Youth Services

Rotary Youth Exchange

Ages 15-18

Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity  that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a full year. Our club has hosted Exchange Students from other countries as per Rotary International program, every year since 1982, except during COVID.

Click here to view our Rotary Exchange Program history! (PDF)

New Generations Service Exchange

 
Our club has supported three students since 2016.  International volunteer work exchange for 2-3 months, university and professional young people up to age 30; placed throughout District as applications come in.  Host families, work placements, and student support is arranged by the Rotary club liaison.  Outbounds are encouraged.  All travel costs are borne by the incoming or outgoing students.  No income is received by these students.  Effort is made for food and lodging to be at the expense of the family providing the service.

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.

The Saugeen District Senior School Interact Club was chartered on May 22, 2014 with 20+ members and is sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton.  It was a community-based club, now a school-based club, to ensure oversight by educators and easy access for students after regular class. Now holding its meetings alternate weeks at 3:30.in the local high school. Students attending SDSS in grades 7-12 are all welcome.  A Rotarian Liaison supports but does not lead the Interactors, who have their own club officers.  The sponsoring clubs will often provide seed money.
 
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.   Interact Club Purpose:
 
  • Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
  • Take action to make a difference in your school and community
  • Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
  • Become a leader in your school and community
  • Have fun and make new friends from around the world

Click here to learn more.

Scientists in the Classroom

 
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Elementary School Workshops for youth. From April to June, 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Southampton, Saugeen Shores, Port Elgin and the Professional Engineers of Ontario (Georgian Bay Chapter) will combine to offer four STEM workshops to each elementary school in our area.
 
These workshops have been very popular and align directly with the Ontario science curriculum and are an engaging way for students to develop the important skills.

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: Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders

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.

Grade 8 Graduation Award

  • 3 awards to each Port Elgin K-8 school
  • Students are chosen by the teachers
  • Criteria is Service Above Self
A letter and cheque ($50) payable to the student
A cheque ($25) to the school to provide trophy engraving and keeper trophy
Presented by Rotarians at the year-end assembly (June)
 

SDSS Commencement

  • In the spring, applications are provided to SDSS Guidance Department
  • Student submissions are received by club committee
  • Two students demonstrating Service Above Self (to volunteer / help others without thinking of themselves) are chosen
  • Students come to a meeting before June as speakers, sharing about themselves
  • In front of the club, the student receives their $750 bursary cheque
SDSS Bursary applications are available to all graduating students.  Students are encouraged to apply through student body morning PA announcements and their teachers and guidance department staff.  There are no academic criteria.  There is no gender-based criteria. Adjudication is made by a committee of Rotarians vetting the applications and then interviewing the students.