Lions send local teen on trip of a lifetime

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Jaime Smith (16) traveled to Germany this past June thanks to the generosity of the Strathmore Lions Club and the Lions International Youth Camps and Exchange (YCE) program. 

Jaime said she got to choose her Top 3 choices from an international directory that the Lions Clubs have complied – Germany was on her list, along with Australia and Austria. 

“It’s an international program,” said Jaime’s mother, Jackie Smith. “They’ve got these youth camps all over the world.”  

The Lions have been sponsoring youth ages 15-22 for over 60 years worldwide to attend and participate in the youth exchange program and youth camps. The Lions boast that their YCE program is an avenue for global fellowship.  

The exchange had Jaimie in Germany for three weeks, two of which were spent with her host family and the final week was spent with other students that were attending the YCE. 

Jaime’s host family had three children of their own. One highlight from her trip was when she got to attend school with the youngest of the host family’s children. 

“I didn’t have to sit through a class in a language I didn’t know,” said Jaime. “It was more or less sightseeing.” 

Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience she won’t soon forget.

“Sending her off like that, that’s the first time she’s been off on her own and it was really nerve-wracking for us,” said Jackie. “The family put our mind at ease right away.” 

Jackie said the host family kept in touch via emails.

“The host family was fantastic,” said Jaime. “Getting to see around where they live and how they live day-to-day was really cool.

“I would totally encourage people to apply. It was so much fun. The people take such good care you.”

Her mother agrees.

“Every kid should have this opportunity,” said Jackie. “That’s one thing I wanted (for) my kids was to get that taste for travel, to get that travel bug and I think Jamie’s definitely got it.” 

Brad Walls is the Youth Exchange Chair for district C2 with the Strathmore Lions Club. Walls has been part of the Strathmore Lions Club since 2010 and was recently appointed to his new role within the Youth Exchange Program.  

“In the past we’ve sent upwards of five students all the time – it’s just not very well known,” said Walls. “Depending upon the club, they’re given a set amount of money and generally it takes care of the flight end of it.” 

Walls said from there the successful student can either fundraise for the remainder of the funds needed or they can get help from their family.

The application process is relatively easy and Walls encourages every student in the eligible age range to apply. 

“They get to see firsthand what that culture is like,” said Walls. “One of the things we ask the students to do when they come back is to be an ambassador for the program. It’s really important that we get this out. It’s a very interesting and unique opportunity for youth 15-22.” 

If anyone is interested in the program or would like more information, they can email Walls directly (bradwalls@shaw.ca).