Youth Programs

Opening Doors & Opening Minds (ODOM)

What is ODOM?

Opening Doors, Opening Minds is an initiative created by HI-USA to inspire high school students to create a world in which tolerance and prejudice fail and cross-cultural understanding and acceptance flourish. The programs were developed and tested at HI-Chicago and HI-Washington.

Schools, religious groups and youth agencies may request the Opening Doors, Opening Minds programs for new perspectives on cultures around the world. Volunteers lead the ODOM programs. Click here to see a volunteer job description may for the position of Mission-Based Youth Program Volunteer-ODOM. Only trained volunteers or staff may conduct ODOM programs.

What are the ODOM programs?

The Michigan Council of Hostelling International offers 3 ODOM programs for high school age students.

Community Walls

Teens are asked, “What’s it like to live in your community?” The youth answer by creating a mural to be displayed in various sites. Community Walls consists of five, 2-hour sessions lead by a trained advisor. Two or more groups are encouraged to participate to learn about each other’s communities.

Exchange Neighborhoods

Often teens more about Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas than they know about their fellow high school students in neighborhoods a mile away from homes. Exchange Neighborhoods builds bridges between diverse communities of high school students and exposes teens to a world of cultures through hostelling. Two or more groups are encouraged to participate. Exchange Neighborhoods consists of four, 2 hour sessions. Teens will host visiting groups to their neighborhood.

Cultural Kitchen

Cultural Kitchen is a curriculum-based program that empowers youth 11-17 to study a foreign country’s culture, culminating in a meal prepared by youth that is shared with travelers, interested adults and friends. Cultural Kitchen consists of four, 2-hour sessions with guidance from an advisor, with homework and cultural learning activities. Groups must have access to a kitchen and eating space. Groups will be responsible for menu planning and food purchase.

Girl Scouts

Whether your troop is traveling to another state or to another country, the Michigan Council of Hostelling International can help you get ready! Girls have the opportunity to learn how to plan for trip by participating in a travel education program. Interested Girl Scout leaders or administrative volunteers may become trained to conduct a HI-USA travel presentation, by attending a training.

Girl Scout Programs Designed by HI-USA and GSUSA

GSUSA and HI-USA have developed a collaboration to ensure that Girl Scouts have Girl Scout approved hostels and programs. Together, GSUSA and HI-USA continue to help girls enjoy the wonders of the world through travel in a safe and fun atmosphere. For more information please visit HI-USA.

Upcoming Girl Scout Programs at the Michigan Council of Hostelling International

With the Michigan Council of Hostelling International, girls have the opportunity to work on the requirements for the Discover The World, Girl Scouts Go Hostelling patch and the On The Go charm for STUDIO 2B members.

Please plan to attend our Discover The World, Girl Scouts Go Hostelling patch program at the Arab American National Museum, March 7, 2009. More details to follow!

Opening Doors, Opening Minds (ODOM) Programs for Girl Scouts

The Opening Doors, Opening Minds program builds on the best aspects of hostelling and the incredible experiences that youth have in hostels everyday. The Opening Doors, Opening Minds initiate will inspire Girl Scouts to create a world in which tolerance and prejudice fail and cross-cultural understanding and acceptance flourish.

Girl Scouts may participate in Community Walls, Exchange Neighborhoods and Cultural Kitchen. Leaders and administrative volunteers are encouraged to attend HI-USA, Michigan Council trainings to offer the programs to STUDIO 2B Girl Scouts. Please visit our calendar for training dates.