Orientation
Billeting- Long Lasting Friendships
Exchange Gifts and Host Family Gifts
This exchange is open to House League teams ONLY! Although it began with higher skilled players 40 years ago, it has developed into an event that allows players who would probably not have the opportunity to participate in travel hockey due to skill or finance, to participate.
What is a Billet?
A billet is the American/Canadian player that will be living with you during the exchange. Players generally stay with you Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday night. The amount of time spent with family and billets is up to each family.
Does my son/daughter have to Billet?
Billeting is what the Exchange has been built on. Over the past 40 years many long lasting friendships have been made. It is important that all participants billet when they take part in the exchange.
What if my child does not want to stay with his/her billet?
Billeting is a mandatory requirement of the program. If a problem or concern arises we will deal with them on a case by case basis, keeping the best interest of our players in mind.
When will I know who my billet is?
Billet lists will be distributed in January 2012
How is my billet chosen?
Your coach will take a lot of time pairing up their players. They will use there knowledge of their players as well as Medical forms and other sheets and information provided by you the parents.
Will my child be in good hands while in Lancaster and in Kitchener?
Yes. We take a lot of pride and effort to make sure the Friendship Exchange is enjoyable to all participants. Take the time before we leave to contact your billets and get to know them. You will be surprised how quickly the friendships will form. You are able to visit and communicate with your son/daughter when ever you wish. You will have all the billeting information to do so.
While in Lancaster Parents and Coaches will be staying at the Heritage Hotel
While in Kitchener Parents and Coaches will be staying at the Hampton Inn
www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=YKFCNHX
It is important that players get the opportunity to learn more about the places they are visiting. Some of the trips we have particpated in the past are:
In Pennsylvania
Chocolate World
Harley Davidson Plant
Reptile Land
In Ontario
Niagara Falls
Hockey Hall of Fame
St. Jacobs
The Socials
- At both the Lancaster and Kitchener ends of the exchange we have a “Parents Social”. This dinner and dance allows for the parents to get to know one another.
- You will have plenty of time to discuss with your billet family the arrangements that will need to be made with the players while this event is going on.
- More information will be given at your parent meetings.
Following every game, the players on the home team each give gifts to the players on the visitors team (usually their billets):
The Coaches will also exchange gifts with each other.
These gifts are determined by the committee in each organization.
Host Family Gifts
- One of the additional costs to the exchange is a “host family” gift
- This gift can be what ever you would like. It is meant as a thank you for taking care of your son/daughter. It is up to you to decide what is appropriate.
- If you are crafty this is a good opportunity to give someone something unique and homemade.
- Traditionally, a gift basket is used to hold the gift, and it is presented when you first meet the billet parents.
What about Siblings?
Siblings are welcome. Every team Manager/Coach will deal with this in their own way. Players and guardians will be placed first.
Do I need a Passport to get into the United States/Canada?
Everyone over the age of 15 will need a valid Passport except citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof citizenship alone.
- (See the web sites below for the latest information )
You can find more information about crossing the border by contacting:
Canadian Border Services Agency- www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
US Border Patrol- www.usborderpatrol.com
Do I need Travel Insurance?
We recommend that you purchase Insurance. If you have a work policy please insure that it will cover your visit to the USA/Canada. It is extremely expensive to receive medical assistance without insurance
Where do I get information when I require it?
- Your coach can answer many of your questions.
- Parents who have been on the exchange before.
- More information is available at:
www.friendshiphockey.com