CISV Detroit

CISV educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world.

Leader Information

Click here to download application materials for leader and staff positions: Detroit Staff-Leader Forms

 

Most CISV programs are designed for youth, but they also provide very educational, enlightening experience for the adults. Adult leaders play a key role in all CISV programs.

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 like that of a facilitator, as the participants themselves plan the camp’s activities with the guidance of the adult leaders.

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. 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.

Benefits

The most exciting aspect of volunteering with CISV is the opportunity to meet other CISV volunteers and children in your community and from around the world, and make friendships for life. But you will also be building your own skills in:

  • Facilitation
  • Leadership
  • Organization
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving

As a delegation leader, your training fees, travel costs, food, and lodging during the program are paid by CISV.

Qualifications

  • 21+ years old prior to travel
  • Physically and emotionally healthy, with demonstrated self-discipline
  • Always holds the children’s safety as priority number one
  • Communicates effectively with adults and youth
  • Assumes responsibility and works within a group
  • Has a positive, flexible personality – able to adjust to differences in schedules, activities, cultures, foods, etc.
  • Enjoys playing games, singing, dancing, etc.
  • Accepts others without prejudice, regardless of race, religion, language or culture
  • Willing to attend CISV training and learn CISV culture
  • Able to meet periodically with delegates (March-June) in preparation for the program

 Responsibilities

  1. Attend and participate fully in one of the mandatory local training sessions to be scheduled in the spring of each year. Also attend and fully participate the national Leadership Training weekend scheduled for late spring.
  2. Plan and conduct activities which prepare the delegation for the program, including but not limited to:
    • Plan and prepare with the delegation for national night, cultural activity, booklets about the delegation to hand out at camp, or other activities associated with their specific program
    • Coordinate with families to conduct delegation get-togethers prior to the program
    • Help delegates connect to CISV’s educational goals
  3. Attend CISV Detroit Farewell Picnic in June and Welcome Back Picnic in late August/September
  4. Exhibit behavior that is mature, responsible and appropriate in keeping with CISV philosophy and the role of leader for youth.
  5. Be aware and communicate any health problems the children have, and be able to deal with such problems if they arise, and be able to assist host families in dealing with such problems.

Applying to be a Leader

Download the forms: DetroitStaff-LeaderForms

The application process includes:

  • A written application and three references
  • An overnight mini-camp
  • An interview
  • A background check

The application form to lead a delegation to Village, Youth Meeting, or Step Up is the Staff-Leader Application Form.

You also will need three people to fill out this confidential leader and staff Reference Form. These people should be:

  1. Your present or recent employment supervisor
  2. A person who has knowledge of your ability to work with children
  3. Someone who knows you on a personal level

Reference forms should be sent directly to the program chair.