LIONS INTERNATIONAL CAMP AND YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.
OUTWARDS PROGRAMME.
The Youth Programme is based on the first object of Lionism
“To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world”.
For many young people, participating in the Lions International Camp and Youth Exchange Programme is a life changing experience. Travelling to another country, living with a host family, participating in a camp and experiencing another culture and the cultures of their fellow campers are milestone events.
Unlike many other exchange programmes the Lions International Camp and Exchange Programme is not about tourism, education or employment. It is purely a unique cultural learning opportunity.
In excess of 100 Lions camps are held worldwide, annually. The vast majority include a period of Camp and Family Hosting. Camp duration is usually one or two weeks long while Family Hosting stay varies between one and four weeks, dependent upon the camp chosen.
The Youth Programme is open to girls and boys aged between 16 and 22 years.
Obviously there are general rules covering youth’s participation:-
· Must be within the Camp programme age parameters.
· Must be sponsored by a Lions Club.
· Must be a suitable representative of their community, Sponsor Lions Club and country.
· Must be willing to accept the customs of another culture.
· Must complete in full all sections of MD105 Youth Exchange Application Form.
Travel arrangements for the participants are usually agreed between the Host and Sponsor Districts Youth Exchange Persons and are passed to the Sponsor Lions Club to enable the participant have adequate time to purchase the relevant travel tickets.
Travel expenses, flights, airport fees, insurances etc. for the return journey between home and camp are the responsibility of the youth, the youth’s parents or the Sponsor Lions Club. Or any combination. This also applies to Camp Fee’s where applicable.
Accommodation and food during the camp and family hosting are the responsibility of the Host Lions Club.
Personal spending money is the responsibility of the youth or the youth’s parents.
Youth Exchange is where barriers are broken and friendships flourish.
Selection of young people to participate can be via – Having represented your club in Lions projects, in recognition of their work in the community, school essay competitions, personal recommendation etc.
Consider giving a youth from your area the opportunity of participating in Youth Exchange.
The Youth Exchange Outwards is open to all youths irrespective of gender, be they Leo’s, related to a Lion or indeed have no family connection with Lionism.
Check the International website www.lionsclubs.org for Camp List, updated every month.
Open Volunteer services Organisation, open English, open Youth Programmes, open Youth Camps and Exchange scroll to bottom of page then open youth Camps and Exchange Directory.
Download MD105 Application Forms from our District website – www.lionsclubs.ie