What to expect...

Kids for Kaga has a sister group in Kaga, Japan, called Dundas Tomono kai. The exchange program is offered to students aged 13-18 from Dundas and the surrounding Hamilton area. The exchange program follows this pattern: 

Year one

Throughout the year leading up to the trip, participants meet once or twice a month to prepare. It is the group's responsibility to plan everything for the trip - but don't worry, this website has been created to help with this! Visit the links: Adults' Responsibilities, Kids' Responsibilities and Resources to find what you need to succeed.

Kids from Dundas and the surrounding areas visit Kaga for 7 to 10 days. Participants will be warmly welcomed by a Japanese host family and will live with that family for their time in Kaga. Activities with the group and the host families will happen throughout the week. These activities vary with each trip.

Note: We do not find out who we are staying with until much closer to our departure date. 

Year two

The following summer, Tomono kai kids 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. 

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)!