Village

The Village program is a four-week international camp. Each delegation consists of two boys and two girls (age 11) and one adult leader representing 12 nations. In addition, four Staff and six international Junior Counselors (age 16-17) participate in this multicultural camp featuring a mix of educational, cultural and sport activities, which emphasize cooperative living.

Objectives of the Program

CISV strives to promote peace and cooperation among nations. It does this through the development of international understanding among people, focusing on youth. This overall goal is pursued with different programs for youth of various ages. The Village program is specifically designed for youth who are 11 years old and their leaders. Its immediate objective is to develop in the participants an understanding that people of different cultures can work and play together amicably. Another objective is to stimulate interest and learning about other cultures, as well to create lasting bonds of friendship among members of different countries.

How the Program Works

The Village program consists of a "camp" experience, lasting about a month, in one of the CISV member nations. Delegations, each consisting of 2 boys, 2 girls and a leader, come together from 12 different nations. Activities include games, music, arts and crafts, etc. Leaders work cooperatively with the Village staff and junior counselors in planning and conducting all village activities. In addition, each delegation prepares a National Night program where they present information and share something of their culture with the others. Occasional excursions and a mid-camp weekend home-stay with a CISV family offer the children a first hand experience with the culture of the host nation.