Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

RYLA is Rotary South East's leadership development program for young people. aged 14-17. Each year since 2000, our clubs have offered young people the opportunity to participate in a unique RYLA experience.

The Aim of RYLA

To encourage the development of teamwork and leadership skills in young people who have the potential to be future community professionals and business leaders.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders, encourage leadership of youth by youth and recognise publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

RYLA gives Rotary clubs the opportunity to offer the leaders of the future, a head start at an early age. 

How is this done?

By making use of a residential experience and outward bound activities to:

• create various environments for them to operate in           
• build team spirit to enable them to work effectively
• encourage the recognition and use of skills in others
• discover things about themselves
• build confidence in themselves and others
• encourage and support each other
• discuss and establish characteristics of effective leaders

Club Involvement

Rotary clubs find young people through a variety of methods, some just by offering a place or places to a school or Scout group, and let that organisation select the individuals; other Rotary clubs will interview a number of candidates offered schools or other youth groups.

All participants deliver a presentation at the end of the programme that encompasses programmes within the Rotary family.  Rotary clubs are encouraged to have the RYLA participants to talk to the club about their experiences.

Who is eligible?

The short answer is that there is no particular type of person. Indeed the success of the course depends on there being a good mix of different ages (between 14 and almost 17 inclusive), backgrounds and experience, all with leadership potential.

The commitment and determination by the participants to succeed is most impressive.

The course is also designed to develop the latent talents of anyone held back by lack of confidence. Candidates must be prepared to contribute to as well as benefit from the course and preference will be given to those who would not otherwise get the opportunity to take part in such an award scheme.

Location

The Annual RYLA event take place each year in the Spring . They are held at the  Bowles Outdoor Centre near Tunbridge Wells. 

We have chosen the Bowles Outdoor Cnetre as the facilities and the staff combine to ensure the ideal mix for an enjoyable and memorable experience from which those participating will derive great benefit.

Cost

All costs are normally met by the sponsoring Rotary Clubs, excluding travel expenses. The current fee is £250 per person. This includes all activities, accommodation and meals from Friday evening meal to after Lunch on Sunday. Attendees will need to make their own way to/from the Bowles Centre.

RYLA Course dates

The next  residential weekend will be:

• Spring 04 - 06  April 2025 

What to Take

There is a suggested RYLA kit list for the weekend, but Bowles can provide wet weather gear if required.

Contact

For further information please email RYLA@rotarysoutheast.org

(Main photo by permission of Scott Reeve, Rotary Club of Faversham)