2013 Quad Cities Youth Exchange Weekend

Quad Cities, USA - November 23, 2013: The Quad Cities was the location of Rotary District 6420's November Youth Exchange Weekend, hosted by the Moline and Rock Island Rotary Clubs. Our District holds Youth Exchange weekends nearly monthly in order to provide our inbound exchange students with meaningful cultural experiences, and to provide much needed opportunities for the students to network with other exchange students.   

Eleven Youth Exchange Students, seven boys and four girls from nine countries, including our own Antonio Leite, arrived early Saturday morning, November 23rd and participated in programs designed to teach them about American culture. Students began the day practicing Service Above Self  by volunteering in the 22nd Annual Quad Cities Arts Festival of Trees Holiday Parade in Davenport. Braving below freezing weather, students experienced a great American tradition while serving as attendants for Genesis Health System's "Gus the Bus" balloon and passing out treats to children along the parade route.

Students then moved on to Augustana College where staff and students from Augie's Office of International Student Life presented programs for the students and toured the campus. Students enjoyed a very interesting tour of Augustana's acclaimed Fryxell Geology Museum and then joined Augie's international students in experiencing student life activities on campus, including  participating in an Augie Zumba dance competition, a student fundraising event on campus. 

The students were then treated to a pizza party at Huckleberry's Italian Restaurant, Rock Island, and were then hosted for overnight stays at the homes of Moline Rotarians Dave and Rita Pearson and Rock Island Rotarian John Daly. Thanks to them for hosting the students! Finally, students were treated to Sunday morning breakfast and then departed to their host towns until the next District Youth Exchange event.

Thanks also to Moline Rotary Club members Patti Franklin, Melinda Urban, Gretta Knight, Gary Francque, and Deni McCarter, and Rock Island Club members Steve Knight and Scott VanDeWoestyne for planning and staffing this great event! SEE PHOTO ALBUM FOR PICS OF THIS EVENT.