2026 ICF Award Recipients

2026 Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award:

The Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award is a special recognition of an individual, camp, or organization, which has made a significant and sustained contribution to international camping. The endowed contribution for the award was made by Abbott Fenn, a long-standing, active member of the American Camp Association and former owner/director of the Keewaydin Camps in New England, U.S.A. The award recognizes those who spread the benefit of the camp experience to improve world understanding.

THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPING FELLOWSHIP (ICF) ANNOUNCES

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S CENTER NAIRAMDAL

AS THE 2026 ABBOTT FENN DRUZHBA AWARD RECIPIENT

 

As Mongolia prepares to celebrate a historic 100 years of camping in 2026, the International Camping Fellowship is honored to present the Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award to the International Children’s Center (ICC) Nairamdal. This award recognizes Nairamdal’s extraordinary half-century of service to the global camping movement and its unwavering commitment to “Druzhba”—the spirit of international friendship.

Located 30km from Ulaanbaatar in the scenic Bayangol Valley, ICC Nairamdal was founded in 1978. The brainchild of Anastasia Filatova, the center was established with a visionary goal: to elevate Mongolia’s role in global recreation and education.

True to its name—Nairamdal, which means “Friendship” in Mongolian—the center has served as a cultural crossroads for decades. Its unique architecture reflects this mission:

  • Cultural Tapestry: The center features diverse construction designs that honor the various cultural influences and styles found across Central Asia.
  • The “Green Sea”: The iconic central building is designed in the shape of a massive cruise ship, appearing to sail across the lush greenery of the valley. For generations, children from dozens of nations have “cruised” this sea together, building bonds that transcend borders.

Nairamdal is much more than a summer retreat; it is a year-round hub for innovation and leadership development. The center is renowned for:

  • Thematic Excellence: Designing annual programs that tackle the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership.
  • Global Exchange: Actively promoting international youth exchange programs that immerse participants in Mongolian culture while fostering a global perspective.
  • National Pillar: Serving as the cornerstone of the Mongolian camping sector, providing a model of excellence for the next century of camp education.

Receiving the Druzhba Award in 2026 is a fitting tribute to Nairamdal’s legacy. As it enters its next chapter, the center continues to be a beacon of peace, proving that through the simple act of camping together, we can build a more harmonious world.