The International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP)
*** 2021 update. Due to COVID-19 we were unable to run our international programs to Russia and Germany. We are currently working with our international partners to discuss feasibility of exchange for the 2021 summer. We are gathering information on trips to Russia, Germany and Spain. We will e-mail our existing families with campers who are in the age range of these programs when we have updates. If you are a new family who is interested in international exchange, please e-mail Cory – cevans@smymca.org.
ICEP Germany: TBD
YMCA Camp Abbensen, Germany: Since 1951, we have been fortunate to have a camper exchange program with the Hanover YMCA of Germany and Camp Abbensen. On alternating years, 12-14 teens from Germany attend Camp Conrad Weiser and 12-14 teens fly to Germany to attend Camp Abbensen’s International Camp. This 4-week program is well-established and boasts 2 weeks of camp, 1 week of home-stay, and 1 week of travel. While German language skills are encouraged, being fluent in the language is not necessary. Campers from Germany, Spain, Russia and Camp Conrad Weiser participate in this program. The Camp Abbesen’s International Camp is conducted in English.
- Cost: $3800
- Location: Hannover, Germany
- Participant Age: 13-15 years-old
- Travel Week Destinations: Hannover & Munich
- Home stay: Campers will stay with a home stay family for 1 week. This family is vetted by the YMCA of Germany.
- Chaperones: The US Delegation to this camp will be organized and chaperoned by the South Mountain YMCA Camps’ staff
For more information on this 2020 program, please contact Cory Evans at 610-670-2267, ext. 238, or at cevans@smymca.org
ICEP Russia TBD
The YMCA of Ivanovo, Russia, invites you to take part in the International YMCA Camp “InterCom” or International Camp Program to be held in 2017. Because young people will be coming from all over the world, this program will be conducted in English. This special camp is devoted to inter-cultural learning and to promote international YMCA youth exchanges.
- Cost: $4000
- Location: Camp Chayka located on Lake Rubskoye in the Ivanovo region of Russia
- Participant Age: 15 – 17 years-old
- Participant Countries: Russia, Germany, USA, Spain, England, Georgia, Armenia Travel Week Destinations: Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg and Moscow
- Travel Week Destinations: Moscow and the Yaroslavl Region
- Chaperones: The US Delegation to this camp will be organized and chaperoned by the South Mountain YMCA Camps’ staff
ICEP Spain TBD
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- Dates: TBD
- Cost: $TBD
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Participant Age: 12-15 years-old
- Travel Week Destinations: Toledo and Madrid
- Chaperones: The US Delegation to this camp will be organized and chaperoned by the South Mountain YMCA Camps’ staff.
The International Camp Program:
- The international Camp at Camp Priego runs two weeks
- The Travel portion of the trip is 1 week
- Travelers will see Priego, Toledo, Cuenca and Madrid.
Traveling to the United States to attend YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser
This English-immersion experience on attending YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser is second to none in the U.S. In addition to its excellent programs and facilities, the South Mountain YMCA Camps are centrally located on the east coast of the United States allowing for ready access to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. For participants attending camp as part of a program led by our overseas partners, excursions to these exciting locations have already been arranged. For campers attending our programs independently, such trips can be arranged if desired.
Contact Cory Evans, Camp Conrad Weiser Director at cevans@smymca.org, or Tracey Braymiller, Registrar, at 610-670-2267 ext. 238
International Camp Staff
Of the many rich traditions we celebrate at the South Mountain YMCA Camps, our legacy of welcoming summer camp counselors from around the world is one of the most special. Each year, 30% of our summer staff arrive on the mountain from outside the United States to help children reach their full potential, share their native language & culture, and learn a little about U.S. language & culture. We hope you’ll consider joining our team!
To inquire about summer positions, you may contact Cory Evans, Camp Conrad Weiser Director at 610-670-2267 or using the Contact button located at the bottom of this page. Additionally, you will be asked to apply through one of the international placement agencies with which we work. These organizations include:
Good Luck! We can’t wait to see you on the mountain.