When you host a young person from another country, many things happen:

You experience the joy of sharing your culture and daily customs, You learn about your visitor's customs and culture & You make a new friend, maybe a friend for life.

What to Expect

Exchange participants are usually between the ages of 17 - 19, and come from any of the more than 200 countries and geographic locations where there are Lions Clubs. Your guest should have a basic or better knowledge of the English language. To be in the program, he or she will have completed an admissions process. Host families should include the participant in their daily routine, including family meals - they are to become like a member of your family. Local excursions are not required of the host families, but JCH often arranges for participants to visit local points of interest. Some Host families may also help organize picnics and get-togethers with other Host families. If you are a host family already expecting an exchange participant, you may want to review the LCI Host Family Info for more information.

There is a total prohibition on the Campers indulging in the use of drugs with the exception, of course, of prescribed medication. Violators will be expelled from the program and sent home immediately. Campers are specifically forbidden to drive a motor vehicle of any type while they are members of the Julien Hyer Camp Program. There can be no exceptions to this rule.

Host Family Eligibility

The JCH Board must approve all host families. To be eligible to become a Host family you must:

• Have regular contact with youth of the approximate age of the participant

• 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 your guest

• Follow all local laws related to youth protection - JCH Camp is an alcohol/drug free Camp

• Meet insurance requirements (see LCI website)

How to Apply

If you are interested in being a Host family please review the Host Family Handbook. You can apply to become a Host family today by contacting a JCH Board member and submit a host family application (see below) to JCH Board of Directors for review. Once an your application is confirmed, you and your camper will correspond via e-mail or telephone app. You should also attend an orientation meeting provided by JCH.