Age: 11
Duration: 28 Days

The Village is a unique four-week international camp that was the original CISV program and is still its flagship. A camp unlike any other, Villages bring together delegations from up to 12 countries to participate in a mix of educational, cultural, and sporting activities, which emphasize cooperative global and intercultural living.

Size of Group: Each delegation comprises 2 boys and 2 girls with an adult leader (age 21+).  The camp is coordinated by an adult staff supported by Junior Counselors (age 16-17).

Educational Goals: To help participants understand and appreciate people of different cultures • To provide a rich experience in active coexistence • To provide the chance for children to participate in decision making

Age: typically 14 or 15
Duration: 21 Days

Aimed at young teens, the Step Up program encourages participants to take responsibility for leadership and program planning. Each camp focuses on a specific educational theme. Participants work together to plan activities and discussions, which build on the chosen theme.

Size of Group: Delegations come from approximately 9 countries and are comprised of 4 youths, divided between girls and boys, who are accompanied by an adult Leader (age 21+).  The camp is coordinated by an adult staff.

Educational Goals: To overcome prejudices, build self-confidence and stimulate critical thinking • To encourage delegates to take leadership of and responsibility for the program.

Age: typically 12 or 13
Duration: 15 Days

The short regional camps feature individual themes that allow young people to explore intercultural issues in a regional context. The program reinforces core CISV values, builds leadership and organizational skills, while promoting continued CISV involvement.

Size of Group: Delegations come from approximately 9 countries and are comprised of 4 youths, divided between girls and boys, who are accompanied by an adult Leader (age 21+).  The camp is coordinated by an adult staff.

Educational Goals: To reinforce core CISV values: Friendship, Inclusiveness, Enthusiasm, Engagement, Cooperation • To build leadership and organizational skills

Age: 16 - 17
Duration: 21 Days

Participants facilitate this personally challenging, intensive program.  Participants develop their own themes and agenda to explore issues and form opinions about individual, international and multicultural matters, within a framework that stresses positive conflict resolution.  Seminar Camp fosters interest in the world as a whole and develops a sense of responsibility for its peaceful survival.

Note: Must be 16 or 17 years old on the day of departure for the program as well as the on the last day of the program. Cannot turn 18 years old during the program.

Size of Group: 30 participants plus international adult staff

Educational Goals: To help participants formulate their own opinions about international issues by exposing them to the ideas of young people from other cultures • To teach delegates to accept conflict as a part of daily life and give them practice resolving these conflicts • To encourage an interest in the world and a sense of responsibility for its sustainable use

Age: 10 - 25
Duration: 7 Days

At National Camp the themes and philosophies of CISV are explored through activities and discussions which are largely planned by the participants themselves.

Size of Group: Approximately 50 delegates come from across Canada, either individually or in groups depending on the number of applicants from each chapter.

Educational Goals: To consolidate the lessons learned during international CISV programs • To delver deeper into aspects that are touched upon during international programs • To relate CISV aims to local reality • To be a means of introducing and involving anyone who may not have participated in an international program

Age: 16-17
Duration: 28 Days

Junior Counsellors are an important part of the Village staff as they are able to relate to both children and the adults and to act as a link between them. JCs participate in leaders’ meetings and contribute to the planning and operation of the daily activities.

Note: Must be 16 or 17 years old a minimum of two weeks prior to the day of departure for the program and on the last day of the program. Cannot turn 18 years old during the program.

Age: 21+
Duration: Program dependent

It's the leader's job to help participants get the most out of their program.  They are part teacher, part best buddy, part travel guide, part cheerleader – and all kinds of awesome.

LEADER SELECTION

A great CISV experience starts with a great leader, and we do our best to make sure ours are amazing.

CISV Waterloo Region leaders are carefully selected from applicants who are 21 or over, demonstrate a strong interest in the goals and philosophy of CISV, and have the maturity and experience to handle the responsibilities assigned to them. Many of our leaders are long-time CISVers who were Village delegates themselves. However, previous CISV experience is not a requirement for being assigned a leadership position.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING

All CISV Waterloo Region leaders receive comprehensive orientation and training based on international standards. Every leader learns about the goals and philosophies of CISV, the administrative and legal requirements of travelling as an adult in the care of children, the health and safety of those children, issues of risk management and how best to manage the unexpected.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR SUCCESS

We're also really big on leaders and delegations getting to know one another, so all our leaders make a point of arranging group activities in the months leading up to departure.

Age: 21+
Duration: 21 or 28 Days

Village staff work as a team with four other adults to create a memorable global summer camp experience for youth and their leaders who arrive from all over the world. This role involves actively participating in planning meetings with your other staff members from January onwards to create this amazing camp experience. It is a volunteer position, but your room and board for the month of camp is covered.