Lions-approved host families are an important component of the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program.

Host families share their home with a young person from another country and include the participant in the daily customs of their culture. Understanding different customs helps participants learn to accept the ways of others. At the same time, host families learn about the customs of the participant.

How to Apply to Be a Host Family
There is an application process and all host families are approved by the host Lions club. To be eligible, Lions host families must:

• be in contact with youth of the approximate age of the participant.
• have knowledge of the participant's language.
• be familiar with Lions clubs and the goals of the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program.
• be able to provide a bed and meals for the participant.
• follow all local laws related to youth protection.
• meet insurance requirements.

Contact your local Lions club to see if they participate in the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program. Use the Club Locator in the menu bar to search for a club near you. Submit a host family application to your local Lions club for review.

Who are the Participants?
Participants are usually between the ages of 15 and 22, and come from any of the 190 countries that Lions clubs exist. Participants should have basic or better knowledge of the language of the country they visit. All participants go through an application process before being offered sponsorship from a Lions club in their own country. 

Prepare for the Exchange
Once an exchange is confirmed, the host family and participant can begin to correspond via e-mail, mail or telephone. Attend an orientation meeting provided by the host Lions club.

Host families should include the participant in their daily routine, including family meals. Local excursions are not required of host families. Often, the host Lions club arranges for a participant or a group of participants to visit local points of interest and organizes picnics and get togethers.