Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

A: My name is Andrew, I am 17 years old, and I live in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I am passionate about leadership, community service, and fostering global connections through organizations like CISV. One interesting thing about me is that I thrive in fast-paced environments—whether it's organizing large-scale events, working as a ski patrol, or traveling for leadership conferences.

What was your first encounter with CISV, and what motivated you to get involved with the organization?

A: My first encounter with CISV was attending a mini-camp at age 11. I thought it was so cool to be doing interesting activities and being able to be very close with those in charge. I was always impressed with how creative these activities were. My first international encounter with CISV was going to a Village in Querétaro, Mexico. By the end of my village I was hooked! 

 What inspired you to get involved with the Junior Board, and how has your journey as a youth leader evolved?

A: My current role on the Junior Board is the SRLJR. I work with the JrLJR, and together we represent CISV Fredericton JB on a national level. We also work closely with the adult board. Our responsibilities include planning all activities, organizing mini-camps, and attending national conferences. The most recent conference I attended was in Vancouver! 

Can you share a specific moment or project that made you feel especially proud of your impact?

A: A specific moment in CISV that made me feel proud of my impact was when I was able to run my first activity on my own, and it went really well! Doing the debrief with the other younger participants and seeing the impact on them was very cool and made me feel really proud of myself. 

What skills or experiences have you gained through your leadership role that you didn’t expect?

A:  I expected to develop leadership and organizational skills, but what surprised me was how much I grew in adaptability and problem-solving. Whether it was handling last-minute changes to an event or navigating different perspectives in decision-making, I learned how to think on my feet and collaborate effectively. I also gained confidence in public speaking and facilitating group discussions.

What advice would you give to other young people looking to take on leadership roles in their communities?

A: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning, taking initiative, and supporting those around you. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and always remember that even small actions can lead to significant impacts in your community. 

Please, feel free to share any additional info. 

CISV has shaped my perspective on leadership, teamwork, and global citizenship. It’s an organization that continuously teaches me the importance of connection, understanding, and action. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had through CISV, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to its mission of building a more peaceful and inclusive world. 

Event Details

Date: December 6th at 6 PM to December 7th at 2 PM

Location: Fredericton

Weekend Fee: $80

This weekend event is designed for anyone who wants to explore leadership skills, activity planning, risk management, and other essential elements of the CISV Junior Board experience. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with the CISV Fredericton community, meet like-minded peers, and learn from passionate leaders.

Don’t miss out—sign up now! Registration is open to middle and high school students interested in discovering the exciting world of CISV JB Fredericton.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/b8hup5tw 

Leyla, our Past Chair, kicked things off with a warm welcome and shared what CISV stands for, what it means to be a part of our community, and our Chapter’s successes of the past year.

Some other highlights from the evening included:

• Meet the Junior Branch (JB): Our Junior Branch Board members introduced themselves, shared what they’ve been up to, and their ideas for the year.

• Stories from Our Delegates: This year’s delegates to International programs shared their experiences, and the impact CISV has had on them.

• Q&A + Song: We wrapped up with a lively Q&A session, and of course, ended the night with the traditional CISV song!

CISV International, founded in 1950, is committed to promoting peace and fostering intercultural friendships across more than 60 countries. Over its 74-year history, the organization has impacted the lives of over 300,000 participants worldwide.

Locally, CISV Fredericton has engaged more than 900 participants in the past 31 years, helping to build a strong community dedicated to peacebuilding and global understanding.

Join us and be part of this global community!

Here’s a brief overview of how the process works:

1. Invitation Process: In the fall, CISV Canada receives invitations from CISV International for upcoming international programs. These invitations are distributed to local chapters during the National Board Meeting in November, where we select based on local interest and availability—much like an NHL draft!

2. Application Timeline: Applications will open from early December through mid-January.

3. Membership Requirement: You must be a member to apply for international programs. If you’re not a member yet, don’t worry—you can purchase a membership during the application process!

4. Selection Process: Applicants will undergo an interview and are required to attend a selection activity. This allows us to see them in action and ensure they’re a good fit for the program, setting them up for a successful experience. 

5. Get Involved: We encourage all interested youth to attend CISV Fredericton events to learn what CISV is about.

6. Participation in Activities: If selected for an international program, you’ll need to participate in designated delegation and chapter activities leading up to your program.

We look forward to hearing from you!

This event is an opportunity for the community to learn more about CISV's mission and programs, which focus on peace education and fostering a more just and peaceful world.

Attendees will have the chance to discover what makes CISV unique, meet the people who contribute to its vibrant community, and hear firsthand experiences from youth who have participated in CISV’s international programs. The evening will also feature interactive activities, offering a glimpse into the fun and educational experiences that CISV provides.

The Open House is open to everyone—whether you’re new to CISV or a returning friend. The Fredericton Chapter regularly hosts activities for youth aged 10 to 17 and organizes minicamps in the spring and fall. Additionally, they offer local youth aged 11 and up the chance to participate in national and international CISV programs.

More details about the event will be released soon. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how CISV Fredericton is making a difference in the community and beyond.

Event Link on Facebook

Tahara, a former CISV Fredericton Village delegate to Hamburg, Germany, returned to Hamburg as the Leader for CISV Halifax's Step-Up delegation. Her experience as a participant inspired her to share her passion for CISV with a new generation of young people.

Rowan attended a CISV Village in Italy as a Junior Counsellor (JC). JCs act as a liason between the 11 year old participants and the adult leaders. 

What did Rowan have to say about the experience? 

"[It] was one of the best experiences of my life! ... Challenging at times, [but] such a rewarding experience! 

... 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's friend, Ruby, attended a Seminar program in Portugal. At Seminar, the teens are in charge - they plan and run the camp under the supervision of adult staff. Here's what Ruby said:

“Seminar in Portugal was the best 3 weeks of my life! I met so many amazing people from 16 different countries, who I’m now lucky to call my friends. Seminar participants run the camp - everything from the cooking and cleaning, to activity planning and decision making. Having the freedom to create our camp experience ourselves was definitely challenging, but I learned so much and grew as a person in many ways.”

While CISV Fredericton didn’t have enough younger applicants to form delegations this summer (youth 15 & under travel with an adult leader as part of a delegation), two of our members were able to join delegations from CISV Halifax and Montréal / St-Grégoire chapters. We enjoyed reconnecting with these neighbouring chapters via theses combined delegations!

Henri participated in a diversity-themed Step-Up in Portugal as part of the CISV Montréal / St-Grégoire delegation. Step-Up starts with a home stay - He enjoyed exploring Lisbon, relaxing on the beach, and getting to know the Homestay family! Other highlights of the camp: making new friends & sharing some fun CISV energy at a rehabilitation centre during their local impact day. 

Would he consider attending a CISV camp again?

"Definitely!! I’m hoping to be a junior counsellor next year!"

Sheila attended a Human Rights themed Youth Meeting in Padova, Italy, as part of CISV Halifax's delegation.  Sheila was a little nervous at first but it didn't take long to make new friends. She loved every aspect of the camp, including the fun CISV activities, practicing her French, and exploring Venice while eating pizza and gelato. 

Her favourite part of camp? 

"ALL OF IT!!"

CISV Fredericton is proud of these members and their experiences, and we look forward to their continued involvement in our community.