Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

Held at Castle Head Field Centre, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6QT

What is RYLA?

RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Award.  RYLA events are for young people aged 16 to 17 years who have leadership potential and would benefit from an intensive personal self confidence and leadership development course.  Students are put into mixed groups of complementary ability where they take part in outdoor activities.  They are placed in challenging situations to help develop leadership and team bonding skills.

What Happens on a RYLA Course

Students must be aged 16 to 17 years whilst on the course.  Activities may include canoeing, abseiling, ghyll scrambling, hiking and camping overnight under canvas.  Students are closely supervised  and supported by specialist staff at all times.  The students must be prepared for a range of tough physical and mental challenges, such as getting wet, problem solving and practical group leadership exercises.  Students also take part in a charity car wash to raise money for local causes.

The course is run at Castle Head Outdoor Centre near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria which is part of the Field Studies Council organisation.   The cost of the course, which is paid for by the sponsoring Rotary Club, is currently £640, and the latest course was held in July 2024.

Student feedback 

The 2024 course comprised of ten students from across Cumbria and Lancashire.  Apart from all the regular activities the group undertook their charity car wash raising funds for Shelterbox and the local Cave Rescue organisation.

At the end of the course there was a celebration evening where sponsoring Rotary clubs were invited to listen to the students present on what they thought at the beginning of the week, what activities they have taken part in and how they now feel. 

Sheena Marsden, RYLA Coordinator said “When I spoke with candidates on the last evening they all said they had had a brilliant time and the course has provided them with confidence.  It was great to hear young people gain so much from the week, providing them with positive experiences following the difficult years of COVID.”

Students talked about finding their inner confidence, of making new friends, sharing life experiences and looking forward with a stronger self belief and purpose.  All are truly grateful that someone saw potential in them that they couldn’t see and thank the Rotary club and Castlehead staff for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

To find out more or listen to one of this years students speak please contact RYLA co-ordinator Sheena Marsden using the form below