Adventure in Citizenship

Posted by Chris Offer

on Aug 27, 2013

The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program celebrated its 63rd Anniversary in 2013. This spring, 220 outstanding senior high school students from across Canada spent four days in the National Capital in a program designed to develop their potential as leaders in their communities and in Canadian society.

Our speaker on August 27 2013 was Rachel Hislop-Hook. Rachel is in Grade 11 at Delta Secondary School and is Co-president of the DSS Interact Club. In May she went to Ottawa sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner as part of the Adventure in Citizenship Program supported by the Rotary Club of Ottawa.

Adventures in Citizenship is an annual, unique opportunity for young Canadians across the nation to explore Canadian identity, shared values and the implications of the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians.

The Participants are high school students between 16-18 years old, sponsored by Canadian Rotary Clubs, every province and territory is represented.

Rachel commented on the friendships from across Canada she made. One of the highlights was the opportunity to have a mock debate in the House of Commons and sit in the Prime Ministers desk in the House. She also felt taking part in a Canadian Citizens ceremony was a highpoint.

Plans are now underway for next year's program scheduled for May 4 to 7, 2014

The Program

Day 1

• Welcome/introductions
• Motivational speaker/Keynote
• Panel of Canadian Citizens
• Walking tour of a National Museum
• French Canadian dinner & music

Day 2

• Tour of Centre Block
• Meet with the Speaker of the House of Commons
• Tour Parliament
• Canadian Human Rights Commission presentation
• “Go and Vote” & Foreign Affairs Panel of Diplomats

Day 3

• University of Ottawa presentations & discussions on civic responsibility
• Rotaract “Canada Quiz” Game
• Robert Forest Keynote
• Aviation Museum/ Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Muchmusic Video Dance

Day 4

• Special session of Citizenship Ceremony & reception
• Question & Answer Period with the Governor General at Rideau Hall
• Farewell Luncheon with Rotarians and Host Families