ICDC
International Camp Directors Course

The International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) is a professional development program designed for camp directors, managers, operators and experienced outdoor professionals. Recognised globally through the International Camping Fellowship (ICF) and delivered locally in partnership with the Australian Camps Association (ACA), ICDC offers practical, camp-specific training that builds leaders capable of enhancing operations, safety, and business sustainability in Australia’s diverse camping sector. 

At its core, ICDC is a four-day intensive course that blends interactive learning with community building among peers from across the sector in a residential camp setting. The curriculum outlines essential areas of camp management, including risk assessment, site and asset management, catering and kitchen standards, human resources, activity planning and safety standards, and guest-focused service delivery. These modules are grounded in a global body of knowledge and adapted for local relevance in Australia. 

ICDC has been developed as a professional development course for camp managers, directors and operators and other experienced outdoor professionals. The curriculum in Australia has been adapted to align with the local industry.

**International participants are welcome however, the course will be conducted in English and will not be interpreted.

Upcoming Courses

The next International Camp Directors Course will be held

• In the first half of 2026 - Tuesday 14th - Friday 17th April 2026.

• Location: Scouts ACT - Camp Cottermouth.

Register to Join ICDC 2026

• Book online here via Microsoft Forms.

• Download PDF Form here, complete and return to the event organiser via email.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING COURSES, PLEASE CONTACT THE ACA OFFICE ON 03 9863 6822.

Course Goals:

• Goal One – To present the basics of camp management in 17 core areas of the organised body of knowledge and adapt it to various cultures and situations
• Goal Two – To expand a participant’s network of peers and to develop a community of professionals in a “camp-like” atmosphere
• Goal Three – To provide an introduction to self-directed learning and the participant’s role in their own professional development process.

COURSE CONTENTS:

• Vision and camp business sustainability
• Accommodation – fire systems and essential services
• Grounds management- arborists and grounds risk assessments
• Catering commercial kitchens standards – food handling and kitchen regulations
• Activities – Activity Standards (aquatic, ropes, cycle, ratios, qualifications, equipment, logging, reporting, checking, maintaining, briefing, debriefing, risk assessments, etc.)
• Work place agreements and HR requirements
• Buildings and asset standards
• Manage the ins and outs
• Look after the client
• Participant outcomes
• Plus more

Course contents are subjecto to change.