Call for International Mosaic Session Proposals at the 2017 International Camping Congress

Process for International Presenters from outside the Russian Federation

Deadline for applications is January 31, 2017. All submitters will receive email notification of the program team's decision regarding their proposal in late February 2017.

· The International Camping Congress is an excellent opportunity to present and discuss with associates the most important and challenging questions related to camping: How can adults and children in a camp setting create happiness and provide growth opportunities to last a lifetime?

· International Camping Congress is considered to be a foundation of meetings for associates of the camping movement, an opportunity to share achievements and discuss the perspectives of the development of the camp movement.

The International Camping Fellowship is accepting proposals from high-quality, experienced and professional presenters for innovative, timely, and dynamic educational sessions to be presented at the International Camping Congress-Sochi being held October 9-13, 2017.

Review of previous congress evaluations and informal feedback gathered from attendees; indicate that camp and youth professionals seek high-level knowledge in these areas:

· Youth Development and Behaviour — Presentations should demonstrate how camp professionals can effectively use the camp experience to help prepare young people (both campers and/or counselors) for healthy and successful lives. Topics may include: participant development and behavior, health and wellness, creating a community of respect, program design to achieve youth development outcomes, and program evaluation.

· Staff Training and Leadership — We are seeking programs that address training, goal-setting, leadership, outcomes attainment, youth involvement in decision making, and developing life skills on the job. Sessions that address staff behaviour, and staff health and wellness are also appropriate.

· Business and Operations — Specific topics for camps, conference centers, and out-of-school time programs are welcomed. Sessions might address areas of operation such as marketing, budgeting, risk management, crisis communications, site and facility, environmental issues, health services, food service, transportation, technology, board development, fundraising, and public policy.

· Emerging Issues, Tools, and Technology — This area includes such cutting edge topics that provide new challenges and/or opportunities for camps and conference centers. Sessions may include public policy, health care, social issues, and innovative tools and resources.

· Innovative Programs and Activities — We are seeking program and activities that showcase the best the camp experience has to offer presented by seasoned camp professionals and industry experts. Keep in mind the target audience includes camp owners, directors, and mid-level managers who are seeking innovation, fresh ideas, programs than enhance what they currently offer, and activities that can take the camp experience to the next level.

· Camp-School Partnerships — Presentations should be relevant for camps and other out-of-school-time programs currently providing outdoor education/environmental education experiences in partnership with traditional schools, as well as to all interested in exploring these opportunities. Topics may include: program design; curriculum development; creating a relationship with schools; staff training; youth-development goals and outcomes; innovative teaching techniques; business and operations; and research.

· Executive Leadership Forum — Consider topics targeted for seasoned professionals who have executive leadership responsibilities within their organizations including achieving missions and visions, cutting-edge leadership concepts, board development, strategic planning, finance, fund-raising, and other sessions which will help camping organizations thrive.

Target Audience

The International Camping Congress draws camp and youth development professionals from around the world, working in camp and other out-of-school-time settings. Presentations should apply to directors, owners, executives, mid-level managers and year-round program staff as well as other youth development professionals and educators. Although we draw some professionals relatively new to camp, please keep in mind that the balance of the audience is comprised of experienced professionals committed to life-long learning and networking. They seek high-level educational opportunities, and we are committed to providing them.

Further, the global camp community is quite diverse and attendees will discover that some regions of the camping world are developing at both different rates and in different ways. This diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity when sharing insights and information.