Riverside Presbyterian Church and Day School recently hosted youth from eight countries for an “Open Day” international celebration.
The youth were in the Jacksonville area for a global youth meeting provided by CISV Jacksonville, the local chapter of the international nonprofit that educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world through leadership programs for youth and adults.
At the “Open Day” event, youth from Costa Rica, Italy, Sweden and the USA posed trivia questions to the audience about their countries. Groups from Mexico, Portugal and Turkey performed dances from their countries, while the Norway contingent showed a video about their country’s Constitution Day. Attendees were then able to visit tables for each participating country, sampling food and sweets and visiting with the 12- and 13-year-olds and their adult leaders.
CISV is known for creating lifelong friendships stemming from mutual experiences and the desire to make a difference in local communities and the world. Local youth can experience CISV activities without going abroad: This past summer, CISV hosted a free two-week day camp for 9- to 11-year-olds with a grant from Kids Hope Alliance. Campers participated in a mix of education, cultural and sporting activities that emphasized cooperation, teamwork and friendship.
During the school year, the CISV Junior Branch offers monthly activities for kids 10 and up as well as a “minicamp” over President’s Day weekend from February 14-17, 2025.
