Young people in the Ringwood and Fordingbridge area are invited to apply to travel abroad as part of next year’s Lions International Youth Camp.

Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions are now accepting applications from anyone living or attending school in the area who is aged between 16 and 20. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 14 October.

Lions Club president, Phil Gregory said: “This is an amazing opportunity for our local youth to expand their horizons.”

One local student said: “I chose to go to Belgium as I had always wanted to see the country. I feel like I saw, and did, everything – from sight-seeing to swimming, go-karting to Gentse Feesten. We explored new cities, perfected the art of eating spaghetti, and even visited Luxembourg. But it was the people who truly made the trip exceptional. I had a brilliant host family, and once at the camp met even more people. “There were 37 of us from 24 different countries, as well as the amazing camp coordinators. I learnt about so many different cultures, and I now have friends on (almost) every continent, spanning the world from America to Malaysia. It was an unforgettable three weeks, definitely some of the best of my life, and I would like to thank my host family, the Belgian Lions clubs, and the Ringwood & Fordingbridge club for making it all possible. I would highly recommend partaking in the Lions Youth Exchange programme to anyone who has the opportunity.”

The Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Programme introduces thousands of young people to life in other cultures by helping them experience living with a host family in another country and then spending time at an international youth camp. Whilst called camps most don’t involve a tent or any camping. Each year usually over 100 camps are available to choose from 40 or more different countries around the globe. Students are able to choose where they would like to go and exchanges can last anywhere between two-six weeks where they will have the opportunity to stay with one or more host families in another country and attend an international youth camp in that country.

All of the student’s accommodation and usually all of their food and scheduled travel within their chosen country will be met by Lions Clubs operating in that country. Each student is responsible for financing their own travel to and from the host family and camp in their country of choice, any camp fees (some but not all camps may charge a fee), and any spending money for things such as long-distance telephone calls, incidentals, and gifts.

Anyone interest in this scheme or any other projects at home or abroad can find out more at www.randflions.org.uk or contact Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club on 0845 833 5819.