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FAQ
What is CISV? What are the goals of CISV? What programs does CISV have? What is a Junior Branch? What is a JB Meeting? How does one become a delegate for a program? How does one become a Junior Counsellor or Adult Delegate (Leader) for an International Program? What are the ages for Junior Counsellor and Adult Delegates? Who pays for the village? What do all those letters mean??? What will my child be doing\learning? I am not interested in travelling, can I participate locally? Is there a cost to participate? Can you still be in CISV if you don't have money to travel? What kinds of activities do you do in CISV? How many meetings/mini camps can you go to before you have to join CISV? What is a mini camp? How can parents participate in CISV? What is a simulation activity? What issues do you talk about in CISV? Will I have to travel by myself? Is international travel a requirement in CISV? How will my child benefit from involvement in local chapter activities? What kind of local activities are there and how often would the kids get together? My child doesn't know anybody else in the organization and is reluctant to get involved. How can parents get to know about the curriculum and program so they would feel comfortable getting their kids involved in CISV? Where will I get to travel? Do I get to choose among all the locations? What are the responsibilities once my child is selected? How long will my child be gone? Whom does my child travel with? Our family doesn't have a lot of extra money for travel - how can our family participate? Can you choose where your child goes? Do I have to do an International program to be a member? How much does it cost to join? Are their funds available to help families financially, either with membership or for the international programs? How much does it cost to do an International program? Do leaders get criminal record checks? Will I have to do any fundraising? What is CISV?CISV is a non-profit, non-government, non-religious organization that was developed in 1951 by Doctor Doris Twitchell Allen. The aim of CISV is to promote peace through education and understanding through a variety of programs both locally, nationally and internationally.What are the goals of CISV?The goals of Children's International Summer Villages are:
What programs does CISV have?CISV has a variety of international, national and local programs. The international programs listed here are open to people aged 11 and older:
What is a Junior Branch?A Junior Branch (JB) is a group of young local members, typically aged 11-25, who are developing intercultural skills, such as awareness of international matters, global environment and social sensitivity, through educational and social activities consistent with CISV's goals. These young people act as a link between other CISV program and activities, and often work together with like-minded organizations (LMOs). The Junior Branch organizes their own programs and activities on a wide variety of themes. Although they constitute an integral part of the Chapter, Juniors are encouraged to assume administrative responsibility and to be self-governing. International Junior Representatives (IJRs), are elected at the time of CISV's Annual International Meeting (AIM). IJRs inform, coordinate and support all Junior Branches worldwide electronically, enabling them, if they so wish, to focus their activities around themes decided at Regional Meetings or the annual International JB Conference (IJBC). In Vancouver, the Junior Branch Board coordinates and plans minicamps as well as local activities for the JB members to attend. All juniors are encouraged to attend JB activities and minicamps! topWhat is a JB Meeting?JB Meetings are generally hosted once a month. They are designed to get the Junior Branch Board, and any other JB Members interested in attending, together to plan upcoming activities and minicamps.How does one become a delegate for a program?In order to become a delegate representing Vancouver, you must first formally apply by filling out the applicable application form for your program. Prospective delegates must also attend one of CISV Vancouver’s selection minicamps. It is at these camps that the selection committee will observe the applicant and their ability to adapt to the CISV culture.How does one become a Junior Counsellor or Adult Delegate (Leader) for an International Program?In order to be selected to fill one of Vancouver’s leadership positions, you must first formally apply by filling out the applicable application form for your program. Prospective leaders must also attend one of CISV Vancouver’s selection minicamps. It is at these camps that the leadership committee will observe the applicant and their ability to adapt to the CISV culture. If successful, the candidate will be asked to attend mandatory local and national leadership training.What are the ages for Junior Counsellor and Adult Delegates?Junior counselors must be at least age 16 the day they leave for the Village and not have reached their 18th birthday prior to the start of the village. Adult Delegates must be at least 21 years of age prior to their program commencing.Who pays for the village?The host chapter pays for the food, lodging, excursions, and programme supplies. Delegates are responsible for their airfare, leader training costs and all costs applicable to preparing for the program. Delegates are also responsible for 1\4 of any cost that the leader may incur preparing for the program.What do all those letters mean???Here is a list of CISV Acronyms…
