Torchbearer Relay Stop #2: Guangdong Province

As the global camping community counts down to the 13th International Camping Congress (ICC2026) this November in Thaiwoo, China, the spirit of collaboration is already on the move. In the months leading up to this landmark event, past ICF President John Jorgenson is traveling across China to experience the ICC2026 Torchbearer Program firsthand. This special series of articles follows his journey from province to province, offering an insider’s look at how Chinese camp professionals are blending rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and innovative educational models to shape the future of camp education. Join us as we trace the steps of the Torchbearer Relay, celebrating the local leadership and unique youth experiences paving the way to the Congress.

The Heart of Campfire Connections: Lingnan Cultural Impression Park

Located on Xiaoguwei Island in the Pearl River, Lingnan Cultural Impression Park serves as the proud headquarters for both Campfire Connections and the Torchbearer Relay Program. The park is a vibrant tapestry of ancestral halls, traditional Cantonese folk life, and an open-air theater showcasing diverse cultural events—making it a premier destination for local, national, and international study tours.

Xiaoguwei Island also serves as a convenient springboard to other regional cultural treasures, such as the beautifully revitalized Yongqing Fang Scenic Area in Guangzhou’s historic Liwan District (Xiguan area). Yongqing Fang masterfully blends traditional Lingnan architecture with modern creativity, featuring restored alleyways, trendy cafés, boutique shops, and cultural museums.

Congress Attendees, Take Note! While northern China may be chilly in November for the main International Camping Congress (ICC2026), a second spectacular event—the Greater Bay Area Camp Conference—will take place in the warm, humid climate of Guangzhou.

Following my travels to the Anhui Camp Experience, I arrived in Guangzhou for a series of key collaborations with the Campfire Connections team. Between productive workshop sessions at the office, I enjoyed frequent walks through the park, browsing local shops and sampling occasional Cantonese delicacies, before diving back into our work on the Torchbearer Relay.

Academic Synergy: Sun Yat-sen University

Our first official stop was Sun Yat-sen University, a prestigious institution named in honor of the founder of the Chinese revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. During my visit, I explored the campus museum and met with faculty from the tourism department.

Across China, there is a growing, vital dialogue regarding the intersection of camps, camp education, and study tours with domestic and international tourism. Our discussions focused on:

Understanding the broader impact and integration of camps within the tourism sector.
Exploring how to better equip undergraduate students to pursue successful, impactful careers in camp education.

Community Integration: Champion Camp

While Champion Camp is technically an “urban camp,” that label barely scratches the surface of its profound mission. After operating successfully for years in another part of the region, the camp recently relocated to the historic village of Dongguan, near Guangzhou. I had the privilege of reviewing several exciting projects currently underway, even as the facility continues to host vibrant day and overnight groups.

What makes Champion Camp truly remarkable is its long-term, joint collaboration with the local community and regional government—a true win-win-win blueprint for the community, the camp clientele, and the organization itself.

The Facility at a Glance

Beyond the standard layout of dormitories, activity spaces, dining halls, and sports fields, Champion Camp is introducing world-class features:

Sports & Agriculture: Eight new pickleball courts designed to host tournaments and sports groups, adjacent to developing agricultural parklands.
Art & Nature: A landscaped watercourse designed by an internationally renowned artist, alongside a butterfly conservatory and garden curated by a visiting botanist.
Cultural Heritage: A traditional Chinese cooking laboratory, paired with immediate access to the rich history of Dongguan village.

Dongguan is the ancestral home of He Jingtang, the visionary architect behind the magnificent China Art Museum in Shanghai. Campers have the unique opportunity to explore the village and visit an equally stunning local museum dedicated to his life and architectural legacy.

Nurturing Lifelong Bonds: Indigo Cyan Camp

Like many camps globally, the administrative office of Indigo Cyan Camp is nestled in the heart of the city, while their expansive traditional camp site operates far to the north. However, their urban headquarters is far more than just a space for computers and marketing posters.

The city office pulls double duty as a creative sanctuary:

Public Gallery: Part of the space is shared with a local artist, serving as a public gallery.
The Guqin Workshops: Another section hosts specialized workshops where campers return regularly to design and craft their own guqin—a beautiful, ancient Chinese stringed instrument.

Crafting a guqin requires months of meticulous, patient labor. This long-term commitment is nurtured by deeply caring staff who guide the youth through every step of the process. Programs like this foster lifelong relationships between the youth and Indigo Cyan. Just like the best camps worldwide, these deep roots often inspire passionate campers to return as dedicated staff members.

Looking Ahead to November

My recent visits to Guangzhou have revealed an incredibly impressive array of camp programs. The upcoming Greater Bay Area Conference (November 12–13) will include an additional two days of touring these exceptional camps, while also highlighting the region’s top tourist destinations.

So, when you pack for ICC2026, be sure to include some summer clothing and plan for an unforgettable second leg of your journey in Southern China!

Learn more about ICC 2026 and register here: https://icc2026china.org/