The Youth Services committee has as its focus the development and support of youth. Activities range from learning opportunities to supporting group initiatives to funding programming for vulnerable children. The committee is able to assist groups like the Jeanne Ferguson Knit Program, Winter Warmth, elementary and secondary school projects, and Interact and Rotaract groups. This support and development is much needed and well appreciated by those involved. Also, since 2005, the Jim Frid Book Distribution is the longest running annual community program. Thousands of new children’s books have been distributed to multiple agencies including Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Partners in Mission Foodbank, Salvation Army and the YMCA.

 

ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

• September: Adventure in the Environment is a four-day adventure in environmental science and field biology sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise.  With a maximum of 8 students in the program, the participants have the unique opportunity of working with the scientists of the St Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Sciences in Cornwall, Ontario. Activities may include fish identification and measurement, a visit to an old-growth forest, turtle identification, a study of invertebrates at Cooper Marsh, a session at the eel ladder at the Hydro Ontario Moses Saunders Dam, and a visit to the Laflѐche bat caves north of Gatineau. More info>>
• ​September-October: Adventures in History hosted by the Rotary Club of Kingston and Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston. This program immerses high school students in what makes history important for today and how it is kept alive. The theme is Youth Justice: Then and Now. Students will investigate changes in youth justice over time and consider how youth justice might be handled in the future. A tour of the Kingston penitentiary, an improbable escape from Murney Tower and a visit to the Kingston Police station are but some of the interesting activities planned for the four-day adventure. More info>>
• October: Adventure in High Tech hosted by the Rotary Club of Kanata. It is open to students who are in Grade 11 or 12 with a background in Computer Studies courses and show a high interest in working eventually in high tech employment. Selected students will visit the high-tech industries in the Ottawa region and visit university research centres. Applications should be received prior to September 20. More info>>
• May: Adventure in Citizenship hosted by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. (Ages 16-19) Over 200 outstanding senior high school students from across Canada spend four days in the National Capital in a program designed to develop their potential as leaders in their communities and in Canadian society. This annual event provides a unique opportunity for a selected group of young Canadians to come together to gain a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials and others, they learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, they learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. Applications should be received prior to Thanksgiving of the year prior. More info>>
• June: Rotary Youth Leadership Academy [RYLA], sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Kingston, Frontenac & Napanee at St. Lawrence College. Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is a unique opportunity for high school students to gain insight and knowledge in life and leadership skills. The academy features guest leaders, small group problem solving and self reflection which lead to enhanced leadership skills. Based on their academy experience, many graduates change their career objectives or educational plans. District 7040 Rotary Clubs sponsor one to three students (ages 15-17) to attend this Youth Leadership Academy that gives them a memorable and potentially life-changing experience.  More info>>

For more information, please contact Paul Elsley.