The youth branch of Rotary International is Interact. Interact clubs exist or may be established in high schools and middle schools. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. There are Interact Clubs at at Central Bucks High Schools South and West. Please refer to individual school faculty sponsors.
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace and understanding one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Long-term exchanges last a full academic year providing students the opportunity to attend local schools and live with multiple host families. We can empower our youth by speaking to them about becoming an exchange student and how it could change their lives and make them stand out in future opportunities, including on a college application. Since 1963, clubs in the local Rotary district have participated in International Youth Exchanges; well over 1,000 students have been hosted and sponsored, here and abroad. The 'Long Term' or Academic Year program lasts from 10-12 months , the Short-Term Exchange Program is a family to family exchange that typically lasts 4 weeks in the Summer.
For those youth who wish to strengthen leadership skills, a Rotary Leadership Camp takes place in the Delaware Valley at Camp Neidig. Camp Neidig is a program sponsored by the Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 7430 (Southeastern Pennsylvania). Its purpose is to provide exceptional young men and women with the opportunity to live, work, and socialize together in a dynamic leadership environment. Activities are focused on contemporary problems, ethical situations, and decision making that will contribute to his/her development as a leader. Applications are available through school guidance counselors or the Camp Neidig website.
Doylestown Rotary also offers of a $1,000 annual scholarship (renewable for 4 years) to a deserving candidate who is a current senior at Central Bucks West, Central Bucks East, or Central Bucks South High School AND eligible for acceptance to an accredited College or University. Candidates will be considered who apply and demonstrate qualities including potential to contribute to society throughout their lives, demonstrated community involvement and work experience, outstanding character with evidence of core values, compassion, selflessness, passion, commitment and integrity, and knowledge of the role of service organizations and specifically the role of Rotary International in the local and world communities. The Rotary Club of Doylestown will recognize scholarship winners at the school Awards Night and at a Rotary Club meeting. Applications are available through your high school guidance counselor.
Any youth who is passionate about practicing public speaking or similarly about persuasive speaking can engage in the 4-Way Test Speech contest through the Doylestown Rotary Club. Students receive coaching and present a debatable topic and persuade the audience with oratorical skills. Public speaking proficiency and good critical thinking skills are important leadership attributes. Kick-off of the contest is in October, with preparations managed within each school (homeschooled or private school students welcomed). Official competitions begin in March. Doylestown Rotary’s first prize for this contest is $500 plus the opportunity to move to the district competition.
Regardless of who you are, perhaps you are an aspiring orator, a person fascinated by cultural differences, a quiet leader looking to bloom, a teenager looking for a community service club, or a senior managing your college budget, please check out the Rotary website for more information on Youth activities.