A Global Gathering in Ulaanbaatar: ICF Leadership Honors 100 Years of Mongolian Camping
In a landmark celebration of heritage and growth, the International Camping Fellowship (ICF) leadership—including Past President John Jorgenson and current ICF President, Fahri Gozet, and Board members Ruth Feng, Tennant Kiu, and Valeriy Dolgikh—convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mongolia to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the nation’s camping movement. The conference was anchored by a powerful opening address from the ICF President, who explored the profound global impact of camping and shared an exciting preview of the upcoming International Camping Congress (ICC 2026).
Insights and Honors: ICF Board Presentations
Beyond the keynote, ICF board members and John Jorgenson provided their unique expertise through a series of insightful presentations on the evolution of organized camping. The event reached a heartfelt peak as ICF Awards were bestowed upon Chultem Byambasuren, Tulshig Tuvshin, and the iconic Nairamdal camp, alongside a special token of appreciation presented to the National Camp Association of Mongolia.
Professional Growth: The 1st ICDC in Mongolia
For those interested in the broader impact of this gathering, more information about the 1st International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) that took place in Mongolia can be found here.
A New Era: The Memorandum of Collaboration
In a landmark step toward the future of youth development, the Family, Child and Youth Development Office, the Directorate of Education, and the Mongolian National Camps Association have officially signed a Memorandum of Collaboration. This strategic partnership between three vital pillars aims to transition the traditional camping model from simple recreation into a comprehensive system of “living intelligence” and personal growth. By integrating the resources of state and non-governmental organizations, the initiative will establish new standards for child protection, enhance program accessibility, and ensure that every camp serves as a safe, creative environment for shaping the citizens of tomorrow.
Event Highlights: Presidential Speech and Gallery
Below, we present the full text of the President’s opening speech and a gallery of photos capturing this historic moment of international fellowship.
ICF President’s Opening Address at the 100th Anniversary of Camping in Mongolia
Distinguished Ministers,
Dear friends, colleagues, and members of our global camping family,
Today, we are not just celebrating 100 years.
We are celebrating 100 years of transformation.
Because camps do not just create memories—
they create people.
I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Mongolian Camps Association for their vision and dedication, and to the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection for their leadership and support.
What you have built here in Mongolia is not just a camping tradition.
It is a legacy of shaping lives.
Around the world, camps may look simple from the outside.
But inside, something extraordinary happens.
A child discovers confidence.
A child learns to trust.
A child realizes they belong.
These may seem like small moments, but they change everything.
Because when these moments are multiplied across generations, they build stronger, more connected societies.
Today’s children are more connected than ever, but often less connected to each other.
And that is why camps matter more than ever.
Because camps do not just teach skills—
they teach life.
At camp, children learn empathy.
They learn respect.
They learn resilience.
But most importantly, they learn who they are.
And here in Mongolia, this vision lives in one very special place: Nairamdal.
Nairamdal is not just a camp.
It is a symbol.
A symbol of friendship.
A symbol of peace.
A symbol of international understanding.
For decades, it has brought together children from different cultures, turning differences into connection and strangers into lifelong friends.
For the International Camping Fellowship, Nairamdal holds a very special place.
It represents the very heart of our mission: building bridges between cultures and shaping a generation that sees the world with understanding.
As we celebrate this remarkable 100-year journey, we must also look forward.
Because our responsibility is not only to honor this legacy—
it is to expand it.
To reach more children.
To include every background.
To ensure that every child has the chance to experience camp.
Because somewhere, right now, there is a child waiting for their first camp experience.
And that experience may change their life forever.
The first 100 years built a legacy.
The next 100 years will shape the future.
And that future begins with every child we inspire today.
Camps do not just create memories—
they create people.
Thank you.
