February 2025 Newsletter

BV Connections

February | 2025

February chapter mtg: Thursday, 2/6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fugett M.S., West Chester
March chapter mtg: Thursday, 3/6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fugett M.S., West Chester [JB board elections take place at this meeting]
Signing party for 2025 delegates and leaders: Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Berwyn
Dining out fundraiser at Iron Hill, West Chester location: Saturday, March 22, all day
April chapter mtg: Thursday, 4/3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fugett M.S., West Chester
Regional mini-camp: April 25–27, Stevens PA
May chapter mtg: Thursday, 5/1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fugett M.S., West Chester

(See our full calendar here.)

Connect with Us

BV Fundrasier in March

Mark your calendar now for our big fundraiser next month! On Friday, March 22, if you dine out at Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester and tell them you're supporting CISV Brandywine Valley, they'll donate 20% of your food bill to us!

This opportunity isn't limited to BV members, though, so please share the flyer below with your friends, neighbors, family, and anyone else you know who might enjoy a visit to Iron Hill and would like to help our chapter at the same time!

2025 Chapter Mini-Camp

We were happy to welcome old friends and new friends to our 2025 CMC (chapter mini-camp), which took place January 24–26. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a great success: the JB board, the JB campers, the adult board, and the chaperones!

NOTE: Our chapter will be hosting the 2025 regional mini-camp for the Northeast Region during April 25–27. We'll need chaperones to accompany our delegates, and as the hosts we'll also need plenty of assistance with camp logistics. If you'd like to help with either or both of these, reach out to us at brandywine@cisvusa.org!

Last Call for Travel Program Delegates

We still have open spots in our delegations to the following camps next summer. If you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about these opportunities, contact us ASAP!

VILLAGE (born 9/1/2013 to 8/31/2014)

Østvold, Norway: 6/28 to 7/25
Netherlands: 7/18 to 8/9 (this is a 3-week program)

STEP UP 14 (born 9/1/2010 to 8/31/2011)

Gothenburg, Sweden: 7/5 to 7/27

Passport Village Registration Is OPEN!

The PV registration page (with additional details about the camp) is now live on our website. Spots are limited, so don't delay—sign up today!

We have a great director, JC staff, and location in place for this year's Passport Village camp! If you know any kids who will be 9 or 10 this summer and who might be interested in this fun introduction to CISV, please share this flyer with them.

January Mosaic

Thanks to the BV families who participated in our most recent Mosaic activity. We spent a few hours on February 1 helping our Mosaic partner, the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Junior Branch (JB) Report

Our first meeting of 2025 (which included visits from five BV alumni!) was a ton of fun! We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting, which will be on Thursday, February 6, at 7 p.m.

(Note: JB board elections will take place at our March meeting. If you're interested in running for the 2025–2026 JB board, contact Ella G!)

CISV is a worldwide, nonreligious, nonpolitical, nonprofit organization that enables participants age 10+ to build global friendships through local chapter meetings and international and domestic camps.