International Friendship Camp

Friendships for Life

The Austrian Youth Red Cross organizes an International Study and Friendship Camp every summer, attended by young people aged 16 to 23 from all over the world.

During the two weeks the participants spend in Langenlois (Lower Austria), there is a lively exchange of ideas and cultures.

Mutual understanding between nations happens naturally when participants from around the world engage with the activities related to the annually changing camp theme.

This intensive cultural exchange takes place through various media-driven topics that matter to young people, which are explored in the context of the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These topics are discussed in information groups led by qualified instructors, as well as through creative activities and workshops. Communication plays a key role—therefore, the camp language is English; otherwise, such exchange would not be possible.

Regular highlights of the program include excursions to Vienna, Mauthausen, and Melk. These trips give participants the opportunity to engage with the culture and history of Austria.

To connect with the local population and to make a visible statement of our efforts, a peace torchlight procession is organized every year by the camp.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all supporters, and especially to the Langenlois School of Horticulture, which—through our decades-long partnership—provides the entire boarding facility, including the sports hall and grounds, gardens, swimming pond, beach volleyball court, and much more as venues for the friendship camp!

Review of the International Friendship Camp 2025

Date: 13–27 July 2026
Location: Langenlois / Lower Austria
Age: 16–23 years

Applications from Austria can be submitted after receiving an official invitation, starting in spring 2026 via the operational leadership of the Austrian Youth Red Cross.

Registrations open in spring 2026. We encourage international participants to contact their national Red Cross or Red Crescent society for further information on how to register for the International Friendship Camp.

Information on data protection can be found on our website under the privacy policy section.

Child and Youth Protection

We want to ensure that all children and young people feel safe with us – both physically and psychologically. To achieve this, we have developed clear rules and measures based on children’s rights. Here you can find our child and youth protection policy.

We regularly inform and train our supervisors to prevent violence and abuse and to recognize it at an early stage.

Our protective measures are continuously reviewed and further developed so that we can provide the highest possible level of safety.

You can find all the information here: https://www.jugendrotkreuz.at/kinderschutz

Contact for the Child and Youth Protection Officers: ombudsstelle@roteskreuz.at