Youth Services

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

Supporting Youth in Our Community

Over the last 25 years, the Rotary Club of Kentville has expanded our youth program significantly to include the development of an Interact Club at Northeast Kings Education Centre (NKEC), a breakfast program, at NKEC, support for international exchange students,  a post secondary scholarship program and the purchase of a new mini bus to help students attend sporting events and after school programs.
 
The breakfast program progressed from baking muffins and granola bars to, with the significant support of our club and the help of an anonymous donor, support a daily hot meal program for students faced with food insecurity.
 
Our club has participated in the Student Exchange Program since 1991 providing many local students the opportunity to visit and spend a school year in other countries of the world.  In exchange Kentville Rotary members support, house, and entertain students from other countries including Australia, France, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, Spain and others as they attend school in Canada.
 
Kentville Rotary has also supported local youth to experience Adventures in Citizenship an annual three day trip to Ottawa to visit Parliament and learn about our government.  Adventures in Understand is a 6 day canoe trip hosted by the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and the Curve Lake First Nation Youth Committee.
 
In addition, the Youth Committee supports programs that promote youth mental health, the environment, recreastion, and arts as well as leadership workshops like RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).  
Breakfast Program
 
Graduation Scholarships
Food Insecurity Programs

Interact

Ages 12-18

Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.

Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.

Click here to learn more.

Rotary Youth Exchange

Ages 15-18

Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity  that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a full year.

Click here to learn more.

Adventures in Citizenship

Ages 16-18

Students from across Canada meet with political leaders and senior officials from the Ottawa area to learn about our democrat Institutions, diversity of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. 

Click here to learn more.

RYLA

Ages 19-25

RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.  RYLA is leadership training for young adults (19-25 years) led by a professional facilitator experienced in youth leadership development and supported by RYLA graduates and Rotarians;

One week residential program on a college/university campus consisting of lectures, simulation games, discussion groups, committee work, public speaking, social activities;

An opportunity to learn, grow, share ideas, have fun and make new friends.

Click here to learn more.