Youth Camps and Exchange Host Lions Clubs
Host Lions Clubs work closely with the selected youth participants, host families and the district or multiple district YCE Chairperson. If a Host Club does not have a district or multiple district YCE Chairperson, a Club President will be required to sign for the exchange youth along with the district governor, and to work directly with the YCE Chairpersons in the sponsoring country to make all arrangements.
The following are general responsibilities for the host Lions club:
- Ensuring that the YCE policy is followed;
- Ensuring compliance with local laws governing youth protection;
- Verifying the exchange youth have sufficient accident, life, personal property, health and liability insurance to cover all contingencies during travel to and from their host country;
- If your club is hosting an International Camp, your club should do research in case you need to secure separate insurance coverage for the camp itself depending on the activities of the camp;
- Making arrangements for the youth exchange’s arrival/departure;
- Recruiting, screening and providing orientation to host families;
- Maintaining communications between the youth participants, Sponsor Lions Club, Host Family and YCE Chairperson; and
- Providing transportation to events organized by your club, including meetings and service projects.
You can learn more about the roles and expectations of a YCE Host Club by checking out the YCE Host Club Handbook!
How to Become a Host Club!
Use the International Directory to contact the nearest YCE Chairperson to find out how your club can participate in the YCE Program as a Host Club. If there is no YCE Chairperson in your area, speak with your District Governor to start a new YCE Program!
Have questions, comments or concerns? Please contact us at youthexchange@lionsclubs.org.
