Rotary District 5220 German Youth Exchange Program
American Exchange Students July 08-July 30, 2009 in Germany
German Exchange Students July 30-August 20, 2009 in USA
Visit your District web site for forms and information:
As of October 13, 2008
GERMANY
SUMMER2009 ROTARY DISTRICT’S 5220 SHORT TERM EXCHANGE
Students and Parents are required to fill out their required District Student and Host family forms. Host family background checks are to be processed by their District.Students and Host families will attend their required District Out-Bound meeting prior the Departure on the trip. See your District forms and instructions. The processing cost is $ 400 for District 5220 students and $ 300 for Districts who are members of WESSEX.There may be an extra chargefrom the WESSEX Districts for their processing costs. Most of the Processing cost goes for the Foreign Exchange Students trip to Yosemite. American Exchange students are invited to attend and experiencethe Yosemite trip at a discounted rate of $ 150 extra to encourage the American Exchange Student attendance at Yosemite. Our counter part in Germany (Districts 1930 and 1830) pays for the American Exchange students stay at the Youth Hostel at the Lake of Constance in Germany.Flights are booked on British Airways for approximately $ 1,203, subject to taxes/fuel increases. Suggest you budget $ 1,550 per round trip ticket. Medical Insurance is required. Suggest you budget $ 125. Spending money for extras, suggested you budget $ 400. Gift required for Host Family.
Students will fly with the American ChaperoneFamily fromSan Francisco(Depart BA flight 286; 07/08/09 at 6:50 pm) to Stuttgart, Germany, where the Host German families will welcome them at the airport. The American Students will stay with the German Host family until July 20. Between July 20 and 24, 2009 all the American Students and many of the German Students will stay at a Youth Hostel in southern Germany at the Lake of Constance with a German Host Chaperones and the American Host Chaperones. Lake of Constance borders Switzerland and Austria. They will return home to the German Host Familyuntil the American Exchange students return home to the USA on July 30, 2009 with their German Exchange Student (Arrive BA flight 285: 07/30/09 at 2:15 pm). The American Host families will pick up their Child and the German Exchange Student at the San FranciscoAirport and take them to their home. Shortly after the return there will be an In-bound meeting in Escalon, California. All students and American Host families must attend this meeting. The American Student and German Student will stay with the American Host family until August 9, 2009. Between August 9 and August 12 all of the German Exchange students and many of the American Exchange students will stay at Yosemite, CurryVillage. The American Host families will take their Germany student to and from Yosemite. Car pooling is encouraged.The German Exchange student will stay with their Host family until August 20, 2009. The American Host family will take the German Exchange student to the San FranciscoAirport for their departure on August 20, 2009 (Depart BA flight 286; 08/20/09 at 6:50 pm). Car pooling is encouraged. Detailed information about places of interest in the area of Germany where your students will stay, as well as the Yosemite trip follows:
Stuttgart
Stuttgart, the city located between forests and vineyards, is an urban community in Southwest Germany. As the state capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart is not only an industrial city with world famous automobile companies and state-of-the-art science and research facilities; Stuttgart is also a cultural city that has made a name for itself through its renowned State Opera and ballet programs, and the exceptional art collections at the State Gallery and the Gallery of Stuttgart. Stuttgart's main attractions are clearly the hilly landscape, the numerous vineyards that stretch all the way to the city center, the many parks that make Stuttgart one of the greenest cities in Germany and the mineral water fountains that characterize this region as having the largest source of mineral water in Western Europe.
Some students will stay in Stuttgart, while others will stay throughout the Baden—Württemberg region.
Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg is located in sunny southwestern Germany. Their proximity to their western neighbor France, as well as to their southern neighbors Switzerland and Austria, have added unique and fascinating aspects to their culture and traditions over the centuries.
This beautiful area of Germany is known as the “Black Forest” area, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and interesting old towns.
BLACKFOREST
The Black Forest region is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. The Black Forest combines great outdoor scenery with unique local customs, products, and fare. It is also the heart of Germany’s timber and woodworking industry that generates much of the region’s economy beyond tourism. The region has over two dozen small towns and cities with loads of nature trails and scenic highways in between.
Students could potentially stay in these other cities, and will likely visit them at some point.
Heilbronn
Heilbronn has many cultural venues where you can while away the evenings. Events of all kinds are staged virtually every day in the Municipal Theatre with its new Box Theatre, as well as in the Harmony Festival Hall and the Theatre Ship. The Municipal Museums (sculptures, archaeology, Neckar shipping and natural history) also offer a wide array of cultural attractions. And let's not forget the town's pubs, clubs and cinemas. Heilbronn also has numerous leisure activities on offer, such as the "Soleo" saltwater spa, the ice rink and the inline-skating tracks.
