C. KIRBY SMITHE LIONS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE, PREPARES FOR THE 2010 CAMP YEAR

The mission of the C. Kirby Smithe Youth Camp is to encourage and sponsor the exchange of youth between countries of the world and to foster the feeling of good will and understanding between the youth of the world, in accord with the purposes and objectives of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

2009 Class

Since 1961, Lions Clubs International’s Youth Exchange Program has given tens of thousands of young people representing some 80 nationalities an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of their roles as world citizens. The youth exchange in Arizona’s Lions District 21B was started in 1981 and named in honor of Lion C. Kirby Smithe, who distinguished himself as a Lion, businessman, father, husband and humanitarian.

Each year we host up to eight students from different countries around the world, alternating between young men and young women between the ages of 17 and 21. In 2010, we will be hosting young men. So far we have applicants from Italy, Finland and Denmark. They arrive at Tucson International Airport on July 2nd and will be met by their host families the following day. In addition to a two week experience living with a host family, we provide them a two week tour throughout the beautiful state of Arizona, visiting Lions clubs along the way, enjoying the natural wonders of our state and learning about the diversity and culture of our area. One week is spent visiting clubs and touring attractions in the northern part of the state, including the Grand Canyon and the second week is spent in the southern part of Arizona, including Tombstone and Nogales. The visit ends with a farewell picnic hosted this year by the Catalina Oro Valley Lions Club on July 31 at 6 PM. Campers, host families, board members and supporting lions are invited to attend. RSVPs should be made to members of the CKS Board no later than July 10 to ensure sufficient food for the party. The campers will return to their home countries on August 1st.

We are extremely grateful to all the clubs throughout the state who open their homes and their hearts to our young visitors. We also appreciate the financial support that clubs provide to this project. Without your support, we would not be able to provide the experience that we do to these young men and women.

This year we are also sending two students from Arizona to visit youth camps overseas. One will be visiting Italy and the other one Denmark. We are actively attempting to establish cooperative relationships with youth exchange coordinators in other countries to provide ongoing exchanges of students. Our youth are our future. We can all benefit from learning more about one another. If you have not already done so, we invite you to consider adding us to your budget for the coming year. Donations can be made out to C. Kirby Smithe Youth Exchange and mailed to 9102 E. Crystal Dr. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. If you would like to know more about our program, the members of the board are ready and willing to come to your Lions Club meeting and share some of our experiences from past trips. Our names and addresses are listed in the current directory.