CISV Programs - Summer Camp

Summer Camp is a program that was introduced to CISV in the early eighties, due to increased demand for cross-cultural opportunities for youth. A Summer Camp is not a village for older children. Rather, it has its own unique mandate, and is an entirely separate program.

(CISV Summer Camp, Fredericton, 2004)

1.1. What is an International Summer Camp?

A Summer Camp is a three week international camp. Delegations consist of an equal number of boys and girls, of the same age, and an adult leader. Thirteen, fourteen or fifteen year olds may participate in a Summer Camp; the age of the participants for the camp is determined by the hosting nation. This is a multi-cultural camp which develops a particular theme through international activities and discussion. The emphasis is on youth leadership through adult facilitation.

1.2. The Aims of the International Summer Camp Activity

The aims of the International Summer Camp Activity are:

- to encourage understanding of other cultures through participation in an international camp,

- to provide an experience where participants can learn the value of consideration for and co-operation with their fellow campers,

- to provide an environment where youth can learn to take the initiative towards leadership and programme responsibility,

- to use the camp as a place to learn how to overcome prejudices,

- to help build up self-confidence and to stimulate critical thinking.

1.3. Integration into CISV Summer Camp is not an isolated part of CISV

- Delegates are / become members of the Junior Branch,

- families and leaders are / become members of Senior Branch,

- delegates develop leadership skills for future CISV involvement.

1.4. Some Facts about International Summer Camp

- The camp will last at least three weeks,

- the ideal size of a Summer Camp is 36, with a minimum of 32 and a maximum of 40 participants,

- the participants pay a Delegate Fee to the International Office which is offset to the hosting National Association,

- the Delegate Fee includes the International Summer Camp Participation Fee,

- there are no JC's in a Summer Camp,

- site rules are established by the staff,

- the leaders and staff act as facilitators,

- the campers plan and lead the camp activities,

- the camp is developed around a theme,

- there is no family weekend during the camp,

- there is a host stay for the Youth Delegates prior to the start of the camp,

- adult delegates meet with the staff at the camp site during the youth's host stay,

Most activites will be built around the theme. Participants are directly involved in planning the daily programs and activities, helping them to acquire valuable planning and leadership skills. Delegations may vary in size from 4-6 participants, plus one leader.

Individual Canadian Chapters obtain invitations to Summer Camps through a draw process and may or may not have invitations to Summer Camps each year due to the relatively small number of Summer Camps currently being offered.