From November 17–20, the inaugural 2024 First China Outdoor Education Conference (COEC) took place in Aranya Qinhuangdao, a conference and holiday resort just 1,5 hours from Beijing, by bullet train. The event was hosted by the cutting-edge educational institution Sun Watcher, led by Wang Hao – “Sanpi”. Under his leadership, both Sun Watcher and Mountain and River Warriors have earned admiration from peers for their precise product design, systematic operational framework, and meticulous attention to detail. These qualities have established the brands as highly respected names in the market.
Wang Hao – “Sanpi” shared that the goal of this annual conference is to deliver meaningful, substantial content. “We don’t want participants to invest their money and time just to go through the motions,” he emphasized. To ensure this, all guest speakers are seasoned professionals capable of leading in-depth workshops lasting 3–6 hours, creating what he describes as a “learning supermarket.” Over the course of 3–4 days, attendees will be able to gather the knowledge and skills they need most.
Additionally, expanding horizons is a key focus. After decades of growth, China’s pan-outdoor and camping industries, supported by national policies, have become a vital—and increasingly prominent—arena for serving young people and fostering comprehensive personal development. This trend is only gaining momentum.
Wang Hao – “Sanpi” highlighted the importance of looking ahead: “Before the future fully unfolds, we must seize opportunities to explore best practices from around the world, expand our global perspective, and prepare for the emergence of new markets.”
ICF Advisory Board members Masako Harigaya, Ruth Feng, Tennant Kiu, ICF General Secretary Alexia Sideri, and Past ICF President John Jorgenson provided in-depth support for the Congress, leading workshops, contributing to a total of six ICF-supported workshops among the 36 parallel sessions planned for the event.
John Jorgenson – Camp study tours and what they can tell us
John Jorgenson was a keynote presenter, as well as a workshop presenter.
In Jorgi’s keynote he emphasized our role as educators to create opportunities beyond simply being at camp to have experiences and to extend those experiences through facilitation to make meaning from them. Children must learn to know, to care and to act. We must fill their head, touch their heart and put tools for change in their hands. We and they must act to change our future for the better and we must do it with seven generations in mind.
His workshop was about “Camp study tours and what they can tell us”.
The workshops were six hours in length and intended to be interactive. Various program activities were interspersed with discussion to describe and define the China camp experience. The group watched the ICF study tours with three things in mind: What was familiar? What was unusual? What was transferable? Interesting discussion resulted as we compared the three private camp operations.
Tennant Kiu – How to Build a Talent Pipeline: The most effective strategies and methods
Tennant’s presentation was: How to Build a Talent Pipeline: The most effective strategies and methods.
Tennant was invited to present his session at the January ICF Academy episode, so stay tuned and don’t miss it!
Alexia Sideri – Outdoor Education Meets National Curriculum: A Greek Perspective
Alexia’s workshop, titled “Outdoor Education Meets National Curriculum: A Greek Perspective” explored how outdoor learning can enhance Greece’s school system by fostering environmental awareness, physical activity, and hands-on experiences. She explained how outdoor education aligns with subjects like history, geography, and environmental studies in the Greek curriculum, highlighting its benefits for student well-being and personal growth.
Participants took part in brainstorming sessions, watched videos of teacher-led projects, and learned practical ways to bring outdoor learning into schools. The session also emphasized the role of Greek summer camps in supporting outdoor education and considered how similar approaches could work in other countries, such as China. Challenges like funding, strict curricula, and limited urban spaces were discussed, along with solutions like teacher training and partnerships with cultural and environmental organizations. The workshop ended with practical tips for educators to create engaging, experiential learning opportunities for their students.
Masako Harigaya – What Outdoor Education Can Do for Children with Special Needs/How Beneficial Outdoor Activities Organized in Inclusive Settings for Children
Masako’s presentation, “ What Outdoor Education Can Do for Children with Special Needs/How Beneficial Outdoor Activities Organized in Inclusive Settings for Children“ highlighted the transformative impact of outdoor activities for children of all abilities. She emphasized that outdoor education, which fosters growth and development through enriching experiences, should be accessible to every child, regardless of disability, illness, or family background.
For over 15 years, Masako has organized camps tailored for deaf and hearing-impaired children, discovering benefits far beyond her expectations. With more than 30 years of experience in outdoor education, she continues to uncover new insights and opportunities for growth. Her workshop shared the outcomes of these initiatives, as well as stories from the Special Needs Camp Network, which she founded in 2016 to support children with chronic illnesses, orphans, and others in need.
The session encouraged participants to exchange ideas and experiences, creating a collaborative dialogue. Masako also introduced some sign language to promote inclusivity and communication. In the serene setting of a white church, participants united in a shared promise: to keep a warm, enduring light of care alive for children around the world.
Ruth Feng – Youth Achievement Award
Ruth had the opportunity to formally present the ICF endorsed program called “Youth Achievement Award”, specifically designed for the Chinese market.
The Youth Achievement Program is a self-directed, incentive program that is designed to engage youth in a broad range of activities associated with camp-like approach and attitude. Because the program is active in both camps and community, it provides a perfect opportunity to increase public awareness of value of camp experiences and promotes the idea of camp education to participants, sponsors, families, partners and policy makers.
Designed for all ages (from 9 years to adult), the program invites participants to chart their own journey and accomplish goals in a self-directed way. Each stage of a journey involves some type of camp experience coupled with other interests and pursuits at home or school. These other pursuits range from physical activity and personal interests to community service and cultural education.
The Youth Achievement Award, endorsed by ICF, is currently only available in China.
Link to the conference
Conference program and speakers
