Guidance
principles
Unique
Advantages
Certification issued by ICF
Support from global experts of ICF
Cross-cultural learning and experience
Personal resume for comprehensive quality development
Global education resources
Award
Progression system
This program is for different age groups. Each age group offers three levels (L1-L3) corresponding to bronze, silver and gold recognitions. Older or more experienced participants may be doing the same activity but with increased complexity or duration. The rules for each age group are outlined and recorded by weeks;14 weekly records are required in six months.
After completing the recording times of each level, the participants are recognized with certificate /badge and continue to the next level.
This award system provides an incremental progression and allows each participant to see/chart their progress. It encourages them to explore, learn and grow until the journey becomes the goal.
Any age group can participate. Progression plans have been for different age groups. There are three award levels for each age group: Bronze L1, Silver L2, and Gold L3.Participants start from Bronze Level 1 and gradually move through the program.
The YDA program provides a flexible route to a specific destination. Elective activities include labor experience, cross-cultural communication, physical exercise, and skill improvement. Participants choose one or more of them according to their age and award level. Participants choose what to do. After completing the activities, they may log onto the YDA program platform to record their progress and participate in the YDA community.
When completions of activity stipulated by ICF Youth Development Award are recorded on the YDA platform and reviewed by the operations office, participants receive recognition certificates and digital badges issued by the International Camping Fellowship. The certificates and badges are issued through the recording platform. Special commendations are re-presented at conferences or forums organized by the International Camping Fellowship.
Note: Each participant chooses a category based upon their age and experience – beginning at Level 1 in the appropriate category. The program outlines how to maintain accurate record keeping and
ideally records should be made once a week. (Participants require a minimum of 14 approved record
entries over a 26 week/6 month period.)
Recognition and achievement medals are presented upon completion of any level.
After completing the time of each level, you can enter the next level.
| Category/Age Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 Years | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Camp Experience | 1 Day | 2 Days | 4 Days |
| Elective Experience #1 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| 13-18 Years | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Camp Experience | 1 Day | 4 Days | 2 X 3 Days |
| Elective Experience #1 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| Elective Experience #2 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| 19-25 Years | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Camp Experience | 1 Day | 2 Days | 4 Days |
| Elective Experience #1 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| Elective Experience #2 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| Over 25 Years | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Camp Experience | 1 Day | 2 Days | 4 Days |
| Elective Experience #1 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
| Elective Experience #2 | 1 Hour/week, Minimum: 14 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 20 times |
1 Hour/week, Minimum: 25 times |
Camp Experiences – These camp education experiences may be selected from any approved provider through the school or camp. ‘Day’ experiences may be taken at separate times in the journey period or linked with overnight camp experiences
Elective Experiences – These elective (optional) experiences may be selected to suit a participant’s interests and circumstances. At different categories or levels a participant may choose to continue or change their elective experience. If the same elective experience is selected, the participant should ‘advance’ their experience with increased challenge or content.
COURSE
selection instructions
Camp Experience
Labor Experience
Cross-cultural Experience
Physical Exercise
Skills Learning
Camp Education is a way of learning and living. The Camp experience is an essential part of the YDA program.
We encourage youth to participate in recognized camp program (summer, winter, day, weekend, longer session, etc.) College students and camp practitioners may meet this requirement by serving as volunteers or staff in camps, or participating in recognized camp education vocational training, industry forums, etc.
An understanding of the role of labor and craftsmanship reinforces the importance of the journey as well as the goal.
Activities may include a wide variety of work/education experiences: community service, public welfare labor, production labor, vocational experience,entrepreneurship, internship, training, professional service, social practice, work-study program, etc.
Cultural understanding, respect for others, global perspective, international friendship, etc. contribute to an awareness of a wider world and wider community.
Activities may include any approved program including study and tours abroad, cultural exchange activities, cultural journey, food journey, international conference, international workshops, etc.
A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind and balanced life. In addition every physical experience informs future experiences, develops coordination, builds resilience and strengthens interpersonal skills.
Activities may include various ball games, athletics, water sports, winter sports, martial arts fitness, daily fitness exercise, etc.
When we develop personal interests and practical skills, we begin to understand our own potential, improve social/vocational skills and accomplishments, develop time management and planning ability, and achieve a sense of accomplishment.
Activities may include music, handicrafts, arts, video production, editing, foreign languages, speech, etc. Various vocational skills may also be appropriate.
