The Lions International Youth Exchange Program was
started in District 24-D in 1972 by Past District Governor John M. White, a
member of the Norfolk Host Lions Club, along with several other Lions in the
district. Based on information provided by his wife, Olga, Lion John was
attempting to build bridges of international communication through Lionism,
and by education and recreation, foster a spirit of understanding among youth
throughout the world. In the early years, the program focused on host family
exchanges for students in this country and abroad.
Since 1972, Lions in District 24-D have
demonstrated overwhelming support for the program. It was not unusual for Lion
John to fill chartered air flights to Paris on Air France with American
students. In France, after taking in the sights, the students would disburse
to their respective host families throughout Europe.
In 1981, the district conducted its first youth
exchange camp to compliment the host family experience. In 1992, the camp was
named the John M. White Youth Exchange Camp in recognition of the
outstanding contribution to Lionism rendered by Lion John.
Considered one of the best-run youth exchange
camps in the world, Lions International has awarded the district six "Top
Ten" awards. No other district in the world has received more than three
similar awards.
Other awards include a 1976 International
Presidents Award, a special recognition award from Lions International in
1987, a special friendship plaque from the Lions of Finland for initiating and
continuing a substantial exchange with that country each year, four
Certificates of Appreciation from presidents of Lions International, most
recently in 1995, and a special plaque from the Lions of Israel indicating a
tree had been planted in the Lions Forest of Jerusalem in appreciation for
youth exchange with that country.
The District 24-D program currently allows 33
students from approximately 20 countries, including the United States, to
visit eastern Virginia for one month each summer. Half of the time is spent
with a host family, and half in a camp atmosphere located on the campus of
Virginia Wesleyan College. In addition to a large representation from eastern
and western European countries, participating students have come from Brazil,
India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey.
The camp experience allows students to benefit
from leadership development and cultural exchange. Through interaction the
camp attempts to bridge differences in understanding some of the students may
have brought with them. By circumstances of history, on arrival at the camp
students from one country may view students from another country with
suspicion. Some students are wary at first and fear what they may not
understand. By camp’s end, one witnesses young men and women, who came
together as strangers from diverse lands, hugging, and with tears flowing,
departing with hope for a more peaceful world. That is the essence of the John
M. White Youth Exchange Camp, the Lions
International Youth Exchange Program
and Lions
International Youth Camps all over the world.
The camp is supported by contributions from
district clubs, which also sponsor camp events, and by registration fees payed
by each participating student. The camp will continue to be part of the
success of District 24-D for many years thanks to the vision of Lions like PDG
Johnny White and the many Lions in the district who each year keep alive his
dream of fostering understanding and good will among peoples throughout the
world. For further information on the John M. White Youth Camp and District 24D
Youth Exchange information, Youth Exchange Chairmen and students outside the
United States should email Lion
Jeffory Jacobs.
U.S. students likewise have the opportunity to participate in Lions Youth
Exchange programs outside the United States. All students must be sponsored by
a local Lions Club. Similar to the program conducted in our area, most
overseas programs include both a camp and host family experience. The cost to
participating students is limited to airfare, camp registration fee (which
range from U.S. $0 to $400), and personal spending money. A list of overseas
camps is maintained by Lions Internatioal Further details can be obtained from
Jeffory W. Jacobs, 757-569-8808 Application deadlines overseas are generally around March 1.
However, many programs fill up way in advance of the deadlines. Interested
students are highly encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
Contact the webmaster for more information
Copyright © 2001 Multiple District 24D. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 07, 2008
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