Dear ICF Family,
As we step into 2026, I would like to begin by wishing each of you a very happy, healthy, and inspiring New Year. Wherever you are in the world—leading camps, training staff, supporting young people, or advocating for the power of outdoor education—I hope this new year brings renewed energy, meaningful connections, and moments of joy around the campfire.
The start of a new year is always a time for reflection and intention-setting. Looking back, our global camp community has shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and solidarity. Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a defining year for the International Camping Fellowship, filled with opportunities to learn together, lead together, and strengthen the global voice of camp.
One of our greatest milestones on the horizon is the 13th International Camping Congress – ICC 2026 in China. With early registration now open, the excitement is building across continents. ICC is more than a congress—it is a global gathering of ideas, cultures, friendships, and shared purpose. From the Early Bird registration opportunity to the inspiring Torchbearer (Campfire Relay) Program and the Global Call for Presenters, ICC 2026 invites every one of us to play a role in shaping the future of camp education worldwide.
At the heart of ICF is participation and shared leadership. This January, we come together for our Annual General Meeting, an important moment to reflect on our progress and look boldly toward the future. I encourage eligible members to ensure their membership is up to date so they can take part in this vital conversation. In the same spirit, nominations for the 2026 ICF Board of Directors are now open. Strong, diverse leadership is essential to our mission, and I invite you to consider how you—or a colleague—might contribute.
As we plan ahead, your voice matters. Our ICF Strategic Planning Survey is a key step in shaping the next five years of our organization. Whether you are a long-time camp director or new to the field, your insights help guide our collective path forward.
Professional development remains a cornerstone of our work. In 2026, the International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) will be offered in multiple countries, culminating in the highly anticipated ICDC Trainer Course in China, held in conjunction with ICC 2026. These programs represent the highest standards of training and certification in our field, and I am proud of the global faculty and alumni who continue to elevate camp leadership worldwide.
Learning and connection also continue through the ICF Academy, with Season 6 addressing real-world challenges faced by camp professionals. These conversations—rooted in experience, honesty, and shared wisdom—remind us that even in difficult times, camp remains a powerful force for growth and resilience.
Beyond ICF programs, I am inspired by the momentum we see around the world: from ICF’s presence at international conferences, to the celebration of 100 years of camping in Mongolia, to increased advocacy and recognition of camps as essential contributors to youth development. These developments reinforce a simple truth: camp matters—locally, nationally, and globally.
As we move forward into 2026, let us continue to lead with purpose, curiosity, and generosity. Thank you for the work you do every day, for the lives you touch, and for the spirit you bring to our global community.
With gratitude and warm wishes for the year ahead,
Fahrettin Gözet
President, International Camping Fellowship