North Atlantic Rotary's Programs for Young Leaders continue to create life-changing opportunities for youth across Atlantic Canada. From Youth Exchange orientations at Mount Allison University to sold-out RYLA leadership events in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, students are gaining leadership skills, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections through Rotary-supported programs.
This month’s highlights also include growing participation in Interact, preparations for the 2026 District Conference in Shediac, and expanded opportunities through the HIP Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience taking place in Alberta in 2027. Rotary leaders across the district are calling for more volunteers and community involvement to help ensure these programs continue to reach youth from all backgrounds and communities.
By investing in leadership, service, reconciliation, and international understanding, Rotary is empowering the next generation to become confident leaders and active changemakers in their schools and communities.
Read more for the full May report!
Programs for Young Leaders
May 2026 Newsletter
Youth Exchange
This past weekend, our Youth Exchange Orientation brought together an enthusiastic group of 33 students, including 13 short-term outbound, 11 long-term outbound, and 9 long-term inbound participants at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. The weekend provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect, share experiences, and begin building the friendships that will support them throughout their exchange journeys.
The program focused on introducing students to Rotary’s values and expectations while equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed for a successful year abroad. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and group activities, students gained insight into cultural adaptation, communication, and the responsibilities that come with being a Youth Exchange ambassador.
By the end of the weekend, students left feeling more confident, informed, and excited for the experiences ahead. We look forward to supporting each of them as they embark on this life-changing journey.
The weekend was made a success by the instrumental involvement from past youth exchange students (“Rotex”): Alida Campbell, Anna Gleason, Pippin Leck, Olivia Voyer, Katherine Pham, Lucie Mills, Julia Hanson, Joey Ingles, and Long-Term Outbound Coordinator, Ade Adeyemi and Youth Exchange Chair/Short- Term Coordinator Nick O’Toole. The weekend was topped off by a visit and words of inspiration from District Governor, Marcel Gervais.
Upcoming Events:
- RYLA- St. John’s NL- May 8-9, 2026 and Truro NS May 15-16, 2026 (see below)
- UNITE FOR GOOD TIMES North Atlantic District Conference 2026 Friday May 29 -Sunday May 31, 2026 (Register ASAP please so we can finalize conference planning).
WE NEED MORE MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR DISTRICT TEAM SUPPORTING YOUTH EXCHANGE!
Work with your District Team to make this the best program it can be! You can make a difference in the life of our Youth! Please reach out to Nick O’Toole for more information at d7815ryechair@gmail.com .
--
Interact
4 Interact Clubs have qualified for District Citation Award! Looking forward to recognizing these Interact Clubs and their sponsoring Rotary Clubs during our upcoming district conference.
District Conference is now open for youth registration. An opportunity for Interact, Youth Exchange, RYLA, and HIP youth participants to celebrate this past year. See below for registration form and program summary. Final program details to follow soon.
Paula Hiltz
D7815 Interact Chair
--
Honoring Indigenous Peoples (HIP)
HIP Youth to Youth will be held in Alberta for 2027! Applications are now open. We need more Rotarians in the regions to help us market this to indigenous and non-indigenous youth in our areas. Please get involved if you are interested in youth leadership and education about truth and reconciliation. See below for some details on next year’s program.
Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience
Alberta, Canada
May 2027
Y2Y is a transformative program that immerses Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 17 in Indigenous culture while fostering connections with a diverse group of young people from across
Canada. They engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, learn about Indigenous traditions, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous history and heritage. Through activities, workshops, and interactive sessions, youth are encouraged to embrace diversity, build relationships, and develop a greater appreciation for Indigenous perspectives and contributions. This experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth, intercultural learning, and fostering lasting connections.
Who is eligible?
Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth (male, female, LGBTQ2S & disabled) interested in being an agent for change and currently enrolled in Grades 9 to 11. Applicants for the 2027 HIP
Reconciliation experience must be between the ages of 15 and 17 as of March 1, 2027.
This event is free for those who are selected and includes travel to and from the event, accommodations, food and museum admission. Only 50 youth will be chosen from across Canada.
How do students apply?
Students apply online at HIP by no later than October 30, 2026.
Applications are reviewed by the HIP National Y2Y Committee.
Participants will be selected and notified by Jan. 15, 2027.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit our website or contact us via email at info@hipally.com or your local Rotary district coordinator, Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca .
--
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
NL RYLA was held at MUN on May 8-9th. Leah Casey (President of Rotaract Club of St. John’s and Jane Simmons, St. John’s Northwest) had 16 Youth representing all Interact Clubs in St. John’s area and additional youth/friends of Rotary will participate in this 24-hour event. The Rotaract Club of St. John’s supported all aspects of this great leadership retreat for youth! More to come!
Truro RYLA sold out before expected and will be held May 15-16, 2026, with 40 youth registered from across the Maritimes. Thanks to Liz Wilcox and Helen Becker (Co-Chairs) and other members of the Rotary Club of Truro for making this a great event again this year!
We anticipate 2 RYLAs will be required next year in the Maritimes, possibly with one in New Brunswick and one in Nova Scotia to accommodate this very popular event. Prince Edward Island Clubs could also consider to run one of these or their own! Alternatively, a larger event with a venue that can accommodate more youth from all provinces will need to be organized!
If you wish to get involved so we have no disappointed youth in 2027, please step up and help us make this happen! Get started at our upcoming debrief in early June about this year’s events to get the planning going for 2027!
Please contact upcoming Chair of Programs for Young Leaders 2026-2027, Paula Hiltz, at nason@nbnet.nb.ca or Jane Simmons, current Acting Chair of RYLA/Chair of Programs for Young Leaders 2023-2026 at jsimmons@iohs.ca .
--
District Conference 2026
Youth are invited to District Conference May 29 to May 31, 2026.Join us in Shediac to celebrate this past year of Rotary Programs for Young Leaders (includes Youth Exchange, Interact, and RYLA) along with HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples). During this weekend you will learn new skills in Peace Building and Fellowship with your Rotary Partners.
Highlights of conference include:
- Friday night “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Hands on Bed Building Demonstration, a Rotary Peace Pole Ceremony, and Opening Reception.
- Youth then head to the Bay Vista Cottages, where they will be accommodated with chaperones over the weekend, under 10 minute drive from conference location. Throughout the weekend, youth will attend conference sessions meals with Rotarians.
- Youth will have the opportunity to convey the importance of youth programs at the Friendship Village with Rotarians from across our District and Rotary world. We need the input of our future generation in Rotary to ensure relevance into the future.
- There will also be free time for students to enjoy fellowship and sights in Shediac throughout the weekend with international exchange students and other Interact Clubs from District 7815.
A more detailed breakdown of conference activities/schedule will be provided in the coming week.
See attached link: https://www.bayvistacottages.com/
Use of the cottages is courtesy of Mr. Brian Ritchie (brian.ritchie@rigelcanada.com) who is a 50-year member of the RC of Moncton.
Students will need to bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, towels, and toiletries and arrange transportation to and from Shediac with Rotarians/other students.
Please register by May 15 at latest. If you can, please register now! www.shediac2026.ca
Conference organizers need numbers confirmed and special menu items ASAP.
If you would like to help support the youth during this weekend, please reach out to Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca or by phone at 709-749-8849.
--
Programs for Young Leaders Needs YOU!
Looking for members for our District Committee in 2027. Members from all provinces are needed.
Please reach out to Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca or 709-749-8849 if you wish to get involved to support this program in the future. More representatives from across our District will help get the word out, particularly to youth who have less opportunities to participate.