Becket, MA
February 05, 2012
Home > Summer Programs > Travel & Service Programs > International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP)
Founded in 1963, the International Camper Exchange Program has enabled teens to enrich their cultural knowledge and experience while learning to be a responsible member of a group. The ICEP experience is designed to broaden each participant's appreciation of differing cultures in a way seldom achieved by tourist excursions. ICEP is not about traveling to a specific destination, but rather the journey of discovery, which takes place along the way. Each of these programs incorporates the following components: youth-to-youth interaction, homestays, community service, and educational/cultural travel.
The ICEP program requires a high degree of commitment, as each participant will be challenged mentally, physically and socially. Keep in mind that this program is very different from the in-camp experience at Chimney Corners Camp and Camp Becket. By the very nature of the experience campers must be able to exercise a higher degree of decision-making and accept greater responsibility for their own personal actions. Only the most mature and responsible teens should apply.
It is important to realize that not all of the following program ingredients are equally weighted in each ICEP Program. Differing social, economic, and political circumstances will create a unique blend for each destination.
•Youth-to-Youth Interaction: ICEP participants interact with youth from the host country through organized activities that foster friendships and welcome cross-cultural understanding.
• Homestays: Each participant will live with a local family for an extended period, experiencing family and community life first-hand. The host organization is responsible for selecting and screening families that will provide ICEP participants with the chance to experience everyday life in a family environment. Homestays are normally arranged with YMCA families. Group members will be assigned individually or in pairs to a host family. Participants may experience portions of the homestay independently from the rest of their ICEP group. ICEP participants will be given a list of phone numbers so they can contact the director, their leaders or program peers if they so desire.
•Community Service: In collaboration with the host organization, ICEP participants will assist with service projects designed to benefit the local community. Projects may involve manual labor, such as cleaning a beach, collecting firewood, restoring a historic site; or human service, such as working in a day camp, visiting a nursing home, teaching English, or working with local volunteer organizations. Participants will derive a sense of accomplishment through the process of helping others.
•Educational/Cultural Travel: An appreciation of other nationalities, culture, history, and geography is gained through a planned itinerary of travel in the regions visited. The host organization in collaboration with the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA plans an itinerary that will allow participants to gain knowledge and an appreciation of the host culture. In most cases, ICEP participants will visit a main city and have a chance to see the major sites there.
All ICEP participants will take part in two days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey. During this time, ICEP participants will develop group-building skills and learn how to be ambassadors for the YMCA and our country. The group will discuss the basics of international travel as well as potential cross-cultural situations. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will review how to pack their luggage, communicate with another culture, lead cabin chat, and effectively participate in a community service project.
Once accepted as an ICEP participant, individuals will be assigned to specific program destinations. While each applicant is encouraged to identify his/her most favored options from the countries offered, there are four other factors considered before the final assignments are made. These include:
1. The ability of the individual to cope with and benefit from the unique demands of each program;
2. A combination of individuals that will produce a cohesive and successful group experience;
3. To the degree possible, a suitable ratio of males and females and a representation from differing geographical, economic, and ethnic backgrounds;
4. Proximity of age and educational level among members of the group.
We endeavor to offer upwards of 7 ICEP destinations. Each program will be approximately 36 days in length, which will include a two-day orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA and two days for de-briefing at the end of the program. Following their acceptance into the ICEP Program, participants will be asked to identify which destination(s) they would prefer. Assignments will be made after considering the previously mentioned factors. Participants are not guaranteed placement in their first choice. The itineraries for all programs will be set as early as possible, and participants will be sent a more complete program description by late winter. It is important for participants to understand that the focus of ICEP is on the experience, not on the specific destination.
ICEP participants will learn the history, geography, and culture of their host country, while strengthening their travel and cross-cultural knowledge. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques of positive leadership in group situations, while clarifying personal and societal values through discussions and activities. Good physical health and a positive attitude are essential. Independence, responsibility, cooperation, achievement, fun... these qualities, and more, are the essence of the ICEP Program.
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748 Hamilton Road, Becket, MA 01223
Tel: (413) 623-8991 | Fax: (413) 623-5890