I started volunteering with CISV Fredericton when my son became involved in local and national programs. He’s grown up & moved on, but I’m still here & volunteering with CISV International! There’s room for learning and growth for everyone at CISV, even adults. It's a wonderful way to share your skills (or develop new ones), learn new perspectives and work with new people from all over the world!

Marlien McKay (volunteer)  

My son started attending CISV Fredericton activities in 2018 & I began volunteering in 2023. I’m a board member and I also enjoy supervising or cooking at the minicamps! I really enjoy meeting & chatting with the other volunteers, hearing my kids talk about how much fun a minicamp was or all about the adventures they had & friends made at international programmes. But it’s definitely the enthusiasm from the youth on the Junior Board that motivates me to continue volunteering!

Marla Lesage (board member & parent) 

My time as a Junior Counsellor (JC) at a Village was one of the best experiences of my life! Although the role of a JC may be challenging at some times, it is such a rewarding experience as well. As a JC you work as a liaison between the adult group and the kids, so I learned so many communication and organizational skills. It really allows you to have all the best perks of being an adult and a child! I made so many new friends from all around the world, who I am already trying to see again. CISV allows you to make genuine connections and learn in a safe and nurturing environment, and it means a lot to me that I was able to provide that environment for young CISVers.

Rowan (Junior Counsellor at a Village in Milan, Italy (2024)  

Step-Up starts with a homestay—we explored Lisbon and enjoyed a fun trip to the beach! Other highlights of the camp included making new friends and sharing some fun CISV energy at a rehabilitation centre during their local impact day. Would I consider attending a CISV camp again? Definitely!! I’m hoping to be a junior counsellor next year!

Henri (attended a Step-up in Portugal with CISV Montreal’s delegation (2024)

I was a little nervous at first, my delegation was me and 3 boys but within a couple of days it felt like I had 3 more brothers! At camp, I quickly made new friends & even spoke French with the delegates from France & Belgium (we disagreed on whether it was melon d’eau or pastèque.) I really enjoyed Excursion Day - we ate pizza & gelato while exploring Venice - and our Local Impact Day - I learned how to weave a basket while volunteering at a program for people with disabilities. The CISV activities at camp were fun too. My favourite part of camp? All of it!!!

Sheila (attended a Youth Meeting in Padova, Italy with CISV Halifax’s delegation)