CISV mini camp for kids aged 10-17

Mini camp: October 13-15, 2023
Deadline to apply: noon, Saturday, October 7

​Here is a link to a YouTube video to better understand the Village program for 11 year olds: https://youtu.be/aaouALhWPuY?feature=shared
 
You can read about the organization and programs on the CISV Vancouver website:   https://cisvvancouver.ca/aboutus/

If your child wants to try out the weekend camp, you don’t have to join as a member unless they want to participate in another program.
 
What is CISV? CISV is a global organization dedicated since 1951 to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding. CISV provides children and young people the opportunity to build lasting friendships through international and local educational programs. CISV’s innovative, fun, non-formal “learning by doing” programs include an exciting blend of international camp-based, exchange and local community programs. CISV aims to help participants develop the skills they need to become informed, responsible, and active global citizens and make a difference in their communities and the world. 
 
What is a CISV Mini-Camp? Local and Regional Mini-Camps are held at various times during the year to spread awareness of CISV values and principles among its current and future members. The camps are designed to be similar to a two day experience at one of CISV’s programs.  The purpose is to give young people, who have and those who might be interested in applying for one of CISV’s international programs, a glimpse into what the international experience might be like. 
 
What activities happen at Mini-Camp? Participants will take part in a variety of educational, cultural, and fun activities that have been planned by the youth from the chapter’s Junior Branch. The activities will revolve around a common theme and CISV’s peace education content areas, which are: diversity, human rights, conflict and resolution, and sustainable development. On occasion some educational activities may engage participants at an intensive level bringing out deep feelings, thoughts, and emotions. This is done to help explore, but not judge, different views and perspectives on issues relevant to CISV educational goals. 
 
Who can attend Mini-Camp?  2023 Fall Mini-Camp will be open to those 10 to 17. 
The camps are especially important for those wishing to apply for one of CISV’s national or international program: they help young people develop an understanding of CISV and its culture and applicants for those programs must have attended at least one local Mini-Camp in the 12 months prior in order to be eligible for a travel delegate position. CISV Vancouver hosts two Mini-Camps each year; the next one is likely to be held in April 2024. Mini-Camps are open to CISV members and non-members. Youth may attend one Mini-Camp as a non-member.  Further participation in CISV programs will require a membership with CISV Vancouver. 
 
Who plans and leads activities at a Mini-Camp? In line with CISV’s “learning by doing” approach, activities at Mini-Camp are planned and lead by youth of various ages from the chapter’s Junior Branch  To support the youth and to ensure that appropriate safety and risk management measures are met, trained adult leaders, supported by CISV Vancouver’s Risk Manager, will guide the camp activities and ensure overall accountability of the program.  We maintain an adult leader to participant ratio of 1:10. 
 
How can parents find out more about CISV? CISV Vancouver’s website’s “ABOUT” page contains lots of information about our local chapter as well as links to CISV Canada and CISV International. Questions can also be directed to our team at info.cisvvancouver[at]gmail.com

To receive regular updates from our chapter about events and programs, please sign up for our newsletter! 
 
How much does Weekend Mini-Camp cost? 
Members: $200 per participant 
Non-members: $220 per participant
Non-Members may ONLY attend one Mini-Camp before an annual membership is required. If you have already attended one Mini-Camp but have not yet joined CISV Vancouver, an annual membership is required. Please consult www.cisvvancouver.ca for information regarding memberships. 
A membership is also required for all international program participants. 
 
What is included in the Mini-Camp Fee? All meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday and some snacks; accommodation at Camp Alexandra, all CISV programming, and lots of fun!
 
What about COVID?  In consideration of other campers and our staff, please refrain from sending your child to camp if they are feeling unwell or have any COVID-19 or other contagious sickness with related symptoms (runny nose, fever, sore throat, upset stomach, etc.).  Please contact the Mini-Camp Coordinator at minicamp.cisvvancouver[at]gmail.com if you need to cancel because of sickness.  If a participant shows any of these symptoms, in light of the safety of all other campers, CISV Vancouver reserves the right to request that the participant take a rapid test, to deny participation at the camp, or to request that the participant be picked up as soon as possible or any of these. 
The wearing of masks is optional when indoors and social distancing is not possible.
 
How do we register and pay for MiniCamp? A registration and payment portal for Mini-Camp is available here:

Registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received and will not be considered complete until payment is received and processed. 

Deadline to apply: noon, Saturday, October 7
 
Who do I contact for more information? 
 
For Mini-Camp information:
Mini-Camp Coordinator, Radha, at minicamp.cisvvancouver[at]gmail.com