Youth Exchange Calendar

2026

August

• Preliminary Applications for 2027-28 Outbound (OB) Students go live
• August 1-9: Inbound (IB) Students Arrive in Omaha or Lincoln
• August TBD: Rebound “camp” or gathering for 2025-26 IB returnees
• August 29-30: IB Student Orientation in Hastings, Nebraska (overnight event, to be hosted in local Rotarian homes)
• On the first of every month, IB and OB students will submit reports in the YEAH online system, or via email by arrangement with YEO

September

• September 13 (Lincoln): International Student Picnic, Holmes Lake, 2:30pm
• IB student/hosts introductions at their local club (might require school permission, transportation arranged by club counselor/parents)

October- November

• October- November: 2027-28 OB applicants club interviews  
• Rotary Youth Leadership Camp for IB students, Camp Sunshine, Firth, Nebraska (Optional)
• IB students visit their local club during Fall Break unless travelling; sign up for a community service event with club counselor, write about it
• October 24-25: Gothenburg NE Haunt for IB and Rotexes (overnight event, to be hosted by Rotarians)

December

• December 5 or 6, 1-5pm: District 5650 Outbound Interviews at Regina Werum’s Home, 1941 South Pershing Road (details TBD)
• December 15: 2027-28 OB applicants notified of acceptance
• Winter Break: current IB students transfer to second host family

2027

January

• January 1: 2027-2028 students signed acceptance and first payment due by  
• January 17: first Webinar for OB 2027-28 cohort (RYE overview, youth protection)
• January 16: Long Term Application packet due for OB 2027-28 cohort with final host country preference list
• January 29-31: IB students travel to Winter SCRYE meeting in Tulsa, OK (depart from Lincoln early Friday am or can spend night before in Lincoln)

February

• February 1: second payment due for OB 2027-28 cohort
• Feb 12-14: Outbound Orientation at Nebraska Youth Camp in Kearney NE for OB 2027-28 cohort and parents (combined Districts 5630 & 5650)

March

• March 21: second Webinar for OB 2027-28 cohort (travel, health & immunizations)
• Some time this month or next, IB students give presentations on their experience with RYE at their local hosting club – details TBD

April

• April 1: 3rd payment due for OB 2027-28 cohort
• April 18: Webinar for OB 2027-28 cohort (packing gifts, $, Presentations)
• Sometime this month or last, IB students give presentations on their experience with RYE at their local hosting club – details TBD

May

• May 1: 4th payment due for OB 2027-28 cohort
• IB students will be busy with Prom and graduation parties each weekend; might host their own farewell parties?
• Late May/June/early July: Departures

June

• June, varying dates: USA Tours (optional) for IB students
• OB 2027-28 cohort Orientation Camp – Details TBD

Note: We will likely work on other social & service activities for the students. The above activities are required except for the Belo USA or USA tours.

Bob Rauner, 5100 Valley Road, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510, Past YEO

Drbobrauner622@gmail.com; Cell: 402-450-1859

Jessica Geis, 2416 Road 4, Sutton, Nebraska 68979, Incoming YEO

jessica.geis@rotarydistrict5650.org ; Cell: 402-366-7747