Adventure in Citizenship

Discover Canada. Lead the Future.

Imagine spending four electrifying days in Ottawa alongside 150+ of Canada’s most passionate young leaders. Adventure in Citizenship (AiC) is exactly that — an annual national program hosted by the Rotary Club of Ottawa that transforms how young Canadians understand their country, their democracy, and their role in shaping it. Participants get exclusive access to:

▸ The Speaker of the House of Commons — inside the Chamber itself
▸ Indigenous and local leaders, motivational speakers, and topical experts
▸ A special sitting of a Citizenship Court
▸ The Canadian War Museum and local universities
▸ A talent show, French-Canadian cuisine, and lasting friendships from coast to coast

Who Can Apply?

AiC is open to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants aged 16–18 who are community leaders and reflect the rich diversity of Canadian society. Applications open each October for the following May’s program.
Are you an Orangeville high school student ready for this experience? Reach out to us — we’d love to support your application.
Learn more: rotaryottawa.com/adventure-in-citizenship

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)

Four Days That Can Change Your Life.

RYLA isn’t just a leadership camp — it’s a launchpad. Sponsored by Rotary District 7080 and held each May at the stunning Ecology Retreat Centre in Mono, this intensive 4-day residential program brings together young adults aged 18–29 to build character, sharpen leadership skills, and discover the power of service. RYLA participants come away with:

▸ Strengthened self-confidence and communication skills
▸ Exposure to real-world issues and community leaders
▸ Career skills and mentorship from active Rotarians
▸ A powerful network of peers who share a commitment to making a difference
▸ Workshops, speakers, and hands-on team-building challenges

All expenses except transportation are covered by your sponsoring Rotary club. Applications are accepted each January and February.
Ready to step into your leadership potential? Contact the Rotary Club of Orangeville to apply.
Learn more: rotary7080.org/ryla

Rotary Youth Exchange

A Year Abroad. A Lifetime of Impact.

The Rotary Club of Orangeville is proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Shelburne to co-sponsor Rotary Youth Exchange through District 7080. In 2025–2026, a local Dufferin County student was selected to spend a full year in France — attending school, living with host families,

and representing our community on the world stage. And a student from Switzerland came to Shelburne to experience school and life in the Dufferin community. For an exchange student, the experience is transformative: a full academic year immersed in a new culture, language, and way of life. They live with two to four host families, attend local school, and return home with confidence, self-sufficiency, and friendships that last a lifetime.
Don’t just take our word for it — our own Youth Director experienced this firsthand. As a Rotary Youth Exchange student in 2017–2018, she spent a year in Taiwan, and that experience is exactly what drives her passion for keeping this program alive in our community today.

Could Your Family Be a Host Family?

Host families are the backbone of this program — and right now, we need more of them.  Without host families, there is no exchange. It’s that simple.
Hosting a Rotary exchange student is one of the most rewarding things a family can do.  You’ll welcome a curious, motivated young person into your home, share your culture, and gain a window into theirs. Your family doesn’t need to be perfect — just open, caring, and ready for an adventure.
No Rotary membership required. Any family in the Orangeville area can apply.

▸ Room and board are your contribution — all other program costs are covered
▸ Students arrive with their own spending money and insurance
▸ Full support from Rotary Club of Orangeville and District 7080 throughout
▸ Families of all sizes and backgrounds make wonderful hosts

Ready to open your home to the world? Contact us — we’d love to tell you more.

Interested in Going on Exchange?

Students aged 15½–17 who are Canadian citizens can apply. Applications open each October for
the following year’s program. If you’re curious, ambitious, and ready to represent your
community on the world stage, we want to hear from you.
Get in touch to start your application.
Learn more: rotary7080.org/youth-exchange

Questions about any of our youth programs? We’d love to hear from you.

rotarycluboforangeville@gmail.com