What will my child be doing\learning?While involved with CISV, your child will be learning to integrate with their peers both locally and internationally. They will be participating in activities designed for their age group to teach and to simulate world issues. Discussions will be held on the activities to debrief emotions or ideas that were generated during the activity. Activities are not all heavy brain-thinking activities. We do like to incorporate lighter activities to allow participants to run around and be kids. These activities are usually team building or trust building activities. topI am not interested in travelling, can I participate locally?CISV’s Mosaic program is the perfect opportunity for chapter members to participate locally within CISV. Each year the Mosaic committee determines a theme for the chapter to follow. They then plan a handful of events for the chapter to participate in throughout the year. These activities may be held in conjunction with a like-minded organization. Families who are not interested in travelling may also chose to participate in local Junior Branch activities, minicamps, or become a part of the many CISV committees. Is there a cost to participate?Yes. Each program has a program fee that the delegate is responsible for paying. Personal airfares, travel outfits, vaccinations (if applicable), delegation supplies and costs incurred by the leader are all apart of the delegate’s responsibility. Costs incurred for the delegation and by the leader are split evenly amongst all delegates in the delegation.Can you still be in CISV if you don't have money to travel?Yes. CISV Vancouver hosts Mosaic activities approximately four times per year. All chapter members are strongly encouraged to attend these activities as they are lost of fun and aim to make a difference in the community. These events are family oriented and are generally free of charge or have a low cost to cover any expenses incurred to run the event. CISV Vancouver also hosts a minimum of two minicamps per year for JBers aged 10 and older. Forms for these minicamps can be found at www.cisvvancouver.com a couple of weeks prior to the camp. Finally, the chapter, as well as the Junior Branch Board, host a variety of activities throughout the year. Bursaries are also available for families who are interested in applying for one.What kinds of activities do you do in CISV?CISV hosts a variety of activities ranging from running games, cooperation games, trust games, simulation games and light-hearted activities.How many meetings/mini camps can you go to before you have to join CISV?Those interested in CISV may attend one minicamp OR activity prior to becoming a member. This is due to our National Insurance Policy.What is a mini camp?A minicamp is a program organized by a local chapter with the intention of simulating what it would be like to spend time at a national or international CISV program. In Vancouver we typically have two a year for those aged 10 and older. They are one weekend in length and are a wonderful chance for CISVers, new and old, to experience CISV in their own backyard.top How can parents participate in CISV?There are many ways for parents to get involved in CISV:
What is a simulation activity?A simulation activity is one in which participants role play to help learn about a world situation. These activities are highly researched prior to being conducted. As they often touch on world situations, these activities are always debriefed to ensure that no one is upset upon the completion of the activity.What issues do you talk about in CISV?CISV discussions cover all sorts of issues including poverty, race, war, current world events, prejudices, the media, and ethics. Discussions are geared toward the age group that the activity or program is being held for.Will I have to travel by myself?For most programs, delegations travel together. However, JCs, Seminar Camp participants, IPP participants as well as some IYM participants travel on their own to and from camp.Is international travel a requirement in CISV?No. Your family may chose to participate only in local or national events. There is never any pressure to participate in any program.How will my child benefit from involvement in local chapter activities?CISV participants benefit in a variety of ways from being involved in CISV. One key benefit it that participants gain experience as leaders within the organization and can then take their leadership skills to outside groups to further develop them. CISVers also develop friends locally, nationally and internationally. Participants are introduced to the world around them and begin to see the rest of the world in a different perspective. What kind of local activities are there and how often would the kids get together?Generally speaking the JB likes to try to hold activities or meetings once a month. Activities can range from baking cookies to deliver to a shelter to dancing to collect money to donate to orphanages to planting trees to educational walks through Burns Bog to tours of temples. Anything is possible depending on what the chapter’s theme for the year is. JB Meetings are generally more business oriented and have members of the JB Board working to prepare camps and activities for the rest of the chapter. Although the name of the game is to complete some of the chapter’s business, everyone is welcome to attend a JB Meeting. My child doesn't know anybody else in the organization and is reluctant to get involved.Not a problem. Often when kids arrive for their first camp they feel a little uneasy about being away from home for the weekend. More often than not, this feeling dissipates quickly as your child meets the other kids at camp and meets some new friends.top How can parents get to know about the curriculum and program so they would feel comfortable getting their kids involved in CISV?Parents are more than welcome to phone chapter members to find out information on CISV and what it involves. If you do not know anyone who is currently involved in CISV, all of our adult board members will warmly welcome questions. You can also go onto the internet and “Google” CISV to find a variety of information. There are also wonderful websites that you can visit to find out everything you need to know about CISV.
