Encounters with Canada

Posted by Vic Budz

What is Encounters with Canada?
 
Encounters with Canada, which was first established in 1982, is our country’s largest and foremost youth forum.  For each of 26 weeks of the school year, approximately 100 to 130 teens from across Canada, aged 14 to 17 years, come to Ottawa, where they discover their country through each other, learn about Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, explore exciting career options, and develop their civic leadership skills while living an extraordinary bilingual experience.  Since 1982, well over 100,000 Canadian youth have experienced this program.  Students register on the basis of the career option which they wish to explore.  The following options are available:
 
Arts & Culture
Canada Remembers
Communications & Social Media
Democracy & Youth
Experience Canada (a program designed for youth of recent immigrant families)
First Responders
Global Affairs
Law & Our Justice System
Medicine & Health
Science & Technology
Science & Ecology
Sports & Fitness
Tech & Food
Vimy: Canada’s Coming of Age
 
Each week approximately one half of the program is focused on tours, speakers, and activities related to the career theme of the week.  The other half of the program is consistent from week to week and includes activities such as a tour of parliament, attendance at Question Period, tours of the National Capital Region, visits to various museums, a remembrance activity at the national cemetery, and speakers selected to introduce youth to our country's diverse cultures, heritage, beliefs, contemporary issues, institutions and leaders.  This serves to open their eyes to the vast potential of their own lives, as well as that of their communities, their nation and the world. Providing a platform where Canada’s youth voices are valued and heard leads to a strengthening of these voices, of youth leadership in Canada, and of our nation, as a whole. In addition to these activities, every evening, students select from a wide variety of activities which are focused more on social and entertainment lines. 
 
Encounters with Canada is one of a number of programs of Historica Canada and is recognized and endorsed by the Ministry of Education in every province and territory. The program also receives funding from Canadian Heritage, Veterans Affairs and others. Participation in the Encounters with Canada program is also officially recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program.
 
Encounters with Canada is held at The Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre, a friendly, inviting residential facility, situated on 2.6 acres of beautifully landscaped property, minutes away from downtown Ottawa.  The facility provides a fully secured environment (24/7) with all necessary amenities, including segregated male and female dorms, food services, and large and small meeting rooms.  The program is organized by permanent staff and supported each week by 6 current or retired teachers (volunteer monitors) from across Canada who carry out the program organized for that particular week.
 
This forum is surprisingly affordable!  Round-trip travel to The Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre is provided free of charge* by Canadian Heritage!  The total cost for the week in Ottawa is a great bargain at only $675, covering accommodation, meals and all program costs - supplies, activities, visits and tours, and travel within Ottawa (including transportation to and from the airport or train station). Many provincial/territorial governments (including Alberta) even help subsidize these expenses!  If students apply early enough in the school year, they can access $175 from the Alberta Government, reducing the total cost to $500.
 
Rotary Club of Brooks support for Encounters with Canada
 
Several years ago, the Rotary Club of Brooks made a decision to support students attending Encounters with Canada.  Several Club members were aware of this program.  I personally have had the privilege of working as a volunteer monitor on 9 different occasions.  I have witnessed firsthand the amazing impact on students.  Of greatest significance is how much students learn from one another through their interactions in large and small groups, through their social activities, and through their conversations during meal times, bus rides, etc.  Ultimately, all students come away from the experience with a greater understanding of what it means to be Canadian.
 
Our Club began by supporting several students, and since 2013 have provided support to 11 students per year ($500 each) to attend the forum.  Each year we invite as many students as possible to make a presentation to the club about their experience.  The presentations are always overwhelmingly positive.  More detailed information may be obtained at  https://www.ewc-rdc.ca/pub/
 
 
Vic Budz
Youth Director
Brooks Rotary Club