Participation in a Lions international youth camp and/or exchange is often a life-changing experience. The Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program is not conducted for tourism, education, or employment. Instead, it is a unique cultural learning opportunity. Most exchanges last about four to six weeks.
Types of Youth Exchanges
Exchanges: Host family stays can be arranged in any of the more than 190 countries in which Lions clubs exist. Most exchanges last between four and six weeks and the participant (ages 15 to 21) stays with one or more host families. Participants experience life as part of the host family and enjoy excursions with the host Lions club.
Camps: One or two week long camps bring together young people (ages 16 to 22) from around the world. Camps usually include a host family stay (exchange) that lasts between one and four weeks. More than 100 Lions youth camps in about 39 countries are held each year. Activities vary and can include visits to places of historic or natural interest, sports, and country presentations by camp participants.
Click here to view the Youth Camps and Exchange Directory. If you are interested in becoming a participant, begin by contacting your local Lions club or district youth camp and exchange chairperson (see Directory).
How to Participate
Participants of the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program must:
- be between the ages of 15 and 22.
- be sponsored by a Lions club
- have a basic knowledge of the language of the host country.
- be suitable to represent their community, sponsor Lions club, and country.
- be willing to accept the customs of another culture.
- provide proof of health, medical, travel insurance, and a liability release agreement.
Contact your local Lions club to request sponsorship (use the Club Locator).
Applications are available from sponsor Lions clubs or youth camps, or download a participant application form.
Costs and Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements for participants are usually made between the Lions youth camp and exchange chairpersons in the sponsor and host countries. Details are passed to sponsor/host Lions clubs and participants.
Financial arrangements for transportation costs (including actual fares, insurance, airport fees, customs duties, and layover or overnight fees) are the responsibility of the sponsor Lions club. Some camps require a camp fee. Costs may be paid by the sponsor Lions club, by the participant, the participant's family, or a combination of these sources. If you will need to raise funds, ask your sponsor Lions club for an acceptance letter and other materials that will help you explain the program to donors.
Arrangements for food and lodging are covered by the host Lions club, during and exchange.
Participants are responsible for personal expenses (approximately US$75 per week) such as phone calls home, souvenirs, etc.
What to Expect
Information to help prepare participants for their experience can be found in the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program Guide.
Once the exchange is confirmed, you can begin to correspond with your host family.
Participants with physical disabilities have successfully participated in the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program.
Upon your return home, visit the Past Participants page and provide a description of your experience.