Date: May 16, 2026

Location: Tigard Rise Church 10445 SW Canterbury Ln, Tigard, OR 97224

Country Fair: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM International Talent Show: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This event is a collaborative effort between Rotary Youth Exchange and Scouting America to promote global partnerships, peace-building, and youth leadership through experiential learning.

Register Here

Event Overview

The Rotary Youth Exchange Country Fair & Scouting America event is a collaborative international education experience designed to promote global partnerships, cultural awareness, and youth leadership. This interactive event brings together Rotary exchange students, Scouts, families, and community members to explore cultures from around the world through conversation, food, traditions, and performances.

Participants will engage directly with inbound and outbound Rotary exchange students representing countries including: Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Czechia/Slovakia, Philippines, Thailand, Germany, France, Finland, Belgium, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and more.

This event aligns directly with Scouting America’s Citizenship in the World Merit Badge requirements and Rotary’s mission of promoting peace and international understanding.

Event Goals

Foster global citizenship and cultural understanding among youth

Build partnerships between Rotary Youth Exchange and Scouting America

Provide hands-on international learning experiences

Encourage meaningful conversations across cultures

Support leadership, communication, and cultural appreciation

Program Schedule

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Country Fair Participants will visit country booths hosted by Rotary exchange students. Each booth will feature cultural displays, food samples (where permitted), traditional customs, and educational materials.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | International Talent Show Inbound and outbound students will perform traditional dances, ceremonies, music, and cultural demonstrations representing their home countries.

Merit Badge Alignment

Scouts may complete two qualifying requirements for the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge with parent/guardian permission:

7) Requirement (c): Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions.

Requirement (e): Participate in or attend an international event such as an ethnic festival, concert, or cultural performance.

How the Event Meets These Requirements

Cultural Passport Activity: Scouts will receive a “passport” upon arrival. As they visit country booths, they will engage in conversations with exchange students about traditions, foods, holidays, and cultural values. Each interaction can be stamped or signed, providing documentation for counselors.

Live Cultural Performances: The talent show allows Scouts to experience international traditions through dance, music, and ceremonies, fulfilling the requirement for attending a cultural event.

Reflection Opportunity: Participants will be encouraged to share what they learned with their merit badge counselor following the event.

Contact
Amy Sorensen
5100youthexchange@gmail.com