Summer Camp
A Summer Camp is a three-week international camp. Delegations consist of an equal number of boys and girls of the same age, and an adult leader aged 21 or over. Summer Camps usually consist of 36 youth delegates from six or nine countries. Delegations include either four or six youth each, depending on the number of countries represented. The age of the participants for each Summer Camp is specified by the host nation and may be 13, 14, or 15 - only one of these ages is represented in the camp. The host country provides a camp staff of four or five CISVers to take care of administrative tasks and oversee the program.
The unique feature of the Summer Camp that sets it apart from the Village program is that youth are involved in planning much of the program with facilitation and support provided by adult leaders. This allows the youth to develop their leadership skills in a multi-cultural setting. The program is also designed to be closely structured around a theme that is chosen by the staff and is incorporated into the delegation's preparation for their experience.
What are the specific aims of a Summer Camp?
- To encourage understanding of other cultures through participation in an international camp;
- To provide an experience where participants can learn the value of consideration for and co-operation with their fellow campers;
- To provide an environment where youth can learn to take the initiative towards leadership and program responsibility;
- To use the camp as a place to learn how to overcome prejudices; and
- To help build up self-confidence and to stimulate critical thinking.
