFBA, his goal is to share French culture, and more specifically the unique qualities of the French department where he lives, the Meuse. Above all, he hopes that every child will have an unforgettable summer and leave camp knowing that even the most remote regions have so much to offer.
Hugo Martins
After three wonderful summers at EFBA’s Mountain View camp in California from 2022 to 2024, Hugo is back this year for a brand-new adventure filled with unforgettable memories. Along the way, he has served as a camp director at a day camp in New York City, taken part in numerous summer camps in France, and worked with participants of all ages. He also brings strong experience supporting both children and adults with disabilities.
Hugo loves diving into imaginative worlds and helping children dream big. Whether stepping into a character or leading creative activities, he delights in building rich imaginary universes and bringing them to life. Patient and deeply attentive, he places great importance on listening to children and supporting their well-being at camp. For Hugo, learning through play is at the heart of a successful camp experience. By blending educational activities with interactive storytelling, he turns everyday moments into exciting and meaningful adventures.
Outside of camp life, Hugo loves to travel and discover new cultures—but above all, he loves taking on challenges. Most recently, he embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Brazil: joining a samba school, training for several months, and marching in the official competition of the Rio Carnival 2026. An intense, festive, and truly unforgettable journey.
In just a few words, Hugo is sociable, kind, funny, energetic, and athletic (already warming up for the 2026 World Cup!).
Fun fact: Hugo loves cooking, but his cakes almost never turn out right. He can’t wait for the kids to help him invent new recipes this summer!
His goal at EFBA: to enjoy a joyful, sunshine-filled summer in California while helping every child discover—or continue to love—the French language in all its richness.
Elisa De Brito
For the past eight years, Elisa has worked as a camp counselor in camp programs across France and abroad, guided by a genuine passion for youth work and group life. Curious and enthusiastic, she loves discovering new places, new teams, and—above all—new ways to support and connect with children.
She holds the BAFA (the French certification that prepares youth leaders to work in camps), as well as a professional diploma in early childhood education, where she trained specifically to work with young children in care and educational settings. Over the years, she has developed an approach that is just as effective with younger children as it is with teens. Kindness, active listening, organization, energy, and a strong sense of play are at the heart of her work. Elisa especially enjoys launching projects inspired by children’s imaginations: setting up an art studio, filming a mini music video, preparing a performance, leading environmental awareness workshops… or anything else the children dream up.
In the summer of 2022, she joined EFBA for the first time—an experience that had a deep impact on her both professionally, through the discovery of positive education and its open-minded approach, and personally, thanks to the richness of the cultural exchange.
She is now excited to return to EFBA for Summer 2026, looking forward to creating meaningful memories with the children and guiding them as they discover the French language and Francophone cultures through shared activities and everyday moments.
Fun fact: she can create a colorful costume—and the entire imaginary world that goes with it—using nothing more than everyday objects!
Clément Planche
Clément is a future physical education teacher and a passionate camp counselor. Originally from Dijon—the French city famous for its mustard—he is currently in his fourth year of a STAPS degree (a French university program focused on sports science and physical education) as he prepares for a career in teaching.
For Clément, working with children is much more than a summer job. He holds the BAFA (the French certification for camp counselors) and has spent many of his school breaks working in camps, where he especially enjoys the energy of teamwork and building connections with young people.
A true sports enthusiast, he is particularly passionate about swimming and soccer, but he also loves taking on new challenges. This year, for example, he started learning breakdancing.
Outside of camp, you’ll often find him with a camera in hand—photography is his second passion.
He is excited to join the EFBA team this summer in the San Francisco Bay Area and looks forward to sharing his energy, creativity, and French spirit with the children.
Juliane Juan
Currently in her second year of a dual degree in Law and Languages, Juliane looks forward to every school break as a chance to do what she loves most: working with children. Since earning her BAFA (the French certification for camp counselors) three years ago, she has gained extensive experience in camps with children ages 3 to 17, both in France and abroad.
Curious, upbeat, and bursting with positive energy, Juliane has a natural gift for sparking children’s imaginations. She especially enjoys leading large-group games, with a strong preference for sports and outdoor activities. Always attentive to children’s well-being, she makes it a priority that every child feels welcomed, included, and valued within the group. Deeply committed to the principles of popular education, she firmly believes that children and counselors learn from one another every single day.
