The International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP)
*NOW ACCEPTING PRE REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2022*
We were not able to participate in international exchange since 2019 because of travel restrictions. We are happy to announce that our partners from both YMCA of Spain and YMCA of Hannover Germany are open to exchange for summer 2022. Proposals are being worked on for Camp Conrad Weiser to host delegates from Spain and Germany as well as send American campers to each country.
What is pre registration? Due to the uncertainty of restrictions of each governing body involved in international exchange, Camp Conrad Weiser and It’s international partners wish to keep the health and safety of all participants in priority.
- A pre registration will be available to all teens 13-15 to hold a spot should the final approval come to run the trip.
- For pre registration, there will be no deposit or tuition collected.
- Pre registration is not a guaranteed spot on an ICEP trip.
- Each participant will need to fill out an application and participate in an interview.
- Interviews will be conducted beginning in February.
- Cost and dates are approximate. Final dates and rates will be communicated before a commitment to go on the trip.
ICEP Germany: July 23 – August 14
Cost – (estimated) $4,200
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, 13-14 teens from Germany attend Camp Conrad Weiser and 13-14 teens fly to Germany to attend Camp Abbensen’s International Camp. This 3-week program is well-established and boasts 2 weeks of camp 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.
- Location: Hannover, Germany.
- Participant Age: 13-15 years-old.
- Travel Week Destinations: Hannover, Munich, and Berlin.
- 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.
How to pre register
- Log on or create a profile on our registration site Register Here
- Select the Germany ICEP Trip
- Fill out the Application Form
- Upload the from to your forms section on your Camp Brain profile OR e-mail it to ycamps@smymca.org. Be sure to rename the file with your name and “ICEP Application”
Once you are pre registered, you will automatically receive updates as information about the trip becomes available.
For more information on this program, please contact Cory Evans at 610-670-2267, ext. 238, or at cevans@smymca.org
ICEP Russia – Not offered in 2022
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 – July TBD
Cost – (estimated) $4,200
- Location: Priego, Spain
- Participant Age: 13-15 years-old.
- Travel Week Destinations: Madrid, Priego, Cuenca, and Toledo
- 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.
How to pre register
- Log on or create a profile on our registration site Register Here
- Select the Spain ICEP Trip
- Fill out the Application Form
- Upload the from to your forms section on your Camp Brain profile OR e-mail it to ycamps@smymca.org. Be sure to rename the file with your name and “ICEP Application”
Once you are pre registered, you will automatically receive updates as information about the trip becomes available.
For more information on this program, please contact Cory Evans at 610-670-2267, ext. 238, or at cevans@smymca.org
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.