YMCA Europe invites all interested YMCA organisations to apply for Camp Capacity Building Conference “Campacity”, to be implemented within the framework of “Camp Europe” project.

The detailed description of the Conference and the application form are provided below:

YMCA Camp Europe “Campacity” Conference is a joint initiative of YMCA Europe & the YMCA of the USA that aims to:

• Capacitate YMCA Camp Europe with human resources able to offer relevant and innovation-led ideas on forms and contents of camp programmes, whereby they are focused on trauma-healing or mental health, life-skills or resilience development, refugee rehabilitation or integration, conflict management and transformation, etc.
• Build capacity for the YMCA Camping Movement to work with war affected young people and families in Europe – with a focus on, but not exclusively limited to Ukrainian IDPs and refugees.

Bringing together up to 80 leaders from the U.S. and European YMCAs working with refugees or youth affected by conflict, the conference attendees will:

• Strengthen their capacity as camp programme leaders to deliver relevant and innovative programs focused on trauma-healing, development of life skills, conflict management & refugee integration;
• Gain practical tools, skills and resources for camp management;
• Become a catalyst for deeper strategic cooperation within camping program in Europe;
• Build a network of camp peers between Europe and the United States.

PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

The Conference is organized for participants who are/have:

• Representing the YMCA organizations/institutions that currently provide services or intend to do so for beneficiaries affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
• Representing the YMCA organizations/institutions that have existing international (US – Europe) partnerships or are willing to establish them.
• Decision makers, camp directors, program leaders or team members eligible to assume the responsibility for development and enhancement of camping programs in Europe and the United States.
• Competent and willing to share their knowledge and experience in camp program management to the other participants of the Conference.
• In a position to transfer the knowledge gained during the Conference to respective sending organizations and the teams carrying out camping activities.
• Previous experience in camping programs and the motivation to further develop their competencies and skills.
• Committed to attend the full duration of the Conference.
• Fluent in English.

Campacity Conference welcomes all candidates who fulfil the specific profile outlined above – irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

CONFERENCE DATES: April 15 – 21, 2024

CONFERENCE LOCATION: San Servando Castle Toledo & YMCA Camp Priego, Spain

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION FEE: € 350 per participant

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER NATIONAL YMCA: Maximum 3

PARTICIPANT AGE: Twenty-one (21) & Above

NOTE: Subsidies (including travel costs) can be available upon request for the applicants from the selected countries & regions, such as: Ukraine, South Caucasus, Western Balkans; as well as from those organizations that partnered with YMCA Camp Europe pilot project in 2023.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your applications no later than February 15th , 2024.

Thank you!