Outside of youth work, Juliane has many passions, including taekwondo and sewing. A true traveler at heart, she loves discovering new places and meeting new people. Her enthusiasm and joy are contagious—and there’s never a dull moment when she’s around!
Fun fact: Juliane knows an impressive number of songs, but insists she sings terribly (we’ve heard her sing—and we wholeheartedly disagree!).
Her goal for her second summer at EFBA: to inspire every child, respond thoughtfully to their individual needs, and make sure everyone leaves with lasting, joyful memories.
Marie Mazzocato
After earning her BAFA (the French certificate for camp counselors) in 2006, Marie continued her studies and completed a master’s degree in cultural project management. Working with children was a constant throughout her student years, whether in day camps, overnight camps, outdoor education trips, or specialized programs for children in foster care.
She later joined a national nonprofit dedicated to youth development, where she earned her camp director’s certification and began training new counselors through the BAFA program.
In her roles, Marie has always remained close to the field. She regularly recruited and supervised her own teams, and mentored several BAFA trainees along the way. Supporting young counselors as they find their place in a team and discover the world of youth programs has always been one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
As a director, she enjoys working side by side with her teams, co-creating activities and sharing in the group’s creative energy and enthusiasm. She sees this hands-on approach as a real strength, helping to build trust and prevent many issues before they arise.
What she loves most about youth programs is imagination and storytelling—and she’s always happy to dress up to bring an activity to life. Whether the focus is athletic, artistic, or game-based, she enjoys creating a narrative that transports children into another world.
The words that best describe her, in her view, are kind, creative, curious, and deeply empathetic.
Fun fact: she loves musical games—but you may not want to hand her the microphone unless you’re ready for a rainstorm.
Above all, she is looking for a meaningful experience that aligns with her values, pushes her out of her comfort zone, and helps her keep growing.
Lilian Burnichon
Lilian, a law student and camp professional, is joining our team for Summer 2026! Originally from Marseille in the south of France, he already knows EFBA well, as he was part of our camps in 2022. We’re delighted to welcome him back for another adventure this summer.
For nearly ten years, Lilian has worked as a counselor, camp director, and BAFA trainer (the French certification that prepares counselors to work with children in camps). He has taken part in a wide range of camp programs and is always eager to explore new experiences.
Passionate about travel and discovery, Lilian loves exploring the world—and he also has a soft spot for animals, especially horses. Creative and resourceful, he enjoys hands-on activities just as much as strategy and problem-solving games. He’s also a big fan of costumes and storytelling, always ready to bring children into a new imaginative world.
Kind, curious, attentive, and fair, Lilian returns to EFBA with the same goal he had in 2022: to make a positive impact on the children’s summer, help them have fun, grow, and strengthen their connection to the French language and Francophone cultures.
Inès Ikhlef
Inès has been working as a camp counselor since she was 17, and it didn’t take long for her to realize that working with children would be much more than just a summer job. After five years of studies in tourism and event planning, she chose to dedicate herself fully to youth programs—a field she is truly passionate about and where she feels right at home.
Over the years, she has worked in both day camps and overnight camps with children of all ages, in France, across Europe, and in the United States. She is currently a ski instructor in Switzerland, an experience that brings together sports, teaching, and the joy of sharing her skills every day.
Now that her studies are behind her, she has decided to focus on what matters most to her: working with children, traveling, and discovering new environments. For Inès, every new place, team, and encounter is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. She believes that openness to the world is a powerful educational tool—for both children and adults. In her daily work, she especially enjoys large group games, baking activities, and, above all, creating imaginative worlds. She loves inventing stories, setting the scene, and taking children on adventures where anything feels possible. Her goal is simple: to capture their attention, spark their creativity, and inspire them to take part fully.
Outside of camp, she is passionate about travel, photography, skiing, and hiking.
If we had to describe Inès in just a few words, we’d say she is cheerful, energetic, patient, and always smiling!
Fun fact: with just a few everyday objects, she can turn an ordinary space into a brand-new adventure.
This summer at EFBA, she hopes every child leaves with wonderful memories while discovering the French language and Francophone cultures in a fun, caring environment.