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Fresh from the north!

We just completed our annual two Algonquin trips (former called Temagami and also known as ROLE: Rotary Outdoor Leadership Experience) and as many of you likely have very good memories of that, we thought it would be cool (!) to send you the impresssions of a few of the students on the trip with a couple of pictures. 

A big thank you goes out to Greg Norton, Jill Norton (Buffalo Sunrise), John Bradley, Stan Simmons, Madison Calder (Rotex to Argentina 2010-11 sponsored by Hamilton and RYLA Alumna), Darren Luong (RYLA alumni), Sofia Fessa (Rotex from Argentina 2009-10), and Gaelan Martin-Timms (Rotex to Denmark 2007-08 sponsored by St. Catharines) for all the hard work they put into making this another fabulous training experience for our students.

Remember to share this news, we want to spread the word about Rotary Youth Exchange. Anyone can sign up at http://www.rotaryye7090.org/newsletter. It's free and there is no obligation. Should you have youth exchange news that we can share through this newsletter, click here to email me. Enjoy the read!

Aad Vermeyden, Chair Rotary Youth Exchange District 7090

The Adventure of a Lifetime

How many people can say they have a family of 30 people from 14 different countries? Now that I've been to Rotary Outdoor Leadership Experience I can. When I was waiting for the arrival of the bus Wednesday morning I was curious for what the next 4 days would bring but the second I stepped on the bus and saw dozens of smiling faces I knew it would be 4 incredible days where I would learn an abundace about culture and myself.

The cultural experience of learning about countries from around the world and what makes every community unique and special. Hearing everyone sing their national anthem and say grace before each meal helped me to understand what culture is and it's importance in who we are. The cultural aspect intrigued me in the world made me excited for my year to come and appreciate the culture I live in and Becoming friends with others from around the world gave me a sense of global community. 

I learned it's easy to become friends with people who grew up across the world speaking a different language in a different culture when people give of themselves. And if you're with a group of people where everyone is contributing to make the environment positive jogging at 7am in -28C, snowshoeing 10km and building a fire with flint and a knife, and jumping in a frozen cold lake are purely enjoyable activities. i left after four days feeling more than satisfied with the wealth of knowledge I gained, and how I had developed my abilities as a leader and working as a team. My experience in Algonquin was the adventure of a lifetime with countless memories and friendships. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.  [Maggie]

The beginning of the rest of my life...

I don't know if there are enough words to describe such a unique and life-changing experience. Inspiring, memorable, hilarious, exhausting, and thrilling are only the first words that come to mind. When I first stepped onto that bus, I had no idea that the students around me would become my family in the span of only four short days. Spending every moment with amazing, like-minded people from around the world was by far one of the best feelings possible.

We were guided by a group of incredible and inspiring leaders, who dedicated their time and energy toward teaching us all we could learn; about ourselves and the world around us, endurance and perseverance, leadership and motivation. Not to mention the arctic survival lessons! Everything I've learned has expanded my perception on many things, including my exchange and even my own country. Not everyone can say that they have experienced Canada for what it truly is, and knowing that we were given the chance to do so is something I will always cherish.

The Algonquin trip is literally the opportunity of a lifetime. It gives inbound students a chance to live in the heart of Canada, while opening outbound students’ eyes to the world right in front of them, before they begin to explore the rest of it. I think anyone who has been on this trip can agree that it is completely one-of-a-kind. Algonquin creates the kind of memories that you can only look back on with a smile. Personally, it was the beginning of the rest of my life. This exchange is approaching faster than I can even comprehend, and Algonquin 2013 helped prepare me for my future in more ways than one!   [Laramie]

RI New Generations Promo Video

Rotary International has produced an animated video aimed at young people that demonstrates the value of participating in New Generations programs. Instead of mentioning any of the programs by name, the video focuses on the ways that Rotary can help young people volunteer, grow as leaders, and experience new cultures. You can find the video here: Josh's Choice: Volunteer, Travel, or Lead?

A ROTEX building a better world!

Elaine Hernandez, the very first exchange student (1970) from the Rotary Club of Brantford writes to us from South America.

I am currently conducting a study in Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala for the Canadian International Development Agency on opportunities, best practices and lessons learned in order to prepare for a new country strategy in 2015 for each country.  One thing for sure is that youth must be a priority, along with strengthened relationships with the private sector.

I always think about Rotary International and all the Rotary Clubs that are involved with international projects and youth exchange and how its membership has strong representation from the private sector but with a "service" focus.  There is a definite new role for Canadian Rotary Clubs in promoting international understanding, peace, and sustainable and equitable economic growth within a framework of the Canadian government vision.  Dream on....

My contract ends in April, and I hope to return to Canada later this year.  I will pop by my favourite Rotary Club next time I am home....
Best wishes, and many thanks to the Club for setting me out on this wonderful adventure in international development back in 1970.