OLD TOWN – The Maine chapter of the Children’s International Summer Villages will host 40 11-year-olds from 10 countries in a month-long camp that begins June 28.

This is the seventh multi-national village hosted by the Maine chapter since 1987.

Delegations of four youngsters – two boys and two girls – will be arriving from Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Each of the delegations travels with an adult leader.

CISV junior counselors for the village are coming from Finland, Sweden and the United States.

The village at Old Town’s Leonard Middle School, dubbed “Peace is … Village,” is designed to encourage cultural exchange and understanding among the youths. In the camp they will participate in sports, cooperative games, arts and crafts, drama, music and other peace-oriented activities. They also will learn about Maine and the United States during field trips and a weekend with area host families.

The public is invited to visit the village on Open Day, July 15. Beginning at 2 p.m., members of the international delegations, dressed in native costumes, will give short performances representing their countries.

Children’s International Summer Villages offer international and local programs that foster global friendships and cross-cultural understanding. CISV is an independent,

nonprofit, nonpolitical

worldwide volunteer organization that encourages respect for cultural differences and promotes peace. It was founded by Old Town native Doris Twitchell Allen

To learn more about Children’s International Summer Villages, visit CISV-USA at www.cisvusa.org or the international site at www.cisv.org.