Most CISV programs are designed for the children, but they also provide educational, enlightening experiences for the adults. Adult leaders play a key role in Village, Youth Meeting, Step Up, and Mosaic camp. They are responsible for upholding CISV’s educational principles and meeting the program goals.
In a Village, leaders from every country in attendance form a team, along with the camp staff and junior counselors (JCs). Together, they carry out the camp’s day-to-day programming, planning the activities and shaping the experience for the 11-year-old participants. Leaders have a similar experience in Youth Meeting programs for 12- and 13-year-olds.
In a Step Up camp, the leader’s role is more akin to that of a facilitator, as the participants themselves plan the camp’s activities with the guidance of the adult leaders.
While the leaders focus much of their energy on enriching the children’s experience during the day, the late-evening hours provide time for the leaders to have their own CISV experience. After hours, activities are often arranged to enhance cultural understanding among the 20 or more adults who facilitate the program for the children. Just like the children, the adult leaders form lasting friendships with their colleagues from around the world.
Adult volunteers in a CISV camp should not expect a vacation, but to work running the camp’s programming alongside the team of leaders, staff and JCs. Leaders do get time off from the camp so they can spend a day off-site, exploring the local community. In the Village program, the middle weekend of the month allows the leaders to get some relaxation time together as a group, without the children, who stay with host families.
Contact LeaderNY@cisvusa.org to receive information on how to apply to become a leader.
