Lead a delegation or staff a camp
Be a leader to a delegation of children at a camp abroad or help staff a camp locally, and you’ll not only help enrich their lives, but your own as well! By the end of the camp you will have met many exciting CISV volunteers and children from around the world, and made friendships for life.
You will be part of a team of committed, like-minded volunteers working to create an unforgettable experience for the children or young people in your care. Additionally, you will have the support and leadership of our highly experienced staff. As a leader or staff, you will help children and young people develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to take a positive, active role in their local and global community. In your role, you’ll guide them as they build friendships, have fun, and learn from you and each other.
About you
You are aged 21 or over and have a positive and open attitude towards cultures other than your own. You enjoy working with youth in the ages of 11 to 17. You know that learning is a life-long process and that you can gain as much from the CISV experience as our programme participants. You value teamwork and want to promote peace, equality and justice. Lastly, you share our belief that we can all play our part in making the world a better place.
Requirements:You will be free to travel and able to commit to 2 to 4 weeks in a residential camp and the essential training and preparation needed beforehand. You have a valid criminal record check and basic first aid training (CISV Victoria can help you obtain these). You have a valid passport (for camps outside of Canada).
We offer you
While becoming a Leader or Staff is a volunteer position, it pays off by gaining international leadership skills, boosting your resume and career prospects. Most of all, you’ll gain an amazing life experience in a fun, supportive, inter-cultural environment. You’ll receive full training, that is partly online and self-paced, and partly in real life with other aspiring Leaders and Staff.
- Risk-management (self-paced, e-learning course)
- Local training provided by our Local Leadership Trainer and Risk Manager (periodically, as you get ready for your programme)
- National training provided by CISV Canada’s National Leadership Training Committee (two days in May with other leaders/staff from Canadian chapters)
Leader or staff: what’s the difference?
Leaders
Who can be a leader?
Our programs for under-16s are accompanied by volunteer adults. Each delegation of 4 children / teenagers is looked after by such a “leader”. They must be at least 21 years old. There is no age limit to the top. There are no costs for you, but we do not pay any fees, but we are happy to issue a certificate.
Leaders are substitute guardians at the camp, have the legal responsibility for their delegation throughout the programme and, together with the staff, are responsible for the programme design. For the duration of the camp, you are the link between the children and their parents or caregivers. You are the adult the children turn to in time of need. In order to keep the children focused on the camp, all communication between them and their respective parents/caregivers goes through you.
Staff
Who can be staff?
All adult staff in an international programme must be at least 21 years old and a member of a CISV Association, with a minimum of one staff member in each team who is at least 25 years old. Provided other requirements are fulfilled, junior staff (aged 18+) may be able to take part if they are from the host National Association.
International staff
Find out about any current international programme staff opportunities by going to international programme staff opportunities. All international programme staff members must be members of a CISV Association and be at least 21 years of age. Before a Chapter/National Association appoints an international staff member, they are required to contact the candidate’s CISV Association.
Future Positions
Leaders
We currently have leaders for all our 2025 delegation programs. If you are interested in becoming a leader in the future, you can email programmes@cisvvictoria.ca with an expression of interest and they'll let you know when we open applications for the 2026 programme year.
Staff
National Camp: July 19-26 in Montréal
- Camp Preparation:
- Assist in planning and organizing camp activities, workshops, and events.
- Collaborate with other staff members to ensure the smooth running of the camp.
- Familiarize yourself with CISV's mission, values, and educational approach.
- Participant Support:
- Provide support and guidance to participants, ensuring they feel included and valued.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable expressing themselves.
- Address any conflicts or issues that may arise among participants, promoting positive communication and resolution.
- Safety and Well-being:
- Ensure the safety and security of all campers at all times.
- Adhere to CISV Canada's safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Monitor the physical and emotional well-being of participants, providing assistance and support as needed.
- Facilitation and Leadership:
- Facilitate group discussions, activities, and workshops according to CISV's educational principles.
- Serve as a role model for campers, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and inclusivity.
- Encourage participation and engagement among campers, helping them develop teamwork and leadership skills.
- Logistics and Administration:
- Assist with logistical tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and maintenance of camp facilities.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and any relevant information.
- Communicate effectively with camp coordinators, fellow staff members, and volunteers.
- Personal Development:
- Take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional growth through training, feedback, and reflection.
- Embrace the principles of experiential learning and continuous improvement.
- Actively contribute to the camp community and strive to make a positive impact on participants' lives.
Qualifications:
- Age 21+ by the start of camp.
- Completed CISV safeguard training before the commencement of camp.
- Completed Criminal Record Check before the commencement of camp.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within CISV or similar organizations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive camp community.
Staff are expected to arrive early in the morning on July 19th and stay a couple of additional hours after participants leave on July 26th (the last day of camp).
Staff travel to and from camp is completely funded by CISV Canada and can be extended either before or after camp if staff members would like to be in Montreal for longer (extended accommodation however is not provided). Once selected to staff, travel will be booked as soon as possible.
If you are interested, could you please complete the National Camp staff application at your earliest convenience? Once that’s done, we can proceed with the next steps and provide you with more details about what being part of the staff team entails.
Application: https://forms.gle/96hhmp8qtDMHsGTy5