Twelve students from the Cook Training/Tourism program will be hosting 14 youth from Dennis Morris Secondary School Hospitality Tourism program in St. Catharine’, Ontario from March 4-11 as part of their involvement in YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program. DTSS students will do their travelling to Ontario May 1-7.

YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada promotes cross-cultural awareness and a sense of belonging among Canadian youth aged 12 to 17. Travel costs are funded by the Government of Canada through Exchanges Canada.

YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada sponsors exchanges between two groups of same aged and equal size in different communities.

Each group hosts the other. During their stay in Ontario, the youth will live with the families of their twin group. Activities planned for student visitors include, guided tours of the area, activities on the lake, Panorama Resort, Fairmont Resort and Nipika Resort, activities at the school, visits to the hot springs, the preparation of frozen dinners for the Columbia Valley Food Bank, volunteering at the Community Greenhouse and a trip to Banff and Lake Louise with tours of the Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel.

DTSS students travelling to Ontario will participate in a two day Terre Madre Slow Food Gathering which will include 200 students from across Canada, a trip to Niagara Falls, and local tours and activities.

Since 1976, thousands of young people have experienced the cultural and geographic diversity of Canada though participation in YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program

DTSS students will be fundraising to take part in this great opportunity.

For more information or to offer financial or activity support please contact: Alison Bell or Joanne Bragg 250-342-9213.