The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s largest professional basketball league and a member of FIBA are pleased to announce our partnership with Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV), a global, volunteer-led organization committed to working for a more just and peaceful world through local and international programs and activities for youth (10-17 years old). Since 1951, CISV has educated and inspired the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. “My family has worked with CISV since 2012 and my children have participated in the life-changing experiences that this wonderful group creates for our youth”, explains BlackJacks President Mark Wacyk. “CISV villages enable children to engage with numerous heritages in unique settings across the world. The exposure to the diverse cultures offered by the CISV experience is a fantastic forum for building leadership skills and an understanding of different lifestyles and customs. The opportunities provided by CISV align very well with the BlackJacks’ values and mission. We are thrilled to partner with this great organization and encourage parents and children to discover how a CISV experience can change lives.” “Our partnership is designed to create more awareness about the wonderful opportunities to nurture leadership, tolerance, and diversity that the CISV enables. CISV members will benefit from the distinct ways in which basketball stimulates teamwork, rewards diligence and unites communities.” With CISV international summer camp programs in over 65 countries, youth participants have the extraordinary experience of making close friendships with other youth from around the world. They become aware of how they are part of the global community and why other cultures are important, including appreciating their differences. Locally, youth share their experiences by organizing fun, educational activities in our community. These experiences provide participants the opportunity to develop their leadership, communications, and organizational skills as they plan and run activities. We believe that strong communities are built by active citizens. “CISV has opened the world up to my children to experience and value the diversity of cultures and how they now apply these learnings here at home. I know of few organizations that can offer this profoundly powerful and meaningful experience.” Kim, member since 2022 “I grew up in CISV, have been a leader, and am now a volunteer parent. CISV changed who I am as a person, how I see the world and how I want to interact with the people in it.” Nancy, member since 1978 “I knew that the ultimate source for peace, long range, lay with the children.” Dr. Doris Allen, CISV Founder and 1979 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee (1901-2002) The Ottawa BlackJacks encourage our community to explore CISV Information Day when parents and children can learn about international youth programs in the summer of 2025. Information Day is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Sir Robert Borden High School, (131 Greenbank Road, Nepean, Ont). For Summer 2025, we have exciting opportunities for the following camps: Village (11-year-olds): Calgary, Alta. - July 4 to July 31 (28 days) Youth Meeting (12–13-year-olds): Brasilia, Brazil - July 12 to July 26 (15 days) Step Up (15-year-olds): Munich, Germany - Aug. 8 to Aug. 30 (23 days) Junior Counsellor (Male, 16–17-year-olds): Helsingborg, Sweden - June 28 to July 25 (28 days) National Camp (10-17 year olds): Montreal, Que. - July 19 to July 26 (7 days) More information is available at CISV Ottawa , on Facebook @ cisvottawa or Instagram at cisvottawa and cisvottawajb . If you wish to take part in a CISV local activity as a participant, volunteer or donate to CISV's work, please contact [email protected] .