The CISV Faces of New York – Mosaic program brings CISV’s values of peace education and global friendship home to our own community – a one-week overnight camp for a diverse group in the New York tri-state area. The purpose of this subsidized one-week summer camp is to provide a fun and safe environment for children to learn what it means to be a global citizen and live harmoniously with others – sharing resources and ideas.
CISV Faces of New York welcomes participants ages 11 and 12 at the time of arrival, four to six junior counselors (ages 16 and 17), and four to six leaders and staff members who are at least 21 years old.
For additional information about the program, follow this link: Mosaic Faces of New York.
How does it work?
At Faces of New York, Junior Counselors (JCs) are an important part of the leaders’ group, performing leader-level tasks and contributing to the planning and execution of daily activities.
At 16 or 17 years old, JCs are able to relate to both children and adults, acting as a link between them during the program. JCs participate in leaders’ meetings and lead activities, just like any delegation leader would do. All the children need to feel liked and accepted by the JCs, who appear like older sisters and brothers to them.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A JUNIOR COUNSELOR (JC)
BEFORE THE PROGRAM:
- Participate in Leadership Training in your local chapter.
- Write to the Program Director to introduce yourself.
- Complete and return all forms requested in your pre-camp communications.
- Gather ideas for peace activities, cooperation games, songs, etc. to use in the Mosaic Program.
DURING THE PROGRAM
The JC should be prepared for almost anything as your tasks are varied. As a JC, you are in a position of responsibility and should:
- Be a positive role model for the children.
- Be able to recognize the moments in which you can be funny, and the moments when you must be serious.
- Act in the role of a friend and advisor to all children at the program.
- Help all the children and never show favoritism.
- Always be on time and participate in all activities.
- Share the responsibility for planning and running program activities.
Being a JC is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, while acting as a bridge between children and adults during the program. Many 11 and 12-year-olds may be able to talk more easily with the JCs than with the adults at camp, so JCs may be able to communicate useful information about individual children to the adult staff.
A JC’s input is important. CISV encourages JCs to share their ideas in planning and leaders’ meetings, and to use their imagination and creativity to find ways to communicate with the children.
CISV Guidelines: Each participant must follow CISV and Host rules and laws regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, smoking; use of telephone and facilities; arrival and departure schedule; visitors’ schedule; and stay away from inappropriate activities.
A JC’s most important responsibility is the children’s safety and happiness, always.
AFTER THE PROGRAM:
- Evaluations: Complete and return the evaluation form.
- Attend the debrief meeting organized by your local Chapter.
- Follow-up: Send thank-you cards to the Mosaic Staff.
- Participate in your local Chapter and Junior Branch, and assist with leadership training.
- Correspond with fellow participants to help keep CISV alive!
SELECTION OF JUNIOR COUNSELORS
The qualities of suitable JCs are:
- A genuine love for children and enjoyment in working with them.
- Ability to work with and gain the respect of both adults and children.
- A liking for “Summer Program” life and enjoyment of the activities.
- Open, inquiring personalities and good communication skills.
- A desire to further personal knowledge and ability in Mosaic leadership techniques.
- Active involvement in Junior Branch and/or other like-minded youth organizations.
- A commitment to CISV’s mission of educating and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world.
- An interest in the areas of peaceful conflict resolution, human rights, sustainability, and diversity.
If you are interested in becoming a Junior Counselor (JC) please email mosaicny@cisvusa.org. All JCs must complete CISV training.