Karlsruhe
Culture abounds!Karlsruhe can boast an extraordinary collection of the very finest museums.Europe's second-largest museum, the Center for Art and Media Technology (Zentrum für Kunst- und Medientechnologie ZKM), is an amazing experience. The BadenStateMuseum (Badisches Landesmuseum), which is housed in the baroque castle built in 1715, offers something special at everyone. The NaturalHistoryMuseum (Naturkundemuseum), the State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle), the Municipal Gallery (Städtische Galerie) and the Museum of Modern Art (Museum für neue Kunst) offer a wide range of interesting exhibits. Well worth seeing too are the City History Collections in the Prince Max Palace, the Museum of Legal History and Museum of Transport, depending on your personal interests. The Classical market place with its Pyramid, Town Hall and Protestant city church will remain in your memory for a long time. Or you could also take the children along for a visit to the zoological and city gardens, with their new polar bear enclosure.
Freiburg
Freiburg is the gateway to the High Black Forest. Its peaks, valleys and lakes, churches and monasteries are all within easy reach of the city. To the north of Freiburg lie the Taubergießen conservation area, the Europa theme park ( and the impressive ruins of numerous castles and palaces. To the south stretches the Margrave region with its vine-clad slopes, wine villages and spas. The wine-growing Kaiserstuhl and Tuniberg regions to the west of Freiburg are also an absolute delight for art lovers (offering gems such as the Minster in Breisach). Freiburg also provides immediate access to Switzerland and Alsace and cities and towns such as Basle (Switzerland), Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse (France), each of which has a wealth of historic buildings and art treasures.
Ulm
Places of interest in Ulm:- the Gothic Minster (1377-1890) with the tallest spire in the world (161 m); - a historic Old Quarter with buildings dating back to Ulm's days as an imperial city; - the fortifications going back eight centuries;- the baroque monastery in Wiblingen with its basilica and rococo library hall; - the Stadthaus Ulm (Town House) designed by Richard Meier, New York (1993); - the Ulm Museum with important collections of medieval art, the prehistoric department and the 20th century art department;- the German Bread Museum (Deutsches Brotmuseum) with its permanent exhibition on the history and importance of bread and nutrition; - the Danube-Swabian Central Museum (Donauschwäbisches Zentralmuseum) in the Danube Bastion; - an aquarium and tropical vivarium; - the Edwin Scharff Museum in Neu-Ulm; galleries and archives (e.g. the former College of Design, 1955-68) - Ulm is Albert Einstein`sbirthplace.
From July 20-24 the whole group will go to the Lake of Constance.
lake constance
Palm trees, emerald-green water, Mediterranean flowers, long hours of sunshine... The LakeConstance – “Bodensee” is the German word – is located between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The lake area has one of the warmest summer microclimates in the country. There are many outdoor activities that one can do including water and sports sailing and hiking.
The charming towns and villages that line the banks of LakeConstance attract visitors in the thousands.
While visiting the Lake of Constance, the group will stay in a youth hostel in Friedrichshafen.
Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen is a vibrant town whose many attractions include its many trade fairs, the ZeppelinMuseum and the baroque castle church. The university town of Constance offers visitors a wide choice of things to do and see. Its old quarter is pure medieval flair and its position on LakeConstance and the Rhine makes it a good base for interesting excursions around the region.
In Friedrichshafen students may visit the famous ZeppelinMuseum, where the airship was originally invented.
Zeppelin museum
There will be a bus trip to visit the oldest castle in Europe (1200 years old), and a trip to Meersburg.
MEERSBURG
A romantic little town in a wonderful setting with historical buildings and tiny meandering streets that make it one of Europe's tourist jewels. Experience the charm of the former royal seat of the prince bishops. Today Meersburg is a holiday resort with a completely intact medieval town center. With its impressive architecture and the beautiful historic buildings and winding alleys of the OldTown, it is truly a jewel among European towns.
Also scheduled is a trip to Austria by train, where students will take a cable car ride up the side of a mountain, and then return by ship.
AUSTRIA CABLE CAR RIDE
An aerial cable car consists of a reversible moving cable with a gondola suspended underneath at each end. The gondolas convey anywhere from a few dozen to a hundred or more passengers per trip.
There also may be a short trip by ship to Konstanz where there is a huge aquarium. From here it is a short trip to Switzerland.
KONSTANZ
This ancient city straddling the Rhine at its outflow from the Bodensee has, despite occupying the “Swiss” bank of the river, never been a part of Switzerland, but – thanks to its giant cathedral – has remained an important ecclesiastical hub for centuries
Yosemite Rotary Youth Exchange Retreat
August 09 through August 12, 2009
Below, we are providing the information regarding Yosemite that you should pass on to the students and parents involved in the Youth Exchange during 2009
The Yosemite Park Camp Curry stay is for all the foreign exchange students and as many of the American exchange students and family and Rotary Advisers who wish to be a part of this event.
The cost of the event is free to the Foreign exchange students; $ 150 each for the American exchange students and family; and free for each for the Rotary Advisers. Rotarian are encouraged to apply to become an Adviser at the Rotary Yosemite event, .The cost for the American exchange students, family and Rotary Advisers is a reimbursement for the estimated costs of your stay. The Foreign exchange student cost is included the $ 400 fee paid by District 5220 students and $ 300 fee paid by Member Districts of WESSEX.
