Programs for Young Leaders - Summer Update
Although summer brings a slower pace for many of our Youth Programs, our committees are anything but idle. Across District 7815, dedicated volunteers continue planning, recruiting, and preparing for another exciting year of leadership, learning, service, and international opportunities for young people.
From welcoming Youth Exchange students from around the world to growing our Interact network, promoting the HIP Youth to Youth Truth and Reconciliation program, and planning for another successful year of RYLA, there is plenty happening behind the scenes. These programs continue to make a lasting impact by helping youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, create lifelong friendships, and become engaged members of their communities.
We invite you to 'read more' for all the updates from each of our Youth Services committees, see photos, learn what's coming up this fall, and discover how you and your club can support the next generation of Rotary leaders!
Programs for Young Leaders - Summer Update
As summer settles in, things are slowing down a bit with our Youth Programs. A lighter schedule gives us the opportunity to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the exciting months ahead. While this is traditionally a quieter season, there is still plenty happening as we look toward fall.
All of our Youth Committees remain very active, and we are always looking for additional volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved with any of our youth programs, please reach out to the committee contacts listed below or connect with me directly.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and thank you for supporting youth throughout District 7815.
Paula Hiltz
District 7815 Youth Services
District 7815 Youth Services
Interact Update
The Interact Committee continues to grow and is seeking representation from each Atlantic province. Our committee goals include:
- Nova Scotia – 3 members
- New Brunswick – 3 members
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 2 members
- Prince Edward Island – 1 member
Currently, we have four members from Nova Scotia, one from New Brunswick, one from Newfoundland and Labrador, and no representatives from Prince Edward Island. We are actively seeking two additional members from New Brunswick, one from Newfoundland and Labrador, and one from Prince Edward Island.
This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Interact and support youth leadership in your community. If you would like to learn more or join the committee, please contact Bev Barker at RotaryBev@outlook.com.
Our next committee meeting will take place in early September as we begin planning our late-September Zoom meeting with Rotary Advisors and, we hope, participating teachers. We are looking forward to bringing everyone together for a productive fall.
Your in Rotary,
Bev Barker
District 7815 Interact Committee
Bev Barker
District 7815 Interact Committee
Youth Exchange News
The 2026–2027 Youth Exchange year is off to a roaring start. We currently have 13 students participating in Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) exchanges with students from Spain, England, Italy, Germany, France, and Brazil.
In August, our Long-Term Exchange Program (LTEP) officially begins, with 11 inbound students arriving from Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Taiwan. At the same time, students from District 7815 will depart for these countries to begin what will undoubtedly be the experience of a lifetime.
Thank You to Our Supporting Clubs
The Youth Exchange Committee is grateful to the following clubs for supporting exchange students this year:
- Action, Inclusion, Partnership – 1 STEP student
- Charlottetown – 1 STEP and 1 LTEP student
- Charlottetown Royalty – 1 LTEP student
- Dartmouth East – 1 LTEP student
- Dieppe – 1 STEP and 2 LTEP students
- Halifax Harbour – 3 STEP students
- Moncton – 2 STEP and 2 LTEP students
- Moncton West & Riverview – 2 STEP and 2 LTEP students
- New Minas Sunrise – 1 STEP student
- St. John's – 1 LTEP student
- St. John's Northwest – 1 STEP and 1 LTEP student
Students returning from last year's long-term exchanges will gather in McKees Mills, New Brunswick, on August 22–23 to reconnect, share experiences, and learn strategies for managing reverse culture shock. The weekend will be facilitated by Alida Campbell, Anna Gleason, and former exchange students.
Inbound students will attend their orientation weekend at Camp Tidnish in Baie Verte, New Brunswick, September 25–27. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Amherst for hosting this important event.
Special thanks to Nic, along with support from District 7080, for helping several inbound students who remained in Canada in June enjoy a memorable trip to Toronto and Ottawa for Canada Day. It was a wonderful example of the power of Rotary working together—and the pictures truly say it all.
Watch for the September Youth Exchange Newsletter for information on how your club can become involved in this life-changing program, or contact:
Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) – Youth to Youth
Applications are now open for HIP Youth to Youth 2027, which will take place at Métis Crossing in Edmonton from May 9–15, 2027.
Applications can be found online at: https://honouringindigenouspeoples.com/youth-to-youth/
Participation is free for successful applicants selected by the District Committee and representatives. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous, and non-Indigenous youth ages 15–17, including male, female, LGBTQ2S+, and disabled youth. Two participants will be selected from each Atlantic Canadian province.
Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to help:
- Promote the program across Atlantic Canada.
- Encourage youth to apply.
- Assist with interviews.
- Help raise funds to support free youth participation.
HIP National Committee will provide all marketing materials—we simply need your help spreading the word.
Sponsorship Opportunities
A new Canada Helps page is being established to track donations from District 7815. If you contribute directly to HIP, please notify the committee so contributions can be tracked.
Speaker Opportunities
Youth who participated in the 2026 Youth to Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience are eager to share how the experience changed their lives. They are available for virtual or in-person presentations when possible.
To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation, recommend youth leaders for 2027, arrange speakers, or volunteer, please contact:
RYLA Update
Due to growing demand, we anticipate two RYLA programs will be held in the Maritimes next spring.
If you would like to become involved with RYLA or our Programs for Young Leaders, please contact:
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