21/12/2023
The Board of Directors of the Arizona Lions Youth Exchange (C Kirby Smithe Lions International Youth Exchange) is announcing that 2024 will be a year of reorganization after 45 years of operation. The 2023 summer camp was a great success following camp cancelations for three years because of Covid. However, there were tremendous problems with funding including increased costs of hotels and related travel costs averaging a 40% increase compared to 2019. We had a funding deficit of over $12,000 which depleted our reserves. There was a lack of support from over 35% of previously involved clubs. There were additional issues including difficulties finding host families and staff supervisors for the van trips, underfunded budget and fundraising support from Lions clubs, staff difficulty planning itineraries, and the need for more Board members. The small current Board cannot plan a full camp for 2024.
Due to the above reasons, we have decided not to have a hosted camp this year. However, we will send out Arizona youth to camps within the USA and to other parts of the world. We will continue to accept Arizona application referrals from clubs for youth from families who can fully fund their teen’s trip. Most importantly, there will be a new focus asking Arizona clubs to sponsor underserved, academically responsible youth ages 16 to 20. These underserved youth would never have the opportunity to participate in a Lions youth exchange without our efforts to fund their experience. We are asking Arizona clubs to fully or partially fund their referrals. The number of Arizona youth traveling to other counties is totally dependent upon funds raised in support of this program. The Board is optimistic that with additional assistance we will be able to provide high quality experiences for outbound youth.
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