ICCP works with hundreds of camps throughout the United States. These camps are all different in size, programs and in the way they are operated. Some of the types of camps we work with include YMCA, Girl Scout (Girl Guides), religious, private and agency-sponsored camps. These camps may be day, overnight, or both. Camp programs may be geared toward special populations, such as the mentally or physically challenged. Others have a large population of children from mostly low income families. Some camps also serve adults or families. Many camps are a combination of things. For example, a camp may describe itself as a YMCA overnight religious camp serving physically-challenged children.

It is mandatory that camps make every effort to include physically and mentally-challenged individuals in their regular pro-gram.

Camps may also be categorized by areas of specialty or concentration. For example, there are sports camps (tennis camps, soccer camps, etc.), environmental education camps, computer camps, etc. Generally, ICCP places participants in the following types of camps:

Types of Camps

Overnight — They are located in rural areas away from the town and transportation. Campers and staff stay at the camp, experiencing a full schedule of activities during the day and sleeping in cabins or tents at night. There is very little free time or privacy.

Girl Scout Camps — They are highly scheduled, and serve young girls. The staff and campers live in platform tents, and living conditions are generally rustic.

Wilderness Camping — Many overnight camps have trip and/or biking programs. The staff working in these areas will take groups of children away from camp for hiking, canoeing or just tent camping for many days.

YMCA Camps — The YMCA is a Christian organization.  Although it does not belong to any specific denomination, prayers and worship may be part of the camp’s activities. YMCA Camps serve their communities by promoting positive values through their programs which are open to all.

Day — These camps are usually located in urban settings. Campers arrive at camp each morning and return home in the afternoon. The day is packed with activities, but the staff has more spare time in comparison to overnight camps. In most cases, international staff members live with “host families” and are able to experience United States community life.

Religious — Operated by religiously-affiliated organizations, these camps provide a broad range of outdoor activities within the framework of promoting positive life values based on the religion’s particular traditions.

Underprivileged — At these camps, children referred by social service organizations are given the opportunity to experience positive, outdoor activities outside the troubled urban environments in which they live.

Special Needs (Physically and Developmentally Challenged) — At these camps, children and adults with physical limitations and/or learning disabilities are provided special attention and facilities to make it possible for them to enjoy a wide range of camp activities and to achieve their fullest potential.

Conference Center — Some ICCP participants are placed at conference centers. Conference centers differ from camps in that they offer educational activities to primarily adult populations. ICCP participants assigned to conference centers are those who have applied for kitchen, office, maintenance, and housekeeping positions.

American camps divide the summer into sessions. In most camps, campers have the option of taking part in sessions of one, two, four or eight weeks.