The Yosemite Youth Exchange Retreat begins on Sunday August 09, 2009 (Check-in time is between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. on Sunday. You will be assigned to your Camp Curry cabin and the Foreign Exchange Students will pick up your breakfast and lunch money at that time) The Yosemite Retreat ends on Wednesday August 12, 2008 (check-out is between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, please pick up your student at that time)
Check in and out is at the Camp Curry Registration Office Lounge, located in the building behind the Registration Office and across from the Pizza parlor. See map at
There are stores next to camp curry; also showers, swimming pool, etc. Are right there.
we can put up to 5 in a cabin, but prefer to put only 4 same sex students (cost to rotary is the same as adults)
We are budgeted for 2 adult advisers in one cabin.
No sleeping bags needed, bedding is provided by camp curry.
Bring hiking shoes, cameras and clothes and well as swimming gear.
Rotary will provide breakfast and dinner and a bus ride to glacier point and big trees.
There are free shuttles to all places around the valley floor;
Do not leave the valley floor
Yosemite valley bus transportation is free.
THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 09, 2009
Check in 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at CampCurry registration area
Dinner 6:00 pm (provided by local rotary club)
Dinner provided by the Yosemite and Mariposa clubs
Must be in cabin by 10:00 pm
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2009
Breakfast on your own (funds provided for foreign exchange students)
Bus tour of glacier point and big trees leaves at 9:00 am
Box lunchprovided everyone at glacier point or big trees (timing to be determined)
Walk down from glacier point or ride bus
Dinner on your own (funds provided for foreign exchange students)
Must be in cabin by 10:00 pm
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2009
Breakfast on your own (funds provided)
Horseback ride (reservation required by July 31, 2009 and cost is provided by student)
Hike up to vernal and Nevada falls and for those who are willing, to half-dome (timing to be determined)
Swimming at Merced river or swimming pool (timing to be determined)
Enjoy Yosemite valley on your own
Lunch on your own, pizza dinner provided
Must be in cabin by 10:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009
Breakfast on your own (funds provided)
Check out of cabin by 10:00 am.
INFORMATION REGARDING YOSEMITE, AREAS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Web sites to visit:
Curry Village® in Yosemite
The Curry Promise
In 1899, David and Jenny Curry opened a tented camp so that visitors could enjoy the beauty of Yosemite for a modest price. They advertised "a good bed and clean napkin with every meal" for just $2 a day.
Today, Curry Village®, otherwise known around Yosemite as CampCurry, still offers park visitors comfortable, inexpensive lodging right in the shadow of spectacular Glacier Point and Half Dome.
Click on the links below to learn more about:
- History of Curry Village
- Lodging Details
- Nearby Guest Services
- See our Photo Gallery
Curry Village® Lodging
Tucked right in the heart of Yosemite, below the towering majesty of Half Dome and Glacier Point, CurryVillage is a unique and magnificent place to stay.CurryVillage accommodations include 18 standard motel rooms, 100 cabins with private baths, three Specialty Cabins with baths, 80 cabins withcentral bath housesand 427 canvas tent cabins.
In order to provide the best possible experience for our guests we ask that you know and follow these guidelines for Curry Village Camp etiquette. Please note that cooking facilities are not available in CurryVillage.
Canvas Tent Cabins
Amenities
Experience the rustic charm of CurryVillage in these canvas covered tent cabins. These tents consist of a wooden frame, wooden floor, and wooden door with four sides of canvas and a canvas roof and fly and are equipped with cot style beds and an electrical light. Because of the nature of the tent cabin, they are not outfitted with electrical outlets, telephones, televisions, or plumbing. Sheets, wool blankets, and pillows are provided and placed at the foot of the bed. And although daily maid service is not provided in the tents, your trash is emptied and towels refreshed.
Most of the tents are not heated and are provided with blankets as mentioned above. A limited number of additional blankets are available at the front desk and can request at check-in. Should you be concerned about keeping warm enough, bringing your own sleeping bag is encouraged.
The tents can accommodate two, three, four, or five people and are serviced by two central shower facilities and five restrooms scattered throughout the camp.
Heated Tent Cabins
A few heated tent cabins, which accommodate two, three, or four people, are available from mid-October through April. Check their limited availability on-line or with one of our reservation agents. Note: we do not remove the heaters from the heated tents in the spring, summer, and fall months. The heaters themselves are not operable during this time frame. Should you be concerned about keeping warm enough, bringing your own sleeping bag is encouraged.
Bear-proof Storage Lockers for Each Tent Cabin
We are very excited that each tent cabin is now equipped with a bear-proof storage locker right at the tent. The interior dimensions of these lockers are 23" h x 35 ½" w x 20½" d for the two and three person tents and 23"h x 47 ½" w x 20 ½" d for the larger five person tents. Use your locker to store all items that have a “scent” to them. This includes all food, food related items, toiletries, sundries, and ice chests. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to anything they think will lead them to human food. Remember, not to store these items in your vehicle or tent cabin.