International Carbon Diplomacy: How can we create a better world for younger generations, specifically within camp settings?

Reflecting on my experience presenting at the International Camping Congress in Tarragona, Spain last year, I was struck by the potent intersection of our collective efforts under the YMCA Victoria Discovery Camps Vision for Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2030 and the unique atmosphere of camp settings.

In 2023, Joel Thompson, representing YMCA Camps Victoria and School Camps Australia was asked to present at the International Camping Fellowship ICC2023 congress in Spain.

With key information to share, based on the last 4 years he has been working in this unique space with the aim to help innovative camps achieve carbon neutral certification as well as influence the key peak bodies that govern the industry

Image above: Joel Thompson David Strickland Working on Australia International Camps Diplomacy Victoria School Camps Spain 2023

"Creating a better world for younger generations, particularly in camp settings, aligns closely with the principles laid out in the YMCA's Vision 2030 roadmap, which was thoroughly discussed and developed across several international meetings, including a significant gathering in Spain."

Image above: Joel Thompson was asked to present a workshop on International Camping Fellowship Emerging Leaders in Spain 2023

Image above: Australian International Diplomacy Delegation to Spain 2023 - Joel Thompson with key Aussie representatives from Australia, Business, CEO, Peak Bodies, Vic Government 2023

Here's how this visionary plan can be tailored to enrich camp environments and empower young attendees:

Community Wellbeing:

Implementing programs that nurture mental, physical, and spiritual health is crucial. Camps can serve as a pivotal space for promoting well-being among youth, providing activities that strengthen their resilience and overall mental health. This is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of mental health challenges among young people globally.

Meaningful Work:

Camps can offer workshops or sessions focused on career guidance and skills development, helping to prepare youth for meaningful employment. This is critical as many young individuals globally are not engaged in education, employment, or training, particularly affecting young women.

Sustainable Planet:

Integrating environmental education and sustainable practices into the camp curriculum can inspire young attendees to commit to climate justice. Programs could include hands-on activities like tree planting or workshops on sustainable living, directly addressing the urgent need for action on climate issues affecting over a billion children worldwide.

Just World:

Empowering youth to engage with and advocate for social justice can be a key focus. Camps can facilitate discussions and activities that encourage young people to understand and confront global injustices, such as inequality and discrimination.

Image above: Australian Camps CEO Peter McDougall with Joel Thompson International Camps Congress in Spain 2023

Image above: YMCA Victoria Discovery Camps advisor Ellen Worthington delivering a workshop on carbon neutrality 2023 - Spain

The YMCA's ongoing global engagement and the strategic development of Vision 2030 illustrate a comprehensive approach to tackling these issues.

Image above: Joel Thompson and the rest of the ICF Board conducting their final meeting in Spain 2023 prior to the Congress completion - Australia

The congress was a successful event that brought more than 28 countries together in Spain 2023 to discuss key issues faced and share knowledge for the improvement of the industry

The YMCA Discovery Camps Victoria strategy emphasises listening, imagination, courage, and a commitment to systemic change, aiming to adapt and stay relevant in a fast-evolving world.

For further details on the YMCA Vision 2030 and its implications for youth and community programs, you can find more information here: https://camps.ymca.org.au/environmental-commitment