Local youth travel program seeks participants for unique summer travel opportunities

Date: 3/15/2010

SPRINGFIELD The Greater Springfield Chapter of the Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) is seeking 11-year-old participants for its four-week summer 2010 travel programs, known as "Villages," in Gulf Coast, Mississippi and Hamburg, Germany.

The Village programs, which include delegations of youths from 12 to 14 different countries, emphasize international friendship and cross-cultural communication. Eligible students for the CISV Springfield Chapter delegations are 11-year-old boys and girls, with each Village delegation made up of two boys and two girls, accompanied by one adult leader. The Mississippi trip will take place June 25 through July 22, and the Germany trip will take place July 30 through Aug. 26.

The CISV Springfield Chapter has begun a selection process for the delegations for the Mississippi and Germany programs, and has selected four girls, two for each program. CISV Springfield is still seeking four 11-year-old boys, with two to participate in each program.

The CISV travel experience is unique in helping young people have a sense of the global community. "My CISV Village trip to Japan when I was 11-years-old was an amazing experience," said Austin Little, 15, of Wilbraham. "I made friends, had fun and learned a ton about different countries."

Interested families should contact CISV for application details. To learn more about CISV visit www.cisvspringfield.org or contact Donna Viens, CISV Chapter President at 599-1305.