For a young student lucky enough to be sent to Ottawa on a four day Adventures in Citizenship program, it could be life changing. The program was established in 1951, by the Rotary Club of Ottawa, with the intention to send senior high school students from across Canada to Ottawa, in order for them to catch a glimpse of the inner workings of Canada's democratic institutions.
This year 180 students participated, including Brooks Secondary School student Ethan Hull, who was sent by the Rotary Club of Powell River.
According to the Rotary Club of Ottawa, the four days are filled with, "meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and a unique opportunity for a group of young Canadians to come together and gain a better understanding of our country."
"We went to a few museums such as the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History," said Hull. "We listened to a lot of speeches and presentations that both addressed national issues and gave advice as to what youth can do to better our communities."
Hull said one day was entirely focused on Indigenous reconciliation and history.
Rotary Club of Powell River youth coordinator Lisa Gunn said that one interesting aspect of the Adventures in Citizenship program is that youth come from all across Canada.
"They meet with political figures, look at and understand the democratic process and how laws work," said Gunn. "I think that [the program] fits with the Rotary goal of service above self, in the community and out in the world."
Gunn emphasized that students who are interested in the program do not necessarily have to be interested in politics.
"The program attracts those who want an adventure, those who are interested in leadership and meeting different people from across Canada, and learning about governance and Canadian institutions," said Gunn.
Public figures including former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, former prime minister Joe Clark and longtime [now deceased] New Democratic Party leader Ed Broadbent all participated in the program as students.
"What surprised me was when we went to the sugar shack where we were immersed in Québécois culture," said Hull. "I’ve been in French immersion since kindergarten so it was cool being able to understand what they said in French."
But, Hull said, when the group of students sat down in the House of Commons, it became very real for them.
"Politics wasn’t some distant idea that didn’t really matter to me anymore," said Hull. "Because of this trip, I’m more interested in Canadian politics because I came to the realization that policies and laws were being set every day in that very room that had an impact on my life."
Hull recently spoke about his memorable experience in Ottawa at a recent Rotary Club of Powell River meeting and he mentioned a highlight of the trip for him.
"While at parliament, we met with the House of Commons clerk and speaker," said Hull. "The speaker shared how the proceedings went on a day-to-day basis and he described his actual role as the speaker. I really enjoyed listening to him and I found that super interesting."
Hull said he would recommend this program to other young people because of the friends he made throughout the four days.
"These are friendships I want to keep for a long time and I still talk with people from the trip," said Hull. "I learned that Canada is unique in its diversity and it's incredible how many cultures there are throughout Canada.
"We’re stronger when we learn from each other and being a citizen should include maintaining open communication and good will between everyone, no matter our differences."
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