Opportunities for Youth

There are many opportunities for high school students that can be accessed through our local Rotary Clubs, and most of them are of little or no cost to the participants. From time to time, we send out information about particular programs. The following is a brief description about what to expect from each.

Interact

Interact is a high-school-based service club for youth ages 12-18. Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world. Interact clubs organize at least two service projects a year: one that benefits their community and one that encourages international understanding. While Interact clubs receive guidance from individual Rotary clubs, they govern and support themselves. Currently, there are clubs at Frontenac SS, LaSalle SS, Leahurst College, and the 4-H Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kingston. The Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston is hoping to get one started at one of the other local area high schools.

Adventures Programs

Rotary Clubs across Canada host a variety of Adventure programs for youth. These short term programs based on the local culture or economy offer a great opportunity for young people to explore their field of interest and also to experience Rotarian's hospitality. Our club sponsors students to several of these events, and applications are made through our organization.

Adventures in History: Doing Time in Kingston--Youth Justice Then and Now

The Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston launched Adventures in History in 2012. It is a three-and-one-half-day Rotary-sponsored program designed for high school students who have a keen interest in history and want enriched opportunities to learn about and explore the rich heritage of life in Kingston and its surrounding regions in Canada and the United States. Participating students are exposed to post-secondary programs and discover vocational opportunities in historical work with tourism, museums, advertising, public relations, humans resources, education, and Internet work.

This theme of the program the history of youth justice and its lessons for today.

The program is offered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kingston, in September. Each participant is sponsored by a Rotary Club. Students from the entire District 7040 and beyond are welcome to apply.

For more information: www.adventuresinhistory.ca

Adventures in Citizenship

Each year in May, outstanding senior high school students (16 to 19 years of age) chosen from across Canada spend four days in Ottawa in a program designed to develop Canadian senior high students potential as leaders in their communities and in Canadian society. Host club is the Rotary Club of Ottawa, and we receive detailed information during the fall.

For more information: Adventures in Citizenship

Adventures in High Technology

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata, this program is offered annually to senior high school students who have an interest in exploring the potential of a career in the exciting world of High Technology. The program assists participants in making more informed career decisions.  This usually takes place over five days in the fall.

For more information: Adventures in High Technology

Adventures in the Environment

The Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise hosts Adventures in the Environment for up to eight students.  It takes place in mid-September of each year and involves four days of field biology and environmental science with specialists from the St. Lawrence Institute of Environmental Sciences.  The participants, must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of two years of high school science.

For more information: Adventures in the Environment

Adventures in Understanding

For more information: Adventures in Understanding

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)

RYLA delegates in our District 7040 are age 15 - 17 but this can vary. This is a unique three-day opportunity to gain insight and knowledge on the following Life Skills: Leadership Basics, Business Ethics, Communication, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Conflict Management, Personal Strengths & Weaknesses, and Community &  Global Citizenship. This is a District-wide conference that takes place at the end of June, and involves students from Ontario, Québec, and Northern New York State. Locations vary. It is currently being offered in Kingston, Ontario.

For more information: RYLA

Youth Exchange Programs

Rotary Youth Exchange programs can be either short term (several weeks) or long term (school year).  Exchanges are for students ages 15–19 who have demonstrated leadership in their school and community; are flexible and willing to try new things; are open to cultural differences; and who can serve as ambassadors for their own country

Costs vary from country to country. Local Rotary clubs generously host students and provide room and board with a host family and a small monthly stipend. Participants are generally responsible for round-trip airfare, insurance, travel documents (such as passports and visas), and spending money for additional travel and tour fees.

The selection process and orientation are lengthy in order to prepare students for this adventure – applications are due late November for the next school year.

Applications available at  http://www.yex.rotary7040.com/ under “forms and documents”