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.
A Young Philosopher’s Wisdom
During the Anhui Camp of Intangible Cultural Heritage, I was befriended by a remarkably precocious young camper. He spoke passable English, and once we fine-tuned our phone translation apps, we became virtually inseparable. We spent our days swapping string stories and facts about Canada for small gifts and tales of China. He would save me a seat on the bus every morning, and we would chat away like the old friends we had quickly become.
In a particularly philosophical moment for a ten-year-old, he proclaimed:
“There is a saying in China: ‘Travel 100 kilometers in China, find a new culture.’”
The final leg of my Chinese Torchbearer Relay took me far beyond 100 kilometers. From Chengdu, I flew south to Nanning, Guangxi, before traveling to another Yulin—this one in Guangxi Province, located just west of Guangdong. As my young philosopher friend predicted, Guangxi boasts its own rich, vibrant culture, famous for distinct customs and local cuisine, particularly centered around traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Pengdong Ancient Village & max.pioneer: Where Culture Meets Camp
Moving to the outskirts of historic Yulin, we arrived at Pengdong Ancient Village, a small community renowned for its herbal medicine traditions. Here lies max.pioneer, a campsite that forms part of a broader cultural tourism strategy aimed at “combining nostalgia and innovation.”
In truth, it is so much more than just a camp. Embedded directly within the community, it is woven so seamlessly into the village layout that it was often hard to distinguish campsite grounds from community streets:
- Architecture: Camper dorms stand alongside resort-style riverfront bungalows built in the classic Lingnan architectural style.
- Facilities: Activity rooms, dining halls, and open spaces are scattered throughout the village.
- Hands-on Learning: Nearby waterways and fields serve as natural classrooms where children study and gather native plants, later bringing them to the Wangxiang Kitchen—a large production facility where campers learn to prepare traditional medicinal remedies.
- Interactive Sustainability: Signs across the village educate campers on water purification, habitat improvement, insect shelters, and bird conservation. They explicitly encourage active, sensory exploration: “Don’t be shy! Touch, inhale, listen, observe…”
Guests can try their hand at crafting herbal sachets, lacquer fans, traditional calligraphy, and printing blocks, immersing themselves fully in living history.
A Model Mini-Camp in Action
Super Torchbearer Vivian Zhoukang outdid herself. While the main ceremony brought together local officials, academics, camp staff, parents, and children, the entire day was structured as a masterclass in experiential camp programming:
- Parent Engagement: Vivian led a game session with young children while parents observed, helping families understand the core principle that camp is “more than just fun.”
- Hands-on Crafts: Children experimented with natural plant dyes sourced right from the property.
- Professional Growth: The schedule featured staff training seminars, a sharing salon for camp professionals, and informal meetings with school leadership.
- Community Spirit: As night fell, we strolled through the village to join an evening campfire with university students and staff staying overnight.
Cultural Gems & Local Flavors
If you ever find yourself in Yulin, the local culture and culinary scene are not to be missed:
- Sensory Delights on Pedestrian Street: Take a walk through Yulin’s bustling pedestrian street, where modern shopping meets traditional heritage. Be sure to try winter melon tea, Luosifen (River Snail Rice Noodles), and Lipu Taro Looped Meat (Kourou)—they are truly delicious!
- Wanhualuo & Wanhua Tower: Visit Wanhualuo, where you might catch a spontaneous performance by a local martial arts and lion dance troupe. Nearby, the Wanhua Tower—a three-story, 20-meter octagonal tower in the traditional Lingnan style—features intricate gray plaster moldings, vibrant glazed tiles, and murals illustrating local folklore (pro tip: read up on the legends of Yang Guifei before you go!).
Reflections on the Journey: Sharing Wisdom, Sparking Futures
Reflecting on the Torchbearer Relay stops across China, I am deeply moved by the sincerity, dedication, and passion of the camp professionals I have met. Though settings and operational approaches vary, my young philosopher friend was right: every journey brings new perspectives.
I am reminded of The Song of the Butterfly, written in Australia for ICC 2003:
“Celebrate how we differ. Celebrate what we share.”
The 13th International Camping Congress (ICC2026) in Thaiwoo will add another vibrant chapter to the nearly 40-year history of the International Camping Fellowship. It will bring together century-old camp traditions alongside emerging camp cultures from every corner of the globe. As always, there will be professional development, shared knowledge, and new friendships forged. We always gain far more than we give—because the true magic of camp lies in sharing.
The intangible cultural heritage of camp education is taking deep root in China. Together, at our global campfire, we will be “Sharing Wisdom, Sparking Futures.” There is room for us all.
Next stop: ICC2026 — Chongli, Thaiwoo! 🏔️✨
Previous stops:
Un Canadien errant (A wandering Canadian): https://www.icfconnect.net/wandering-canadian/
Torchbearer Relay Stop #1: Anhui Province: https://www.icfconnect.net/torchbearer-relay-1-anhui/
Torchbearer Relay Stop #2: Guangdong Province: https://www.icfconnect.net/torchbearer-relay-2-guangdong/
Torchbearer Relay Stop #3: Yulin, Shaanxi Province: https://www.icfconnect.net/torchbearer-relay-3-yulin/
Torchbearer Relay Stop #4: Chengdu, Sichuan Province: https://www.icfconnect.net/torchbearer-relay-4-chengdu/
