One of the primary reasons I love being a Lion is that I’m connected to the greater network of members all around the world. Attending my first Lions Clubs International Convention in June 2017 was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and one that built my connection to the greater Lions brand.
One of the primary reasons I love being a Lion is that I’m connected to the greater network of members all around the world.
I had just finished high school, then I was off to Chicago to attend the centennial Lions convention. There I met Lions and Leos from all four corners of the world, had the opportunity to lead a workshop, and gained a true understanding of the greater Lions community.
Inspired to change our course
One year later, I was appointed to co-serve with Eleonora Fresia as one of the inaugural Leo-Lion board liaisons. This empowered me to go back to my constitutional area and help reverse our declining membership. I discovered that poor membership retention was one of the primary factors for this trend. This motivated me to launch an event for Young Lions and Leos from across Canada. After recruiting my roommate, Lion Nikhil Patil and some Lions from my club (West London), we created the first Canadian Young Lions Retreat.
Months of event preparation culminated in an exciting weekend of workshops, service and fellowship. Beginning on a Friday night, we held a brief opening ceremony and finished the evening playing games and singing karaoke. The next day, attendees participated in a workshop on youth advocacy with Steve Lee, a climate change activist. This event was followed by another workshop on leadership, which was delivered by Carry Green, Leo Advisory Panelists for CA I.
In the afternoon, we visited the Ingersoll Lions Club and made blankets for the Ronald McDonald House. The evening included a focus group led by Lions International Young Lions specialist Roxanne Stec where we gathered valuable feedback from those in attendance.
Sharing experiences is the best part
Our most popular event was on Saturday night where distinguished Lions from around District A-15 talked about their careers and shared their experiences with Lions. Participants rotated through each table every five to seven minutes so that everyone had the opportunity to talk to all the Lions. This event exemplified what intergenerational service and leadership is all about—an opportunity to converse with one another and share ideas.
Finally, on Sunday, we hosted a workshop on membership and leadership opportunities for young people in Lions. International Director Tom Gordon dropped by to lead us in our closing ceremony and eat lunch with us before everyone departed for home.
The event was a tremendous success! More than 33 Young Lions and Leos from across Canada gathered for the first Canadian Young Lions Retreat in Woodstock, Ontario. I would like to thank the Lions, Leos and Lions International staff who helped make this event possible. Special thanks to Lion Nikhil Patil for chairing the retreat, DGE George Corrin and Lion Barbara Corrin for their relentless efforts, and PRC Jim Keron for all his support.
Join us for the 2020 retreat
The planning committee is excited to welcome new and returning Leos and Young Lions to the 2020 Canadian Young Lions Retreat, which will be held March 20-22, 2020 in Newmarket, Ontario.
With opportunities to talk to a variety of panelists, hear inspiring keynote speakers, help complete a service project, and network with other Leos and Young Lions, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
For more information about the Canada retreat, visit our website at www.canadianyounglionsretreat.ca or find us on Facebook and Instagram. I encourage other Young Lions around the world to consider hosting their own retreat and watch how it will transform your own clubs.
Leo-Lion Kyle Boutilier served as one of the inaugural Leo-Lion board liaisons for the 2018-2019 Lions Clubs International’s Board of Directors.
