There are some minimal fees associated with participating in a YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program. If you have any concerns about these fees or would like further information about accommodating your group’s needs, speak with your YMCA Regional Coordinator.

As part of this program, we ask you to pay:

• Hosting-related expenses such as local transportation and activity costs (conditional upon the agreement of both organizers)
• A group registration fee based on $50 per group member. This fee is submitted as one cheque and should be included as part of the group's overall fundraising plan rather than having each individual pay.

The Government of Canada, through YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program, pays for:

• The travel costs of all eligible participants and organizers (one organizer for each group of 10 youth or fewer, two organizers for 11–20 youth, and three organizers for 21–30 youth)
• Accommodation and meal expenses if the group must stop overnight on its way to the host community
• The cost of special measures that may be required

Special Measures Funding

To encourage all Canadian youth to participate in the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program, we have adopted certain measures to make this possible. Under some circumstances we provide special funding.

Generally, these measures may be eligible for funding:

• extra leaders—for younger groups and groups that need more support,
• alternative housing— if billeting is not possible,
• modified vehicles,
• interpreters, guides and special assistants.

Your YMCA Regional Coordinator representative will help you find the best way to accommodate your group's needs. Where local community resources are not available, you may ask for additional support.  Your The YMCA representative will evaluate the needs and resources on a case-by-case basis.

The Government of Canada, through Exchanges Canada a part of the Department of Canadian Heritage, provides financial assistance for this program. Exchanges Canada also offers information on exchange activities available to young Canadians through the 1 800 O-CANADA information line (1 800 622-6232, TDD/TTY 1 800 465-7735) or visit their website. You can also reach Exchanges Canada by mail at