Lions International District 308B3

Youth Camps and Exchange

Culture. Connection. Commitment.

The Lions Youth Camps and Exchange, YCE, program gives young people the opportunity to experience life in another country, build international friendships, learn through culture, and become ambassadors of goodwill. Through host families, local camps, cultural visits and Lions fellowship, YCE helps youth grow with confidence, respect and a wider view of the world.

What is YCE?

Youth Camps and Exchange, YCE, is an international cultural exchange program of Lions International. It is designed for young people, generally aged 15 to 22, subject to the requirements of each destination program.

YCE is built around two important experiences. The first is youth exchange, where participants live with host families and experience daily life in another country. The second is youth camp, where young people join cultural, educational and fellowship activities with participants from different backgrounds.

The purpose of YCE is to foster global vision, respect for diversity, cultural understanding and peace through people to people connection.

Age Group

Generally 15 to 22, subject to destination rules

Experience

Host family, cultural exchange, youth camp and friendship

Purpose

Global understanding, respect, leadership and peace

YCE in District 308B3

District 308B3 supports the development of YCE as a meaningful youth program that connects Lions service with cultural learning. Our goal is to encourage more Lions Clubs, families and young people to take part in the program, either by sending youth abroad, hosting inbound youth, helping with local activities, or supporting the program through sponsorship.

Youth Camps and Exchange cultural learning activity

Culture

Young people learn real culture through daily life, food, language, tradition and friendship.

Youth Camps and Exchange host family friendship

Connection

Host families, Lions Clubs and youth participants build relationships beyond borders.

Youth Camps and Exchange appreciation activity

Commitment

Lions support youth development by giving them a safe and meaningful international experience.

2025/2026 Program Highlights

District 308B3 has been actively promoting youth exchange opportunities with Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

Youth Camps and Exchange Japan and Malaysia program highlight

Japan and Malaysia

  • Inbound from Japan to Malaysia: August 2025
  • Outbound from Malaysia to Japan: December 2025
  • Indicative dates: 1 December 2025 to 21 December 2025 or 10 December 2025 to 24 December 2025
Youth Camps and Exchange Thailand and Malaysia activity

Thailand and Malaysia

  • Outbound from Malaysia to Thailand: 10 December 2025 to 20 December 2025

Program dates, destination availability and requirements may change based on the host country, YCE committee confirmation and Lions International guidelines.

How Clubs and Families Can Support YCE

Nominate young participants

Lions Clubs may recommend suitable youth to join outbound exchange programs to countries such as Thailand or Japan.

Become a host family

Families may welcome inbound international youth and share Malaysian culture through daily life, meals and simple family bonding.

Assist with activities and transport

Lions and Leos may help with local activities, cultural visits, transport coordination and hospitality.

Sponsor meals, souvenirs or venues

Support can be given through meals, T shirts, badges, local gifts, homestay support, transport or venue sponsorship.

Promote YCE in clubs and schools

Clubs can help introduce YCE to members, schools, Leo Clubs and suitable youth candidates.

Support through donation or in kind contribution

Financial sponsorship or practical support can help more youth benefit from the program.

YCE youth fellowship and community support

District YCE Welcomes Your Support

Any Lions Club, Lion, Leo, family or community partner who wishes to support upcoming Youth Camps and Exchange activities is welcome to contact the District 308B3 YCE team. Your support can help young people discover new cultures, build confidence and create friendships across borders.

Contact District YCE Team

Host Families Are the Heart of Exchange

Host families play an important role in helping youth understand local culture. A host family does not need to create a luxury travel experience. Simple daily life, meals at home, family conversations, short walks, cultural introductions and kindness can make the exchange meaningful.

Is fluent English required?

No. Basic communication is enough. The YCE team can provide guidance when needed.

Do I need to accompany the youth all day?

No. Lions will usually arrange daytime schedules and activities.

Do I need to plan special activities?

No. Simple bonding such as cooking, walking, visiting a local place or sharing family life is already meaningful.

For Youth Participants

YCE participants represent their family, school, community, Lions Club and country. Participants should show respect, politeness, openness and willingness to learn from different cultures.

Prepare travel documents such as passport, visa if required, flight ticket and insurance.
Learn basic greetings and simple phrases of the host country.
Respect the host family, local culture and house rules.
Keep emergency contact numbers saved.
Keep mobile phone charged.
Inform a trusted adult about your whereabouts.
Share your experience after returning home to inspire future participants.

YCE Stories and Feedback

Through this journey, I learned about different cultures, languages, and how to connect with people from other countries.

Elvin, Lions Club of JB Premier

The 21 day exchange program in Japan helped me step out of my comfort zone, become more independent, respect other cultures, and build lifelong international friendships.

Avril, Lions Club of JB Austin

This exchange gave me meaningful international friendships. I had the chance to introduce local attractions, practice languages, and most importantly, learn to accept and understand different perspectives.

Participant Feedback

Contact YCE Team

For YCE enquiries, participant nomination, host family support, sponsorship or upcoming program information, please contact:

Contact person
Agnes Lee
Phone
019 719 0178