What to expect...

Kids for Kaga has a sister group in Kaga, Japan, called Dundas Tomonokai. The exchange program is offered to students aged 13-18 from Dundas and the surrounding Hamilton area. The exchange program follows a three year pattern. One may join the Kids for Kaga group at any point - in fact, hosting first and travelling later works great for families.

Year one

Throughout the year leading up to the trip, participants meet once or twice a month to prepare. These meetings focus on learning about Japanese culture, customs, and some basic language skills. There will also be a historical overview of the events of the bombing of Hiroshima, and the group will begin folding paper cranes in preparation of our visit to the Peace Memorial Museum. 

In Japan, the adventure begins with the homestay in Kaga for about 10-12 days. Participants will be warmly welcomed by their Japanese host family and will live with that family for their time in Kaga. Activities will be covered by host families and will happen throughout the week. This time in Kaga is the most heartwarming part of the trip.

Afterwards, the group will travel to Kyoto, Hiroshima and finish in Tokyo. Get ready for a lot of walking, in really hot temperatures (40C). We will pack in as much as possible to ensure that the group gets to experience the many highlights Japan has to offer. 

Year two

The following summer, Tomonokai teens come from Kaga and stay with the families who participated in year one. You will be expected to host the Japanese exchange students or chaperones while they are staying in the area. Transporting the kids to and from organized events may also be required. It will be up to the Kids for Kaga group to organize and plan the activities for this time. For more information about this, click on Hosting in the navigation bar or homepage.

Year three

Is a year of simply promoting the program. No exchange events occur other than possibly maintaining the bonds of friendship that were forged over the past two years. It is our hope that the friendships and memories made through this exchange program have enriched your lives forever.

(New) Year one...

In this year, only the president and treasurer are obliged to participate in the first few Kids for Kaga meetings until the next president and treasurer are chosen. Some of the participants may also wish to come to share their experience and speak on behalf of the kids. Promoting the exchange program is crucial in order to build numbers. Social media, local newspapers and making posters to be hung in high schools such as Dundas Valley Secondary School, Parkside High, Saint Mary and Westdale are a good place to start getting the word out. The Dundas library has a display dedicated to the Kids for Kaga Exchange program and should get a promo poster as well. TIP: Start promoting in August/September and hold the first meeting in October (or sooner)!