Thank you for applying for a CISV program!  Here is more information on selection events:

SELECTION OVERNIGHTS: 

Fri Jan. 29 @ 7p- Sat Jan. 30 @ 8:30a at Riverside Presbyterian Day School, 830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 (mandatory for Village, JCs and Leaders; optional for others)

Fri Feb. 5 @ 7p-Sat Feb. 6 @ 8:30a at Bittinger Hall at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 830 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204. (for all programs)

This is a carefully-structured and supervised “mock” Village environment during which children relate to their peers and adult leaders in CISV games, songs and activities.

Please bring the following:

1. a sleeping bag and pillow;
2. a small quantity of “unusual snack” to share with others (at CISV programs, the kids will experience foods from the other delegations, and sharing an unusual snack at the overnight is practice for the CISV camp experience)
3. a dinner or breakfast item.

Please let us know as soon as possible if your child has a conflict.  We will do our best to work with you.

At one of these events, we will also conduct a parent interview to learn more about your child, address any questions you may have, and explore your commitment and ability to support our chapter for two years after your child participates in a CISV program.

LOOKING FOR INFO ON PLAY DATES?

Saturday, Jan 9 from 9a-noon at Jacksonville University Sam R. Marks Chapel (mandatory for Village, JC, Seminar Camp; optional for others)

Saturday, Jan 23 from 9a-noon at Jacksonville University Sam R. Marks Chapel  (mandatory for Village, JC, Seminar Camp; optional for others)

Activities are similar to those experienced in the Village.  The Play Date gives the committee opportunities to observe children and adult leader applicants at play and interacting with each other.

For both events, your child should wear tennis shoes and play clothes in layers and should bring a coat or jacket, as some activities will take place outside.

Our task during these selection events is to select delegates who (1) are representative of a cross-section of our community, (2) will be cohesive, and (3) have personalities and strengths which are complementary.  The selection process is designed to be fun for the children, with numerous games and activities typical of the CISV camp environment.

The primary qualifications and attributes considered by the Selection Committee are that the candidate:

• Must be the correct age for the program;
• Is physically and emotionally healthy, and demonstrates self-discipline;
• Is able to be separated from family and friends for the duration of the program;
• Is responsive to authority;
• Makes friends easily and is readily accepted by others;
• Communicates effectively with adults and peers;
• 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; and
• Is able to commit significant time (March-June) in preparation for the Village experience.

In addition to the foregoing, the candidate’s parents must be willing to commit to minimum volunteer requirements for two years.

The Selection Committee consists of several active members of the Chapter who bring various perspectives and a wealth of expertise to the task.  The committee includes past CISV delegation leaders, recent CISV delegate parents, Village, Step Up or Youth Meeting staff members, and members with prior Selection Committee experience.  Both men and women are included, representing teachers, counselors, and parents actively involved with youth.  In addition, experienced Junior Counselors (16 and 17 year olds) are actively involved in the selection process.

The strength of the selection process lies in the strength of the dedicated members of the Selection Committee.  Their experience, expertise and variety of perspectives assure us that the delegations selected will represent our community, Chapter and nation well.

The selection process involves several important factors.  No single factor is necessarily more important than the others, but all are considered together in the committee’s decisions:

• Application and References.
• Play Dates & Selection Overnight — See above
• Parent Interviews— Parent interviews allow the Selection Committee to learn more about the child, the family, and the family’s willingness to support the Chapter’s efforts through volunteer assistance with recruiting and serving on committees.
• Child Interview — An opportunity for the child to express his/her feelings about the CISV experience and to ask any questions he/she may have.

Using the preceding selection criteria and selection process, delegations are formed based on the best judgment of the Selection Committee.  Parents are informed of selection results by email, with a follow-up phone call, within two weeks of the Selection Overnight.

The number of applicants varies from year to year, but there are always more highly qualified applicants than there are delegate positions to fill.

There is a very active Junior Branch youth group that plans CISV-related activities throughout the year.  Families also become involved in many local activities that further the ideals of CISV.  We encourage all families to get involved and experience the many positive aspects of CISV.  We hope applicants who may not be selected will continue their interest and pursue other CISV program opportunities.

Questions? Read more about selection or e-mail us, we’re happy to help.