CISV Programs - Seminar Camp

Seminar Camp is geared towards youth aged 17-19 years of age. It is an educational activity that brings together a group of young people from different cultural backgrounds and gives them a chance to shed the fixed roles of their daily life and to discover new possibilities for themselves. Camps usually take place in July or August, with some being held in December and January. A seminar camp lasts 21 days with around 20-30 participants and four adult facilitators.

A Seminar Camp is an educational activity, a learning experience different from what the participants know from their lives at home. The program uses a very strong group situation for its methods, so it is not important which country the camp takes place in.

The aims of the program are:

To create a special environment which:

Helps the participants discover and formulate their own opinions about international and inter-cultural problems by exposing them to the ideas of young people from other nations and cultures. Different nations and cultures look differently on the same things. It is an important part of a Seminar Camp to work out these differences through discussions and activities which make the differences easier to understand through creative means such as drama, games, arts and crafts and music. It is not teaching to, but learning from each other.

Provides a group living experience in which young people examine their own motives, gain insights into their own behaviour and that of others, and appreciate the responsibilities involved in group living. Everybody shares the responsibility for the camp, including practical things like planning the daily program, menu planning, cooking and cleaning.

Teaches the participants to accept conflict as a part of daily life, and gives practice in recognizing and dealing with the conflicts in a positive manner. In every situation where people are together, different opinions and interests may create conflict. In a Seminar Camp everybody works towards understanding and accepting that conflict is an important part of the learning process. Solving a problem with a group can be a valuable and intense learning experience.

To stimulate youth to take an interest in the world as a whole, and to foster a sense of responsibility for its preservation. By getting to know people from other countries and discussing different points of view with them, participants can learn to see beyond the limits of national interests. All the countries of the world are inextricably linked in some way, and first-hand information from inhabitants of another country can have a much stronger impact than a newspaper article or other secondary sources of information.

To provide youth with a forum for exploring their own potential, and to encourage active involvement in the shaping of their own lives. Meeting others in the same situation can help participants to discover that there are many possibilities and perspectives.

To give participants an opportunity to learn something about other international organizations in which they might work towards our common goals.

As an educational organization CISV encourages all participants to use their experiences and individual skills and talents for the benefit of other like-minded organizations as well.

What we do in a Seminar Camp?

The principle idea of a Seminar Camp is that everybody in the camp is responsible for planning, conducting and evaluating the program. This may consist of many different things depending on the interests and goals of the participants.

The staff, who are trained adult leaders are there to support the participants and to offer their experience and guidance to them. The program is usually a good combination of funny and serious, creative, physical and leisure activities.

The participants are encouraged to plan activities or research possibilities for activities before arriving at the camp. Excursions and shopping are usually arranged by the hosting CISV chapter, but are not a primary focus of the camp.

For more information about staffing, hosting, or participating in a Seminar Camp please contact your local Chapter of CISV.