Programs

CISV offers international and local programs that lead to peaceful coexistence.

International Programs

International Programs are Village, Interchange, StepUp, Youth Meeting, Seminar Camp and IPP. The offer varies from year to year, the International Office coordinates invitations and delegations.   We typically find out what programs Ottawa is eligible to participate in in November of each year, with delegates confirmed in January/February following selection camp.

Local events

Locally, the chapter organizes a spring and fall mini-camps, as well as other events like Cookie-a-Thon, Travel Tales, Silly Chili, and others throughout the year for all ages.  The Junior Board and Adult board hold regular meetings which you are welcome to attend. We also take part in national events (National Camp, National Board Meeting, and others).  You can find more details about local and regional events here.

Out into the world!

Children and young people aged 11 or older are invited to join in international CISV programs. Get to know new places, find friends from other cultures, experience different attitudes, experience interesting habits, inspect yourself and your usual environment consciously and see your everyday life with new eyes.

Just one step away.

CISV is a peace organization, not a travel agency. We are very active in the region, organize monthly activity afternoons for the younger ones, offer young people sensible leisure activities, organize smaller and larger family events and organize weekend camps on various topics and occasions.

More Questions?

Age?
International programs are open for children and youth at the age of eleven or older. Each program is reserved for a specific age group, to adequately take into account the different maturation levels of the young people. There is no age limit to the top. In regional activities, we generally welcome children aged 10+. Some children need more time to feel secure in a new organization.
Costs?
The costs for international programs vary depending on the program and include full overnight accommodation and catering, organization, leader training and preparation. You have to be a member of CISV to participate in international activities. Non-members are welcome to try out a regional activity under a one-time, free, trial membership.
Contents?
CISV activities. We are approaching subjects such as human rights or sustainability playfully, promote learning processes through activity, have room for experimenting and testing, and empower with funny energizers.
Diversity?
CISV promotes and demands respect and openness.
Where can I go?
In the past 3 years, Ottawa has sent youth to Portugal, Costa Rica, Norway, Mexico, USA, Indonesia, Germany, Sweden, Guatemala, India, Ecuador, Iceland, Italy, Brazil Finland, Netherlands, and Romania. National camps have been held in Toronto, Sudbury and Saskatoon.

You need more answers?

Who Travels?
Delegates up to 15 years of age are accompanied by a trained leader (21 years or older) and occasionally a junior leader or junior councilor. Delegates 16 years or older are expected to travel alone.
Where are camps held?
Often meetings are held at schools, camps or youth hostels and sometimes corporate locations. All venues have space for sports and games with closed indoor areas.
Accomodations?
Female and male youth sleep in separate areas, dormitories or multiple rooms, with full board.
Preparations?
Delegates and their families set up regular pre-camp meetings with the leader to allow time for the delegation to bond, to build trusted relationships with the leader, and to prepare for camp activities such as National Night.
CISV rules?
Mutual respect and openness. No smoking, alcohol, no mobile devices or computers,... no parents :)