Youth Saluting Youth (YSY) is a unique national youth exchange program that builds connection and understanding between youth of Canadian Forces (CF) communities and civilian youth across Canada. Facilitated by SEVEC, YSY delivers high-impact educational exchanges.

YSY exchanges take place between youth from the CF family and youth who would like to learn about the unique CF lifestyle.  Through these exchanges, youth from the CF community will experience first-hand what life is like in a civilian family while staying with their twinned group.  Likewise, urban and rural youth from outside the CF family will spend a week living on or near a base with their matched group to experience life in the CF community.

As professionals in the field of youth exchanges and student trips, we have the knowledge and expertise to guarantee the safety and success of your SEVEC learning experience.

WHY EXCHANGE?

Beyond the headlines, youth outside the CF communities lack an awareness of the Canadian Forces and the role they play in our changing society. What is life like when your parent(s) is in the military?  How do you cope with moving every few years?  What is it like to live in an environment completely removed from that reality?  Youth Saluting Youth is helping its participants explore these questions, and familiarize themselves with another culture. We are providing a forum in which Canadian youth can exchange ideas and share in diverse life experiences. 

WHY EXCHANGE WITH SEVEC?

• Travel is free! Costs are funded by the generous support of our sponsors;
• Exchanges are designed to fit your schedule;
• All travel arrangements are made for you;
• Your group will be twinned with an exchange group whose criteria (size of group, age of participants, objectives, etc.) match yours;
• You will have toll-free telephone service and 24/7 emergency support;
• A detailed Group Organizer's handbook (in print and online) will guide you step-by-step;
• A SEVEC representative will work with you to help plan and implement your exchange and provide full logistical support;
• Your group will receive souvenirs, such as t-shirts, lapel pins, certificates and posters;
• We provide group accident insurance coverage.

COSTS OF AN EXCHANGE

Participants pay only for elective activities! These expenses are frequently offset by fundraising activities.

WHO CAN APPLY?

School groups and community groups (e.g. MFRC Youth Centres, CF youth recreation groups, sports teams, girl guides, cadets, bands, choirs, etc.) with youth, ages 12 to 17.

HOW DO YOU PLAN AN EXCHANGE?