Developing Young Leaders of the Future

Started in March 2001, RYLA within Rotary District 1120 is run as a weekend residential leadership course for young people aged 14-17 years.

All course attendees are sponsored by Rotary Clubs within the District with nominations originating mainly from schools, Interact Clubs and the Scouts.

RYLA Objectives

The RYLA Course Objectives are to: 

1. To develop personal self-confidence whilst leading others
2. To enhance individual self-esteem by stepping outside one's comfort zone, and realising what can be achieved by pushing that bit further
3. To practise the behaviours of being a good leader including delegation within a team
4. To try balancing the completion of a task, whilst also maintaining team motivation and meeting the needs of individual team members
5. To develop effective problem-solving skills within teams
6. To promote mutual trust and respect within a team
7. To practise effective 2-way communications within teams
8. To experience leadership under pressure whilst planning and implementating a complex task

The Course

The RYLA course utilises both indoor and outdoor tasks designed to build individual self-confidence and the development of leadership skills.

Individual learning takes place through active involvement, and the receipt of feedback on both individual and team performance.

Personal Challenge

Each participant has the opportunity to undertake new personal challenges, and will be encouraged to adopt a leadership role within a team.

RYLA Facilitators

Participants are supervised at all times, and every effort is taken to ensure their safety throughout the weekend. Trained instructors are provided by the outdoor centre for a number of the physical outside activities.

Responsible Rotarians always supervise other Rotary organised events, evening work and free time.

All Rotary facilitators on RYLA courses are required to adhere to the Rotary Safeguarding of Children Policy.