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 know that learning is a life-long process and that you can gain as much from the CISV experience as our programme participants. You share our belief that we can all play our part in making the world a better place. 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.

We offer you

Full training and support, a fun, supportive, inter-cultural environment, and the opportunity to enhance your CV and develop your personal skills.

 

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. Comprehensive training in CISV is a prerequisite and helps to meet the requirements.

Leaders and staff alike often develop lifelong friendships with people from all over the world.

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.

Open Positions

Leaders

We're looking for leaders for our 2025 delegation programs! Take a look at our available programmes:

  • Village: a delegation of four 11 year-olds to Lisbon, Portugal (July 26 - August 22, 2025)
  • Youth Meeting: a delegation of four 12 and 13 year-olds to Oslo, Norway (July 16 - July 30, 2025)
  • Step Up 14: a delegation of four 14 year-olds Manila, Philippines (June 30 - July 22, 2025)

For more information on our various camps, see the Current Programmes section of our website.

If being a leader is of interest to you, fill out the application here: 2024 -25 CISV Leader Application Form and return to programmes@cisvvictoria.ca as soon as possible.

Staff

Would you like to help run one of the awesome CISV camps that take place all across the country? Then CISV Canada wants YOU! There are programmes of a variety of lengths being hosted by many different Chapters across the country, and they all need staff. Take a look at all the opportunities below:

  • Village: hosted by CISV Calgary (AB) from July 4th to July 31st.
    • Looking to make an impact next summer? CISV Calgary is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our volunteer staff! Must be 21 or older by July 2025. Previous CISV or childcare experience is helpful but not required. Full training and expenses provided.
    • Please send completed applications as well as two reference forms to cisvcalgaryleaders@gmail.com. If possible, one of the references should be from CISV. Applications are due by February 28. Apply online or reach out to Hillary for more info!
  • Youth Meeting: hosted by CISV Vancouver (BC) from June 29th to July 13th.
    • We are recruiting 4 adult staff and 2 junior leaders for our Youth Meeting in Vancouver this summer. Requirements:
      • Looking for 1 camp director (must have experience staffing another program, preferably Youth Meeting, age 25+)
      • All adult staff members must be 21 years of age or older
      • We have openings for 2 junior staff members (one 18 year old and one 19-20 year old).
      • All staff members must be fully available to stay on site during the program dates (June 29th - July 13th) and should be available 2 days prior for camp set up and onsite preparation.

      For application information, please visit CISV Vancouver’s website and reach out to Janine if you have any questions. Please submit applications by February 6.

  • Step Up: hosted by CISV Halifax (NS) from July 4th - July 26th.
    • CISV Halifax is excited to be hosting a Step Up Programme this summer in Wolfville, Nova Scotia - July 4 to July 26, 2025. As a staff you will plan and run the programme for 10 delegations of 14 year-olds from 10 different countries. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age prior to the departure date for the programme. To apply, please fill out the application form and reach out to Alannah if you have any questions.
  • Seminar: hosted by CISV Waterloo (ON) from August 2nd - August 22nd.
    • Looking for experienced staff for our seminar camp!! Camp runs Aug 2-22, +\- a day or two on both sides if possible. People can reach out to Mitch for interest and applications.
  • National Camp: hosted by JB Canada in Montréal (QC) from July 19th to 26th.
    • JB Canada is still looking for adult staff members (21+) to help make National Camp the best it can be! Without more staff members they have to limit the amount of participants who can attend so please if you or someone you know is interested, please get them to apply using the Staff Application Form ASAP. Contact njrs@cisvcanada.org with any questions.
Are you ready to lead?