Where will I get to travel?Every year at the National Board Meeting (NBM), CISV Vancouver receives its international programs for the year. Please check the website (www.cisvvancouver.com) at the beginning of December to find out what programs CISV Vancouver has for programs.Do I get to choose among all the locations?The selection committee will decide which international program your child will be participating in if they are selected.What are the responsibilities once my child is selected?Once your child is selected to go on a program, CISV needs to become your families #1 priority. There is a lot of work involved in sending your child to an international program. Therefore, leaders generally like to meet with their delegation and families every couple of weeks, if not more. It is very important that the adult leader gets to know your child and that your child gets to trust you leader prior to their departure to a program. Parents will also be involved in researching airfares, collecting souvenirs, shopping for national nights, etc. Please be prepared to put a lot of work into your child’s wonderful experience. In the end, it will be worth every second! How long will my child be gone?Depending on the program, your child may be gone anywhere from 21-32 days. Seminar Camps and Summer Camps are 21 days in length while Villages and Interchanges typically run 28 days in length. Occasionally, delegations are required to be away for longer than their program period due to travel times required to reach some programs.top Whom does my child travel with?Your child, if in a delegation, will travel with their adult leader. Junior Counsellors, Seminar Campers and some IYM participants will travel by themselves to and from camp.Our family doesn't have a lot of extra money for travel - how can our family participate?Low income families are also encouraged to participate in CISV. Individual and delegation fundraising opportunities as well as individual bursaries are available.Can you choose where your child goes?Unfortunately you cannot choose where your child goes for an international program. If finances are a problem, you may indicate this on your application as a reason for preference of a specific international program. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that this preference will be accommodated but we will do our best to accommodate all families belonging to CISV Vancouver.Do I have to do an International program to be a member?No you do not have to participate in an international program to be a member. There are several opportunities for members to participate locally or nationally.How much does it cost to join?CISV requires that you become a member of CISV Vancouver in order to participate in activities. Application forms for membership can be found on the CISV Vancouver website. As of September 2007, annual membership fees are $120 for a family membership. Individual memberships are $50 per person, and are available for those aged 18 and over. topAre their funds available to help families financially, either with membership or for the international programs?Yes, CISV Vancouver offers confidential bursary programs. Please contact our chapter chairs for more information on the bursaries and for application information.How much does it cost to do an International program?International program costs vary depending on which program you are attending and where the program is being held. Please contact the Programming Chairs for more information on program cost.Do leaders get criminal record checks?Yes, every year all leaders must successfully pass a criminal record check before they are able to participate at local activities, minicamps or international programs.Will I have to do any fundraising?Individual delegation fundraising is up to the families involved in the delegation. However, chapter fundraising does occur annually and it is expected that all members will attend in some capacity to help the chapter to raise money to host international programs. We are mandated to host a program every two years and we require all chapter members assistance in helping to raise funds for these programs. Please contact the fundraising committee to find out how you can help out CISV Vancouver. top |
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