The YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program is open to groups of young people who belong to a recognized community organization or school. To participate in the program, you must:

• Be part of a group of 10 to 30 youth.
• Be between the ages of 12 and 17, and have not previously participated in the program.
• Be prepared to live away from home for at least five days (not including travel time).
• Participate in activities before, during, and after the exchange to help you get ready for the experience.
• Organize fundraising events to help cover the cost of hosting activities and local transportation.
• Agree to pay a group participation fee ($40 per person).

Although this program is open to all Canadian youth, we do give priority to those who are engaging participants from traditionally under-represented groups:

• Youth from low-income households
• Aboriginal youth
• Youth with disabilities
• Visible minority youth
• Youth from rural or isolated areas