Report about American Camp Association Conference in Florida in February, 2009

In spite of a difficult economy, ACA’s National Conference hosted international     participants from Venezuela, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Poland, Canada, China, and Japan.  Thanks to ACA’s national President, Peter Surgenor, and CEO, Peg Smith, for hosting internationals at a special reception on the opening night of the Conference. 

Seacamp Tour, Big Pine Key, Florida – February 12-15, 2009
Elena Istomina, Seacamp International Coordinator
Our tour group — Tulshig Tuvshin, Mongolia; Chultem Byambasuren, Mongolia; Ivan Jargalsaikhan, Mongolia; Sako Tanaka, Japan; and Hiroaki Sugihara, Japan –  arrived at Seacamp at about 2:00 a.m. February 12, 2009. After a late breakfast, there was a property tour and a snorkel workshop in our swim canal. For all of them, it was the first snorkeling experience ever. Sako was the most experienced      swimmer, having taught swimming before. She was the first to jump into the water and the last to leave. After lunch, the group met with the Seacamp administration for a talk about our school and summer programs. In the afternoon, everyone went to Hemingway’s museum in Key West and later in the evening had dinner in the historic port in an authentic fish house. During the next day, the group observed the Seacamp school program in action and went on a boat trip to the coral heads. Later that Friday, our international participants joined a weekend teachers’ workshop, an annual Seacamp event offering educational sessions in marine science and tropical ecosystems for science teachers. Our Japanese and Mongolian friends had a chance to watch a slide presentation about the Florida Keys and observe the Marine Investigation lab. On Saturday morning our guests met with the Seacamp Marketing Director and talked about marketing strategies and techniques before departing for Orlando to join the Central Florida Camp Tour.

Join us in Taiwan

Changing Asia, Multi-Program CAMP in Taiwan
Children and youth are in a difficult time universally today. Beyond the imaginations of people in Asia, the urge arises in North America to “leave no child inside” in recent years. Over exposure to examinations and electronic devices may cause children and youths become self-centered and is harmful to self-discovery, sharing and teaming with others, and experiencing the real world and nature.  On the other hand, effective camp experiences can help lighten their brains, open their minds, and soften their hearts.
Camp practitioners, educators, and academics, come along and join AOCC2009 and shed some light on how to get more children and youth to camps and how to provide them with effective learning programs
and environments. Let’s share the research on development of children and youth to strive for a better life for themselves and mankind as a whole.  The base for the AOCC is National Taiwan Normal University. The Congress fee is $US200.00.  Information is on the website: 
www.3rdaocc2009.org/congress-overview
The 3rd Asia Oceania Camping Congress 2009 (AOCC2009) is the formal  representative meeting of Asia Oceania Camping Fellowship (AOCF) every two to three years.  AOCF was founded in 2003 during the 6th International Camping Congress in Melbourne, Australia. Participants from Asian countries held a meeting and decided to establish the Asian Camping Fellowship (“ACF”) in order to exchange camp information and collaborate for the developing camp movement in Asia.  In 2004, the first Asian Camping Congress (“ACC2004”) was held at the International Children Center  Nairamdal, Mongolia; and ACF was formally established by representatives from fourcountries (Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Mongolia).  The 2nd Asian Camping Congress(ACC2006) was held in Perak State, Malaysia in August, 2006. The Congress had about 150 participants from 20 countries and regions. Representatives approved the acceptance of Australia, Russia and CIS in the fellowship and changed the name from Asian Camping Fellowship to Asia Oceania Camping Fellowship.
AOCF website: http://aocf.camping.or.jp

Camp professionals are heading to Florida

2009 National Conference
February 17-20 — Orlando, FL
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

This year’s theme, The Power of the Experience, explores both the meaning and the depth of our experience with children, youth, teens, and families. With the strength of our voices and the compelling story of the camp experience, we can make a powerful, societal impact. Plan to join us in Orlando for four, education-packed days in the beautiful backdrop of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

International Camping Fellowship Camp Tours
Florida camps and youth programs are showcased for international conference participants, but everyone is welcome. The fun, sharing, and camaraderie of this group always enhance the tour, with new friendships guaranteed.

A. Seacamp (Florida Keys) – February 12-15, 2009 Arrival in Miami and transportation by van to Seacamp for camp and marine science program and visit to Key West. Registration fee of $455 includes 3 nights lodging, 5 meals, transportation from Miami airport and to Orlando on February 15 by 1:00 to join Camp Tour B or other pre-conference events. Deadline for registration is January 15.

B. Central Florida Camps – February 15, 1:00 pm – February 17, 1:00 pm. The tour will begin at Disney Coronado Springs, with commercial bus transportation to the Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland, FL, and return to Disney Coronado on Feb. 17. The group will visit 5-6 camps, including Busch Gardens Adventure Camps in Tampa. Registration fee of $300 includes double occupancy lodging, six meals, transportation and program.