International Camp Directors Course

UC Camping Director, Andrew McGuckian, recently returned from the International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) held between September 28th and October 2nd, followed by the International Camping Congress (ICC) on October 3rd – 7th.  Andrew departed Australia on Saturday September 27th and returned on Friday October 10th.

Both events were held in Quebec City, Canada. Five Australians participated in the ICDC, whilst a contingent of 15 Australians attended the ICC, with some delegates also participating in several pre-congress tours.  Over 500 delegates from 15 countries attended the congress and shared a collegial spirit on a global level.

Highlights of the program that will be very applicable in the UC Camping context included:

• Play it Fair:  Human Rights Education Toolkit for Children. This program has potential application across many aspects of the UCC unit and other sectors of the Church.
• Camping and Spirituality: Dr. Paul Heintzman presented a stimulating workshop around this topic.
• Camp Games & Activities: Dr. Jim Cain is considered an expert games facilitator and the Director participated in one of his workshops.
• Expanding Environmental Literacy:  This workshop demonstrated a of activities that be used at camp to increased environmental awareness and was very applicable to UC Camping.