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Give your group the experience of a lifetime!

The YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) is a national group exchange program that helps adult leaders organize exchanges across Canada for their groups of youth ages 12 to 17. Participants get to travel and discover a new part of Canada, engage in various hands-on learning experiences, make new friends, and build lasting connections.

 


 

 

Why choose YMCA Youth Exchange?

The YEC program pairs groups of 10 to 30 participants from a different province or territory, staying at least five days in each other's communities. Participants experience team bonding and planning all parts of the exchange, including travel, budgets, accommodation, itinerary of daily activities, community projects, and more.

 

Discover New Places
Learn about Canadian history, cultures, geography by traveling to a new Canadian community and host your twin group here at home.
Make New Friends
Build connections across Canada and strengthen teamwork and leadership.
Educational Activities
Each group plans local activities when hosting their twin group. They may also work together on community projects.
Plan & Participate
Youth help plan activities, budgets, and community projects before, during, and after the exchange.

 

 

 


 

 

 

Know more before applying

"This exchange program was easily laid out, very accessible, and inclusive of everyone. Many of our students would not have been able to do this exchange without the support of the program and our school community.“ 
– Group leader
 

 

Eligibility
  • Youth groups (schools or recognized community organizations)
  • Group size: 10–30 youth
  • Ages 12–17; first-time participants
  • Willing to host a twin group for ≥5 days
  • Commit to planning, hosting, and local activities
  • Fundraise for local hosting & transportation
Program Costs & Funding

$150 participation fee per group member (typically included in group fundraising).

The Government of Canada (Exchanges Canada Program) covers eligible travel costs for participants and organizers.

Groups cover local hosting, transportation, and activities while they host.

Key Dates
  • Summer travel (Jul–Aug): Apply by Feb 1
  • Fall travel (Sep–Dec): Apply by Apr 30
  • Winter/Spring travel (Jan–Jun): Apply by Oct 1

Adult group leaders apply on behalf of their group.


 

How the Exchange Works

 

1) Apply
Adult group leaders submit an application for their youth group.
2) Get Paired
We match you with a “twin” group from another province or territory.
3) Co‑Plan
Youth collaborate on travel, hosting, activities, budgets, and community projects.
4) Exchange x2
Two five‑day exchanges—one away, one here—plus reflection and follow‑up.
“This program made a real difference for our students. They grew in confidence, leadership, and connection—and it reignited my passion for teaching.”
— Group Leader
 

Ready to connect your youth to Canada?

Tell us about your youth group and your organization. Our team will follow up with next steps.


 

Questions?

Email laura.benson@bc.ymca.ca and we’ll reach back.