We are pleased to announce that YMCA Europe is now accepting applications from interested YMCA organizations for the “Campacity” Camp Capacity Building Conference in 2026. The event forms part of the broader “Camp Europe” project and will be hosted in Sweden this time.

You can find the full conference details and the application form below.

The YMCA Camp Europe “Campacity” Conference is a collaborative effort between YMCA Europe and the YMCA of the USA. Hosted by YMCA Sweden and Camp Brevik, Its primary goals are to:

• Capacitate YMCA Camp Europe with human resources able to offer relevant and innovation-led ideas on forms and contents of camp programs, whereby they are focused on trauma-healing or mental health, life-skills or resilience development, refugee rehabilitation or integration, conflict management and transformation, etc.
• Build capacity for the YMCA Camping Movement to work with war affected young people and families in Europe – with a focus on, but not exclusively limited to Ukrainian IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) and refugees.
• Bring together camp professionals to discuss, share and collaborate on topics related to camps, camping, outdoor education and adventure-based learning- with a focus on exchange of knowledge, professional development and regional and global networking.

With up to 60 leaders expected to attend from YMCAs in both the U.S. and Europe, participants will have the opportunity to: :

• Provide a safe space to share practice and experience for those YMCAs working with refugees or youth affected by conflict.
• Strengthen their capacity as camp program leaders to deliver relevant and innovative programs focused on trauma-healing, development of life skills, conflict management & refugee integration;
• Gain practical tools, skills and resources for camp management;
• Become a catalyst for deeper strategic cooperation within camping program in Europe;
• Build a network of camp peers between Europe and the United States.

Participant Profile

The Conference targets individuals who are, or have been, in the following roles/situations:

• Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide services or intend to do so for beneficiaries affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
• Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide camping services (day or overnight) or intend to do so in the near future.
• Camp staff that are primarily affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
• Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that have existing international (US – Europe) partnerships or are willing to establish them.
• Decision makers, camp directors, program leaders or team members eligible to assume the responsibility for development and enhancement of camping programs in Europe and the United States.
• Competent and willing to share their knowledge and experience in camp program management to the other participants of the Conference.
• In a position to transfer the knowledge gained during the Conference to respective sending organisations and the teams carrying out camping activities.
• Previous experience in camping programs and/or the motivation to develop their competencies and skills in the camping field.
• Committed to attend the full duration of the Conference.
• Able to communicate and work in the English language.

Candidates fulfilling the specific profile outlined above are welcome to apply to the Campacity Conference. We welcome applications from all individuals, without regard to gender, disability, marital/parental status, origin (racial, ethnic, social), religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Conference Date: April 15 – 19, 2026

Conference Location: YMCA Camp Brevik, Östra Ny, Brevik 610 29 Vikbolandet. The campsite is situated 38 KM away from the city of Norrkoping. Exact location is provided here.

Conference Participation Fee: € 300 per participant

Number of Subsidized Participants per National YMCA: Maximum 2

Participant Age: Twenty-one (21) & Above

Travel subsidies may be available upon request for applicants from specific countries and regions, including:

• Ukraine
• South Caucasus
• Western Balkans

Additionally, funding may be offered to applicants from organizations that have previously partnered with the YMCA Camp Europe project.

Full participation is mandatory. Please DO NOT apply if you are unable to attend all four working days of the Conference.

To be considered, Application Form must be received by January 31st, 2026. Thank you for applying!