Apply for a CISV Program

Your CISV experience starts by joining our local chapter and submitting an application to the program of your choice. There are some variations from program to program, but most follow this four-step process:

Step 1: Join CISV Waterloo

You must be a member of CISV Waterloo Region to apply for a national or international program. Members can also attend our local events and mini-camps, and get involved with our Board of Directors and Junior Branch Executive. Our membership fees keep this mighty organization going! Complete the Membership Form to get started.

Step 2: Learn about this year’s program opportunities

Each year we find out which programs we will be offering at our CISV National Board Meeting (NBM) in November. We encourage interested families to come out to one of our Information Sessions (October 15 and November 19th 2025), where we introduce prospective members to CISV, explain the selection process, and announce the various programs we’ll be participating in for the following year. After Information Day, you have several weeks to ask questions and think about whether you want to apply for a program.

Before applying, spend some time discussing the goals of CISV with your child so that they have an idea of what we’re all about. Parents of prospective delegates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with costs and the important roles they play before a delegation travels. Parents help us make it all possible by fully committing to delegation meetings, as well as a range of other events hosted by the Chapter.

Step 3: Submit your application

Village, Step Up, Youth Meeting or Junior Counsellor - Complete the CISV Waterloo Program Application Form.

Seminar Camp - applications are organized at the national level. For more information about this year’s offerings and to apply, please e-mail: selection@cisvwaterloo.org.

National Camp - applications will open in the Winter of 2026.  They are managed by CISV Canada and endorsed by our chapter. Participation at selection days and local events are still encouraged. 

Junior Counsellors, Leaders and Staff - must complete the Staff/Leader Application Form and e-mail it to leadership@cisvwaterloo.org. Note: JCs must attend Selection Days, but it is a multi-step process that will also include an interview / references. 

Step 4: Participate in selection days and/or interviews

CISV travel program opportunities are limited to the number of invitations we receive from the national and international CISV boards. After collecting applications, we select delegates by observing them participate in group activities over one weekend at what we call - Selection Days. Any delegates wishing to apply for a Village, Step Up, Youth Meeting, or Junior Counselor program should plan to attend both days - December 6th (9:30am-3pm) and December 7th (9:30am-12noon).

For Junior Counsellors, Leaders, and Staff there is also an interview component to the selection process. You will be contacted directly after we receive your application.

*NOTE: Read Understanding the CISV Waterloo Selection Process for more insight on how the chapter selects applicants and how to improve your chances of attending a CISV program.