RYLA

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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in District 7780 is an intensive 4 day program for community youth leaders. The RYLA (pronounced Rye-La) conference is a program for high school sophomores who have exhibited leadership in the home, school and community. The purpose of the conference is to introduce students to thoughts, ideas and experiences which, if put into practice, will help develop and enhance leadership skills. The program in our District is an outdoor living and leadership experience. It includes a high ropes course, compass challenge, canoeing, water sports, a variety of physical initiatives, and mental activities.

Each year our Rotary club selects and sponsors talented young people, sophomores ages 15-16 to attend the conference at Camp Hinds in Raymond, Maine. Rotary and Camp Hinds have a long tradition of working together. Their main training facility was renovated by and is named for the Rotary. During our RYLA conference life long friendships are established, proven by the enduring bonds shared by many RYLA graduates.

Officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, RYLA is one of the most significant and growing programs in Rotary service. Each year, thousands of young people take part in the program worldwide. The impact of the program spreads further as the program awardees influence other young people. RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of local Interact clubs in District high schools.

RYLA aims to demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth while providing an effective training experience for selected youth leaders and potential leaders. This encourages leadership of youth by youth, working together as a team on leadership building exercises. RYLA also gives local Rotary clubs the opportunity to recognize publicly young people who are already rendering service to their communities.

In 1996, the Rotary International Board of Directors recommended a core curriculum for every RYLA effort to ensure that the program everywhere develops the leadership potential of youth and young adults.  Simultaneously, RI recognized the importance of RYLA not only for the benefit of youth, but also for the outstanding leadership preparation it provides to the Rotarians serving as RYLA administrators and facilitators.

Organizing and implementing a RYLA program is a complex undertaking, requiring time and effort of many Rotarians at the club and district levels. Through RYLA, Rotarians respond to the needs of youth in our communities in developing leadership skills, understanding ethics, obtaining career information and skills, increasing self confidence, gaining exposure to a variety of issues and people, and gaining new opportunities for long lasting friendships.

Its worth is realized by those Rotarians who, through RYLA, have seized the opportunity to work with one of the world's most valuable resources - tomorrow's leaders.

NOTE:  The application period for the 2010 RYLA candidates has closed, and our candidates have been selected.

RYLA Application  Please download this document, fill in the questions, and then save it on your computer.  Please email the completed form back to: jweaver1@maine.rr.com