Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Cost: $4,700 + airfare
Age Rule
Participants must be either 16 or 17 years old a minimum of two weeks prior to the day of departure for the Village program AND on the last day of the program.
How does it work?
In a Village camp, 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 of age, JCs are able to relate to both children and adults and act as a link between them during a Village. JCs participate in leaders’ meetings and lead activities, just like any delegation leader would do.
JCs also serve as a bridge between delegates and adults. All the children need to feel liked and accepted by the JCs, who appear like older sisters and brothers to them.
Many CISV leadership positions are gender specific because CISV aims to keep a balance of genders in each program. When our chapter receives invitations to various programs, the gender of the leadership position is predetermined. However, we are a welcoming, diverse organization and accept nonbinary applicants to all programs.
BASIC INFORMATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR A JUNIOR COUNSELOR
The CISV Village is a program lasting 23 or 28 days. Each Village consists of 9-12 delegations (2 boys and 2 girls – 11 years at time of arrival, and a leader who is at least 21 years old), 4-6 JCs (16-17 years old at time of arrival), and 3-6 staff members.
All participants work, cooperate and enjoy the experience of spreading the CISV philosophy. It’s very important to understand how a Village works.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A JUNIOR COUNSELOR (JC)
BEFORE THE VILLAGE:
- Participate in Leadership Training in your home nation / Chapter.
- Write to the Village Director to introduce yourself.
- Complete and return all forms requested in your pre-camp communications.
- Collect information about your country and culture, prepare a small booklet to give to each participant.
- Prepare travel documents (e.g. passport, visa), required vaccinations, travel and health insurance, and carry money to spend during travel.
- Gather ideas for peace activities, cooperation games, songs etc. to use at the Village.
DURING THE VILLAGE
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 from the moments you must be serious.
- Act in the role as a friend and advisor to all children at the Village.
- Help all the children and never show favoritism.
- Always be on time and participate in all activities.
- Share the responsibility for planning and running the Village activities.
Being a JC is a 24-hour job. Some people need more rest than others, so be sure to get enough rest and sleep when you can. Many 11-year-olds may be able to talk more easily with the JCs than with the adults. That is why JCs act as a special bridge during the program and pass on useful information acquired about individual children to the adult staff.
Respect others feelings and customs, especially those of the host country. Your input as a JC is important. Do not be afraid to share your ideas in planning and leaders’ meetings. Use your imagination and creativity in finding ways to communicate without words with the children.
GUIDELINES: Each participant must follow CISV and Host Country rules and laws regarding use of alcohol, drugs, smoking; use of telephone and facilities; arrival and departure schedule; visitors’ schedule; and stay away from inappropriate activities.
Your most important responsibility is the children’s safety and happiness, always.
AFTER THE VILLAGE:
- Evaluations: Complete and return evaluation form.
- Attend the debrief. Meet with other JCs and / or delegations from your Chapter.
- Follow-up: Send thank-you cards to Village Staff and host Chapter.
- Participate in your local Chapter and Junior Branch and assist with leadership training.
- Correspond with fellow Villagers to help keep CISV “alive.”
SELECTION OF JUNIOR COUNSELORS
The qualities for 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 Village life and enjoyment of Village activities.
- Open, inquiring personalities and good communication skills.
- A desire to further personal knowledge and ability in Village leadership techniques.
- Active involvement in Junior Branch and/or other related youth organizations.