Dear ICF Community,
As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. The beginning of the year is a time of renewal, planning, and looking ahead to the exciting opportunities that await us in the world of camping. I hope 2025 brings success, inspiration, and growth to all our members, camps, and organizations around the globe.
For many of you, preparations for the upcoming summer season are already in full swing. This period is filled with energy and anticipation, as we create experiences that shape the lives of countless young people. I wish you all the best as you refine your programs, train your staff, and prepare your campgrounds to welcome campers once again. Your dedication to outdoor education and youth development is what makes our global community so special, and I am confident that this year will bring even greater achievements.
At ICF, we are also gearing up for a year filled with meaningful initiatives and collaborations. Our membership renewal period is underway, and I encourage you all to stay connected and engaged with our ever-growing network. The ICF Academy continues to provide valuable resources and insights, with new episodes and reports coming soon.
In addition, planning for the 13th International Camping Congress (ICC2026) in China is progressing steadily. We are excited to share more updates as the program takes shape, promising an unforgettable event that will bring together camp professionals from all over the world.
Beyond ICF, the international camp community is bustling with activity. The ACA National Conference in the USA, the TAC Workshop & ICDC in Mexico, and various camp conferences in Australia are just a few examples of how our field is thriving. Around the world, we are seeing exciting developments in Japan, Venezuela, Spain, Ukraine, Canada, Russia, and Uzbekistan—each contributing to the collective growth of our global movement.
As we navigate these first months of 2025, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your stories, and celebrate the incredible work being done in our community. ICF remains committed to fostering connections, providing valuable resources, and championing the transformative power of camp.
Wishing you all a fantastic start to the year and a successful season ahead.
With warm regards,
Fahrettin Gozet
ICF President 2023 – 2026