Most CISV programs are designed to educate and inspire children, but they also provide a very enlightening, impactful and educational experience for adults. Adult leaders play a key role in all CISV Programs. See for yourself below:
In a Village, the team of leaders, along with the junior counselors, carry out the day to day program of the camp, planning the activities and shaping the experience for the 11 year old participants. In a Step Up, the leader’s role is more akin to that of a facilitator, as the participants themselves plan the camp’s activities with the guidance of the adult leaders. During an Interchange, the leader collaborates with the parents and delegates to plan out a group schedule and activities, while also hosting the delegation leader from the partner country.
While the leaders focus much of their energy on enriching the children’s experience during the day, the late-evening hours provide time for the leaders to have their own CISV experience. After hours, activities are often arranged to enhance cultural understanding among the twenty or more adults who facilitate the program for the children. Just like the children, the adult leaders form lasting friendships with their colleagues from around the world.
A leader’s day is full; in addition to facilitating thought-provoking activities and connecting with their delegates during the day, they do spend considerable time in the evening debriefing and planning for the next day’s fun as well as connecting with other leaders to problem-solve and learn about each other. Leaders do get time off from the camp, and they can spend a day off-site to explore the local community or just decide to get some needed down time off reading or relaxing in their own way. In the Village program, the middle weekend of the month allows the leaders to get some relaxation time together as a group while the children stay with host families.