Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Junior Counselor?

The Junior Counselor is a leadership position for youth age 16-17. There are 6 Junior Counselors, all from different countries, that attend the month long Village Camp. The responsibilities include planning activities, and assisting in the supervision of the 11 year old children who attend the Village. In most Villages, the Junior Counselors (JCs) run the camp store and plan and coordinate the events for a "JC Day". The JC has a unique role in serving as a bridge between the villagers and the adult leaders. Junior Counselors bring energy and enthusiasm to all Village activities. An outgoing nature, tolerance, good judgment and fairness are important qualities in a JC candidate. The Selection Committee also looks for individuals who are mature, responsible, and enjoy playing with children.

The application information on costs explains fees and travel costs, but who pays for the Village itself (food, activities, utilities, etc)?

The host Chapter pays for all operational costs for the Village Camp. The only responsibilities of each participant are payment of the program fees and the costs of traveling to and from the city or town where the Village camp is hosted, plus 1/4 of the leader's airfare cost. Each CISV Chapter worldwide is required to host a Village at least once every 3 years (we host every other year in Jacksonville). When hosting a Village, the Chapter raises funds (in our case about $30,000) sufficient to pay for all costs to operate a four-week camp for 70 children, staff, leaders and junior counselors. When Jacksonville hosts a Village, each Chapter member is asked to help in a variety of volunteer jobs.

What if we can't afford all the fees, preparation and travel expenses?

CISV is the greatest bargain imaginable for such a memorable, educational and culturally enriching experience. Regardless, the total cost can be difficult for some families. CISV encourages participation from the entire Jacksonville community, without regard for race, religion or economic circumstances. To that end, our Chapter has limited scholarship/financial assistance to those who have true need. The number and amount of financial assistance grants varies from year to year based on the number of applicants, the degree of need, and the amount of financial assistance funding available. For more information see the Chapter Information/Scholorship section of the website . All information regarding applications and financial assistance awards is kept strictly confidential.

How can CISV operate these complex programs as an all-volunteer organization - who does the work?

Volunteers like you and me! Thousands of dedicated people devote many hours to CISV programs around the world because they have experienced the special, rewarding feeling that comes from making new friends around the world and learning about other cultures and ways of life. These volunteers want others to experience the same feeling, and they want to give something back to the organization that means so much to them and to their children.

When your family becomes involved in CISV, parents will have the responsibility to serve as a volunteer in some capacity. Volunteer responsibility is for 2 years. There are dozens of jobs that must be done — some big, some small, but all are very important to our success. We must have families who are willing to do their share so all the work is not done by just a few. Sixty countries ... 182 Chapters worldwide ... 22 USA Chapters ... 3,500 members in the USA alone. We hope you, too, will be a part of CISV and see why so many care so much!

If we apply for the Village program, must we first be chapter members? Is it an advantage in the selection process to have previous membership or CISV program experience?

You are not required to be a Chapter member to apply for the Junior Counselor Program. If your youth is selected, Chapter membership is a part of the participation fee. Prior program participation is accorded special privilege in the selection process for JC's. In cases where all other considerations are close to equal, a family's prior record of Chapter support and the youth's involvement in Chapter activities are considered in selection. The primary focus is on the youth, and the family's willingness to support the chapter with volunteerism.

The primary focus is on the youth, and the family's willingness to support the chapter with volunteerism.

How are Adult Leaders selected and trained?

Adult Leaders are volunteers, age 21 or older. The participating families pay the leader's airfare, but they receive no monetary payment for their time. Adult Leader applicants are screened carefully through a selection process, including a criminal background check, designed to ensure they are well-qualified and well-suited to lead the CISV Village Delegation during the preparation phase as well as during the four week Village. CISV selects leaders who will be responsible, caring and whose top priority is always the children's safety and well-being. Volunteer leaders may be parents, teachers, counselors or others who have the willingness and ability to work well with children and who will carry out their responsibilities in accordance with CISV policy. Many leaders were CISV Village participants when they were eleven, and want to participate in the Village experience again as leaders.

All CISV leaders, including Junior Counselors, undergo a thorough training process, starting at the local Chapter level and continuing through a mandatory CISV-USA regional training seminar. Training includes the basics of CISV philosophy, program content, potential problem recognition, cultural awareness, risk management and conflict resolution.

Can we contact our youth during the Village Camp? What about international phone calls?

We encourage frequent letters and cards to and from the participants. Phone calls are not allowed except in the case of family emergencies. There is always a phone number provided for emergencies, and the policy is to contact the Village staff should a need exist to contact your youth.

How are travel plans arranged?

The Chapter selects a single travel agency to coordinate all travel plans. The agency will understand CISV requirements, rules and regulations regarding safety and direct travel to and from the Village host country. We are assured that we benefit from negotiations for the best available airfare for which we qualify.