Young RYLA February 2026

A change of venue from Whitehall in Derbyshire, ensuring shorter travel time and a regional venue, saw 17 Rotary clubs from District 1070 delivering 34 candidates to Grafham Water Centre, Perry, Cambridgeshire… And by 5.15pm rooms were allocated, beds made and all were being briefed and introducing themselves to each other. After a ‘get to know you’ dinner the program began in earnest. 

Our Activity leader, Nathan, explained that the 3 teams: Orange, Green and Purple, would be competing against each other to gain points. Points being earned for completing a range of tasks and for leadership and teamwork skills. An evening of problem solving commenced with the team’s undertaking puzzles and practical tasks requiring thinking, planning and then teamwork. 

The natural leaders began to emerge and some lateral thinking started. Getting their whole team from one end of a corridor to the other on giant skis; collecting a ‘bomb’ from a lake - using only rope and ingenuity - without touching the ground and completing a giant puzzle upside-down. 

Great discussions ensued and trial and error was employed. By 8.30 the team members – most having never met 3 hours before - had started to bond, and the points table showed an early lead by Team Purple, with 500 points compared to Orange Team, 300 and Green with 200 points. Hot chocolate and a debrief and off to bed at 10pm.

Saturday dawned at 7am and a fried breakfast greeted us before activities recommenced. 

Green Team off to the reservoir for some canoeing, Purple Team took on the climbing wall and Orange Team hit the mountain bike track. 

With the couple of inexperienced bikers developing their skills next to the track, the rest of the team hit the dirt, mud and hills taking on the blue, easier track, but then progressing to the more technical red route. Mastering the gears and breaking - as well as developing confidence and speed - saw the team in control of the bikes, exactly what they would need for the end test. The inexperienced cyclists went from zero to hero and were able to attack the track, one of them completing the circuit and the other learning to ride a bike! Now in control of the suspension cycles, the team were tested in a slow race, covering a 50 metres distance in the slowest time. Several members took more than a minute, but 2 tied at 1 minute 20 seconds, demonstrating great control. The comradery was clearly developing too, as team members encouraged each attempt.

Green Team started the day on the water with a raft of 3 canoes, paddling out in the reservoir in a chosen route on an aqua-orienteering course around the coloured buoys. Although cold and windy, they worked well as a team and splashed their way around, learning teamwork and developing paddling skills. They managed a perfect score, due to great teamwork and communication skills.

Purple Team attempted the climbing wall, with some members openly admitting a fear of heights. Listening well to the safety brief, the team readied themselves for the 3 grades of climb. Everyone completed their chosen levels, gaining points and many had a successful 2nd climb. Importantly the comradery developed here as well, and the team started to further bond. Purple then attempted the High Ropes and cheered each other on as team members balanced at plus 10 metres in the wind and precariously tip-toed across before abseiling down - great confidence building

Orange attempted Archery with a twist – once safety aspects had been discussed – clues could be earned to solve a murder mystery! Every Gold bull’s eye gained a clue and the mystery unwound. Orange Team started slowly, but as the bull’s eyes accumulated, the picture unfolded. They managed to work out who, where, when and the murder weapon – only the motive was not clear… 

Green Team finished the morning orienteering their way around the lake using a map in a motorboat, fast and exciting. Although they got splashed, the rain held off and it was a great way to see the reservoir. Each candidate had a turn at driving the boat, showing responsibility and skill.

After lunch, Orange and Green Teams took to the climbing wall and high ropes. Both teams amassed lots of points albeit with different techniques. The teams were now bonding extremely well and showing support for each other. The reservoir then welcomed Purple Team who displayed improved teamwork and shared the roles better as they both steered the canoes around the buoys and followed the map in the motorboat to follow the aqua course, all clearly excited at driving the boat. At the end of Saturday’s practical sessions, Green Team lead with 4905 points followed closely by Purple with Orange only a few points behind.

After dinner and a well-earned break, the teams embarked on some leadership and presentation skills workshops. Learning how to identify strengths and weaknesses within themselves and others, and how to utilise or improve upon them; ways to address people and present, including digitally and verbally and mannerisms for example. Leadership skills including teamwork, role models and desired qualities were also discussed, the aim being to assist on a short presentation each team will make tomorrow and to ready them to share their experiences with the sponsoring Rotary clubs.

And before we knew it, Sunday arrived and the teams completed the last 2 activities. The weather improved and although chilly, the sun shone through. And it was clear that the teams had got to know each other well and were now relating well with each other, the natural leaders further developing their skills, and teamwork ensued throughout, resulting in a confident and enthusiastic morning with many points earned.