Youth Activities & Programmes

Our Family of Rotary

Through Rotary we offer young people the chance to develop personal skills and a better awareness of the problems that face the world today. It is an opportunity to meet, work and have a great time with like-minded people, guided and supported by Rotarians.

The Rotary clubs in The East Midlands offer wide range of exciting Activities & Programmes for young people which can positively change their lives. They are designed to help young people develop their life skills and talents plus build their levels of self confidence.

Through these programmes, young people can:

• Earn scholarships
• Travel on cultural exchanges
• Help a community through a service project

RotaKids 7-12

RotaKids is an exciting way for those aged 7 - 12 to lead and engage in important, lively activities that will make a positive difference in their school, in their local community and globally. At the same time, RotaKids develop the ability and confidence to take up their place in society as responsible, successful, effective citizens both now and in the future.

Interact 12-18

Interact is a club for young people aged 12 - 18 to work together helping others in their communities and across the world whilst having fun and learning about the world. They are  either community or school based and organise at least two service projects a year - one that benefits their community and one that benefits international understanding.

Rotaract 18-30

Rotaract is a unique international service organisation for people aged 18 - 30, offering a wide range of activities that enable young adults to try something new, whilst having a great time and meeting others. Rotaract is an opportunity for young men and women to enhance their personal development, address the physical and social needs of their communities and promote better relations between people worldwide through friendship and service.

Award Programmes for Young People

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Young RYLA 13-16

This is a leadership development programme which focuses on young people aged from 13 to under 16 years. The Young RYLA event that we organise lasts 2.5 days and enables young people to develop life skills that will help them in their everyday life and future careers. This is achieved through undertaking different and sometimes challenging tasks but within a safe environment. By improving communication skills, develop leadership and team building skills it improves initiative and develops self- reliance.

Senior RYLA 18-26

This is a leadership development programme which focuses on young people aged between 16 and 26. The RYLA event that we organise lasts eight days (7 nights) and offers:

Exposure to leadership scenarios

Exploring problem-solving strategies as part of a team

Discussing and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management

Building confidence in yourself and what you can achieve

Meeting new people and making lasting friendships

Learning how to arrange youth activities and community service projects both locally and internationally

Read about Bethany Bradford's RYLA experience in 2024

Young Citizen Awards 

The Rotary Young Citizen Awards are for young people, or groups of young people, under the age of 25 who have demonstrated positive citizenship, personal achievements, assumed important responsibilities, undertaken community activities, or otherwise stood out as exceptional.

Those nominated do not have to be working on a Rotary project to be eligible for an award. What matters is that they, individually or as part of a group, have made a positive difference which is recognised by a local Rotary club or district or any other individual or organisation (for example, local authority, school, college, university, youth group, uniformed brigades) as being worthy of nomination. Examples might be champions in their school or local community, young carers, fundraisers, volunteers, or young people who have shown courage in some way. Read about Teddy B, a really inspirational young benefactor.

Rotary Stars

A District 1070 project which recognises and rewards Primary School age children for acts of good citizenship.

What teachers say about "Rotary Stars":

“The effects of this project on Citizenship and Community Involvement by our youngsters has been amazing. Rotary has provided the carrot to which they have responded”


“I sleep at night knowing projects like this exist it’s not all about tests, tests, tests.”

“Rotary has given us the opportunity to recognise and reward children from outside the normal school curriculum, this has done wonders for their self esteem.”

View and download the printable Youth Programmes and Competitions booklet here (Opens in a new browser window)

Further information for Clubs & Members