"Cultural Boot Camp" Means Awareness, Preparation, and Celebration

Joined by outbounds from south Florida, Grand Bahama Island, and central New York state, District 6970's Outbound Class of 2006-07 gathered together one more time in early June, for a weekend filled with cultural awareness exercises and discussions, and challenges both mental and physical.

For the fourth year in a row, our friends from District 6990 brought their outbounds north to join us for this final orientation weekend. There were 12 students from that district, hailing from the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area and Grand Bahama, along with two others from District 7150 in New York (Syracuse-Utica region). With our 18 outbounds, the total of 32 soon-to-be exchange students were guided through the weekend by 8 Rotex and 16 Rotarians. That latter group once again included Dr. Dennis White from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Rotarian, clinical psychologist, and expert on intercultural living and culture shock.

The weekend culminated with our Send-Off Luncheon for students and parents. District Governor Elect Brent Williams delivered his "charge" to the students to be ambassadors of their community, their country, and Rotary. Then, each of the students was called up and presented with a certificate recognizing their accomplishments. Emotional closing messages by Irene Salerno (mother of 2004-05 outbound Elizabeth) and Tierney Elison (2002-03 outbound to Brazil) capped off a fantastic weekend.

The members of the District 6970 Youth Exchange Committee join DGE Brent in congratulating all of the outbound students, and wishing them a fantastic, wonderful, unique adventure overseas in 2006-07, and we look forward to hearing their stories at the Welcome Home Dinner in 2007!

We started out simple ... by building squares
There were alleged cultural experts among us...		And one real one too
So now let's try to build a tower
Time to sit down for a relaxing game of cards
Where are we now? Alphatoria? Betavakia?
After a long day, we discover a new toy in the lake!		Get it right, win a prize!
Rotex Theater: "Exchange Student Arrival" ... also known as "Shave My Back"
Sunday morning in the trees
DGE Brent Williams with "his outbounds"	Irene Salerno, Parent of Former Outbound	Tierney Elison, Rotex Brazil 2002-03

Outbound Orientation Weekend #1 - April, 2006

Outbound Class of 2006-07 Learns the "Ins and Outs of Rotary Youth Exchange" ... and has Some Fun in the Process

The weekend of April 7-9 provided the first opportunity for our new outbounds to discover Camp Montgomery, where they learned a lot about what is expected of a Rotary exchange student, got to know each other a lot better, and had a fair amount of fun too.

A series of group sessions and breakout discussions covered topics ranging from host families to travel planning to school to the Rotary support system. On Saturday afternoon, the group headed into the woods for some time on the challenge course, followed by swimming and kayaking on the lake. That evening, we discovered musical talent of a type we never expected ... Bohemian Rhapsody will never sound the same again. The performance was reprised on Sunday morning, for the "benefit" of the parents in attendance.

All in all, it was a good weekend, as we got to learn more about those who will represent our district overseas next year, and they got to know more about us as well. Special thanks to our Rotex team - Anna, Makena, Mike, Rochelle, and Slash - who gave up their weekend to help prepare the students who will follow in their footsteps.

 

OK, so some of the material wasn't overly exciting, but couldn't anybody keep their eyes open?		Here's a look at the whole group, our 2006-07 outbound class, looking rather well organized, and spiffy too in their brand new Rotary t-shirts!
Led by Joe, we head off for a series of challenges
Down to the lake, for boating, swimming, sunning, and relaxing
Saturday night - an impromptu and unexpected appearance by Queen!
Sunday morning - delivering our target language introductions, and a Bohemian Rhapsody to boot!
And a few other pictures, courtesy of Katie Quinn

Outbound Orientation Workshop - February, 2006

First Orientation for the Class of 2006-07

District 6970's outbound candidates for 2006-07 gathered together for the first time on February 11th, for a one-day introductory workshop that focused on language acquisition and public speaking. The day-long orientation took place at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, and provided the students a chance to get to know each other as they prepare to share an adventure of a lifetime.

The students worked on language exercises and presented their initial attempts at using their target languages. A group of current inbounds joined them for some fun and a Q&A session. And Mandarin Rotarian Jim Akers, a former Toastmasters District Governor, lent his expertise to the public speaking segment.

All in all, it was a good first time together for the Outbound Class of 2006-07, and there's no doubt they're looking forward to their next orientation in April.