What is International Camp?
Camp was first organised to bring young people together from different parts of Europe to re-establish positive links which had been lost due to the Second World War. The Main focus was a range of activities, camping and the opportunity for young people to discuss issues facing them in the aftermath of war and to share cultural interests and experiences.
After 59 years the camp still runs with the same aims with the main reasons behind it, to develop relationships with international groups and to bring young people together to have shared experiences whilst having a great time in the Wonderful Essex Countryside.
The camp has a strong ideal that young people are part of the planning process for every camp and have influenced the programme and finer details through a range of meetings and planning events. The outcomes for this years camp are Educational, challenging, Exciting, current, and of course Fun.
The reason that we have young people now returning to be part of the staff team is that everyone who participates realises the importance of international work and are committed to moving the camp into the future.
Join us and you will enjoy it even more, being part of it.
International Camp has been running for over 50 years from one of the prettiest locations in Essex, set on the River Blackwater surrounded by green meadows in close proximity to many country parks, wildlife sanctuaries and a host of historical sites of interest, easily accessible by foot or bike.
Mersea Outdoors have their own website at www.merseaoutdoors.com
Activities
Exciting range of activities at International Camp including archery, judo, problem solving, shooting, swimming, trampolining, aerial runway, assault course, caving, climbing wall, high ropes, low ropes, orienteering, canoeing, paintball, mountain biking, powerboats, rollerblading, sub-aqua and more.
[IMG:past_stuff/2002-3.jpg{Activities{image]
Plus the opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops including archery, aerobics, arts, climbing, computing, creative expression, fire sculpture, first aid, football, learn the guitar, learn to swim, megadance, music, sculpture, sub-aqua, trampoline and youth services.
So why not come to International Camp, climb to dizzy heights, fall off the doughnut or learn to play an instrument.
It's all possible at International Camp.
ON SITE
Arts and Crafts, Splashing around in the pool, talking to friends back home on the Internet or just sitting on the sea wall sharing experiences from each others countries.
OFF SITE
Bowling your highest score or just hitting your pins, falling off a punt in Cambridge or learning Cockney rhyming slang in the centre of London There's so much fun to be had at International Camp.
[IMG:past_stuff/2000-5.jpg{Relaxing in the Pool{image]
Life
NIGHTLIFE
The action doesn't stop when the Sun goes down.
[IMG:past_stuff/2003-3.jpg{Nightlife entertainment{image]
Why not dress up and come along with your friends, new and old, to one of the many International Camp parties where you can sing, dance, eat good food or just sit back and watch everyone having a good time.
If after this you still have some energy and bed is not the place to be, hang out at the late night International Camp cafe for good tunes and good company.
FUN
International Camp is not just about meeting people, it's about joining in to make it a special experience whilst having lots of fun.
[IMG:past_stuff/1999-2.jpg{Boating on the lake{image]
TRIPS
International Camp is not just about Mersea Island, it is a chance to see the Tower of London, visit the famous Cambridge Universities, eat fish and chips in a traditional English town, visit a Medieval castle, or buy that trendy piece of clothing from one of the many London street markets.
VILLAGE LIFE
International Camp offers the opportunity for young people from different cultures to live together, work together and experience a fun adventure together.
Giving the chance to make lifelong friends and a place to stay when visiting their country.
During the two weeks at International Camp villages will host nightly parties, cook food, provide entertainment and generally get involved in team events.
Goodbyes
GOODBYES
Over the two weeks at International Camp a strange thing occurs, people let their barriers down and get to know each other on a higher level which has an overwhelming effect at the end of camp, where they don't want to let go.
[IMG:past_stuff/2000-4.jpg{Goodbyes{image]
Emotions run high, exchanging of addresses, hugs and the occasional lingering kiss.
Everybody starts counting the days to the next International Camp.
