International Camping Congress (ICC) is a gathering of camp and outdoor education professionals from around the world. It is organized every 3 years and brings together both academics, researchers and practitioners alike. It aims to share practical experience of camps, latest research on youth development and new industry trends. It also celebrates and presents the culture and history of the host country.
Founded in 1987, ICF is a worldwide association of camp professionals who share their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to the camp experience. There have been twelve Congresses spread over 40 years of ICF history. Previous Congresses have been held in Canada, United States, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Hong Kong and Turkey. In 2023, this historic and international event will be held for the first time in Spain, specifically, in the province of Tarragona.
A scheduled signing of the joint agreement to hold the congress at PortAventura Convention Centre, from October 4 to 8, 2023 took place on March 22. The agreement was signed by Fernando Aldecoa, PortAventura World general director; Laura Valdeolivas, PortAventura Business & Events director; and Carolina Fleix Wright, ICF Representative. 
Carolina Fleix is co-owner of the family business English Summer S.A based in Tarragona. The company has been organizing summer camps for more than 40 years. In addition, Carolina has been ICF Ambassador to Spain, is a current ICF Board and is Co-Chair of ICC 2023 Spain.
PortAventura World, one of the main destinations for family leisure in Europe, will be the main center of this global meeting of camp professionals. It is the venue for both the primary meeting spaces and the accommodation of national and international guests during the 4 days of the Congress.
The theme and logo of the Congress reflects the culture and heritage of the region as well as the mission of the ICF itself. The presentation of the logo of the Congress includes "Fem Pinya", an expression of Catalan culture from the Castells, to symbolize the union makes us stronger. The Congress theme of “Come Together to Rise Higher” reflects ICF commitment to “Bringing Together the World of Outdoor Experience” and the desire to lift up our most precious gift – the children of our communities.
Future steps for the development of the Congress include various meetings with national associations and public bodies to solicit support and collaboration towards the realization of this exceptional event. The ICF expects to showcase the commitment to children, nature and camps in Spain as well as to share stories and knowledge from around the world across 130 countries represented in the ICF.
International Camping Fellowship official website:
https://icfconnect.net/
PortAventura Business and Events official website:
https://www.portaventuraevents.com/
Official website of the International Camping Congress 2023 (under construction):
https://www.icc2023spain.org/
From left to right: Joan Ibarra (Organising Committee, Hospitality), Oscar Pitarch (Sales Director PortAventura World), Carolina Fleix (President of the Organising Committeer), Fernando Aldecoa (General Manager of PortAventura World), Felipe Fleix (Organising Committee, Operations) y Laura Valdeolivas (Director of PortAventura Business & Events).