District 6420’s Inbound Exchange Students had a blast at the 2019 Quad Cities Youth Exchange Weekend, hosted by Moline & Rock Island Rotary Clubs on November 23rd & 24th.
District 6420's Youth Exchange coordinators encourage regular weekend get-togethers for inbound students in order to enhance their cultural experience and provide an opportunity for them to interact and support one another during their adventure.
The Quad Cities Youth Exchange Weekend included American cultural experiences, fun and fellowship. Nine Rotary District 6420 Exchange students arrived at Moline Rotary Plaza on Saturday morning and began the day by attending the Festival of Trees parade in Davenport, Iowa. Students especially enjoyed rushing into the street and back to pose with the coolest giant parade balloons. Students then attended the Quad City Arts Festival of Trees exhibition at the Davenport River Center where they experienced “Christmas Around the World".
Students then visited the River Music Experience music education center where RME educator and blues musician Bret Dale introduced them to Mississippi River Music and famous jazz musicians such as Bix Beiderbecke and Louie Belson. Mr. Dale performed a few great blues songs and students had a blast accompanying him with their new kazoos.
Next students returned to Illinois to visit the John Deere Pavilion Museum to earn about the role of John Deere and the American farmer in world food production.
Students left culture education behind and headed to the Quad Cities Family Entertainment Center for hours of bowling, laser tag and arcades. Students finally retired to the fabulous Italian Renaissance style home of Rock Island Rotarians John & Sandy Daly for an overnight. Exchange students, and Rotarian chaperones all had a great time! Thanks to Rotarians from Moline and Rock Island Clubs who volunteered to staff this weekend event.
