December 2023 Newsletter

2023 Programs Announced!

Recruiting and selection season is in full swing! We have many opportunities for youth ages 11 – 17, as well as adult volunteers to support these programs and our chapter.  Apply now!

Program Descriptions

VILLAGE (Age 11 – born in 2012):  The Village program is a four-week international camp. Each delegation consists of two boys and two girls and one adult leader representing 12 nations. In addition, four Staff and six international Junior Counselors (ages 16-17) participate in this multicultural camp featuring a mix of educational, cultural, and sports activities, which emphasize cooperative living.

FACES OF JACKSONVILLE (Ages 9-11): FACES of Jacksonville is a free 2-week camp for rising 5th to 6th graders (current 4th and 5th graders in 2022-2023), a mini-village experience for Jacksonville children. The camp will include games and activities to build friendships, teamwork and leadership skills, and positive attitudes toward others using the same as the curriculum conducted at CISV’s “flagship” international Village program.

YOUTH MEETING (Age 12-13, born in 2010 and 2011):  The short regional camps feature individual themes that allow young people to explore intercultural issues in a regional context. The program reinforces core CISV values and builds leadership and organizational skills.  The delegation for 12-13-year-olds will include two boys and two girls and one adult leader. 

INTERCHANGE (Age 14-15, born in 2008 and 2009): The Interchange program is a bilateral, family-centered exchange between two international CISV chapters.  Delegations consist of at least three girls and three boys, plus an adult leader.  They will reciprocally host a partner of the same age and gender with similar interests for two weeks. This program encourages a deeper understanding of another culture by enabling young people to live as family members. Group activities involving both delegations are a vital component of the Interchange program.

STEP UP CAMP (Age 14-15, born in 2008 and 2009):  Step Up is a three-week international leadership development camp for delegations of four youths and one adult leader.  Our delegates must be aged 14 or 15 (depending on the program). The program is very similar to the Village concept but is structured to allow youth to have a more significant role in planning activities, and is aimed at slightly older children. This is a multicultural camp which develops a particular theme through international activities and discussions. The emphasis is on youth leadership through adult facilitation.

FORTNIGHT (Age 16-17) Fortnight is an engaging two-week domestic summer program that is available to youth ages 16-17. In addition to content that will explore many new topics, such as what it means to be a U.S. citizen, cultural awareness, and American cultural history and diversity, the camp will also focus on community service.

JUNIOR COUNSELORS (Age 16-17):  The Junior Counselors (age 16-17) participate in the Village program described above.  CISV also offers Junior Counselors positions for our FACES of Jacksonville local camps where youth can develop leadership skills in our local community.

SEMINAR CAMP (Ages 17-18):   Seminar Camp is a 3-week multicultural experience for 17 and 18-year-olds. The camp of 30-35 participants from many nations creates an environment of sharing ideas and concerns and living together as a community with the support of international staff.

STAFF & LEADERS (Ages 21+):  In addition to leaders aged 21 or older for our Village, Youth Meeting, Step Up, and Interchange delegations, we will also need staff for our hosted Seminar and FACES of Jacksonville camps.

Program Invitations