Supporting Our Youth

 

Youth service is one of Rotary's Five Areas of Service. The Rotary Club of Edina is involved in many activities and programs to to connect, mentor, and assist the community's youth, including:

 

Camp Enterprise:  An extensive three-day camp offering students the opportunity to participate in leadership activities focusing on the Free Enterprise System. This project is spearheaded jointly by the Edina Morningside Rotary Club (EMRC) and the Rotary Club of Edina. Camp Enterprise will be held October 31-November 2, 2024. For more information, please visit CampEnterprise.org or contact campenterprise@EdinaRotary.org.
2024 Committee Chairs: Michael Birdman, Edina Morningside Rotary

 

Interact Club of Edina:  A service club for young people ages 12 to 18 was chartered at Edina High School in 2015. The Interact Club of Edina is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edina and Edina Morningside Rotary Club.  Their signature event is the Skate to End Polio event in February of each year to raise awareness and funds  for polio eradication. 

Committee Chair: Eli Groenendyk

 

Leadership Ethics Seminar: A one-day seminar in the fall or spring for Edina High School students focused on ethics and the Four-Way test, started by longtime Rotary Club of Edina member Jerry Potter.
Committee Chair: Sutton McGraw - On Hold 2024-2025
 

Rotaract Club of Edina:  A service club for young professionals ages 18 to 30 was chartered in 2018. The Rotaract Club of Edina is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edina and Edina Morningside Rotary Clubs. 

Rotaract President: McKenzie MacFarlane

 

Scholarships: : Each year, our club donates funds to two deserving students from Edina High School.
Committee Chair: Jennifer Bennerotte
 

Student Guests - During the school year, high school students are invited monthly to attend a club meeting to introduce themselves and tell Rotarians a little bit about themselves and their plans for the future.
Committee Chair: Lindsey Smaka

 

Third Grade Literacy Program:  this program was developed by the Rotary Club of Fairborn, Ohio and TokoBooks. It is centered around a children’s picture book called "Andy & Elmer's Apple Dumpling Adventure" that promotes the “Four-Way Test.” It has been adopted as an annual literacy project by many clubs throughout the United States. This past school year, Edina Rotarians read and gave copies of the paperback book to all third-graders at four elementary schools in the Edina School District. Rotarians also served freshly baked apple dumplings, baked on site with support from school district kitchen staff.

Committee Chair: Jennifer Bennerotte

 

Youth Exchange : A study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student. Our club along with Edina Morningside Rotary Club hosts incoming exchange students and sends students from Edina ages 15-19 to other parts of the world.   Student can study for an entire school year on a long-term exchange, or just a summer on the short-term exchange program (STEP)! 2024-2025 program in on pause and will be re-valuated in 2025-2026.

Committee Chair: Eli Groenendyk

 

Edina Rotary Global Scholar Program: Prepares global citizens for an increasingly connected world. This program was developed through a partnership with Edina Public Schools, The Rotary Club of Edina, Edina Morningside Rotary Club and the Edina Education Fund. Through pathway participation, students will develop intercultural leadership, research, and communication skills that enhance college and career readiness in this increasingly interconnected world. Scholars' transcripts will reflect this prestigious accomplishment and students will be recognized at graduation. 

Committee Chair and EHS Liaison: Lindsey Smaka

 

For more information on our youth programs, or to volunteer, please contact Youth Service Director Eli Groenendyk, pastor.eli.calvary@gmail.com