RYLA

This is a leadership development programme which focusses on young people aged from 16-17 years. RYLA is a residential event over 7 days involving many outdoor activities and covers a variety of topics including

• Leadership fundamentals and ethics
• Communications skills
• Problem solving and conflict management
• Community and global citizenship

Rotary Elgin currently sponsors two young people to attend each year.

Not sure if it’s for you? The Club recently heard from Ellen who had attended RYLA as a participant in 2018 and returned this year as a mentor.

She said: “I was 17 when I went to Abernethy. It was advertised through school and I just remember thinking it would be something a bit different. It was just great fun. It was challenging and it’s not designed to be easy, but you meet great people and there is a great support.

“One of my highlights was the day that I had to lead the group. It was great getting the feedback and seeing how the skills I learnt could be transferred to my daily life. It really felt like a great achievement.”

Talking about returning as a mentor, Ellen who is now a junior doctor in Edinburgh added: “It was brilliant to go back and see the impact that the experience has and know that RYLA is still having a positive impact. I really enjoyed it.”

For more information, go to RYLA