RYLA 2026: Rotary District 1260 Empowers Young Leaders

Unlocking Potential: District 1260 Celebrates RYLA 2026 Success

Rotary District 1260 has officially wrapped up another fully subscribed Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) residential course. Held at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough, the 2026 event brought together 16 outstanding young people aged 15 to 17 from across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire for a transformative leadership experience.

What is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)?

RYLA is an intensive residential leadership programme tailored for young people with strong potential. Local Rotary clubs across District 1260 identify, interview, and sponsor participants, giving them the opportunity to develop key life skills outside the classroom.

Throughout the event, participants worked alongside fully qualified outdoor activity instructors at the Frontier Centre, supported by three resident Rotarians with extensive youth experience. Together, they oversaw welfare, facilitated team-building exercises, and introduced fundamental concepts of effective leadership.

Key Outcomes and Highlights

The 2026 cohort excelled in tackling both physical and mental challenges, building resilience, trust, and communication skills:

• Teamwork & Peer Collaboration: Participants gained practical experience working in diverse groups and forming quick, supportive bonds with peers from across the district.

• Overcoming Challenges: Guided by qualified instructors, candidates pushed beyond their comfort zones to solve problems and tackle outdoor obstacle challenges.

• Understanding Rotary Values: While many arrived with limited knowledge of Rotary, they departed with a clear understanding of Rotary's values of service, fellowship, and community contribution.

Feedback from Participants and Families

The feedback received from both students and parents reflects the lasting impact of the RYLA experience.

From our participants:

"I wish this training was longer!"

"This has been a real eye-opener for me."

From a parent following their child’s return:

"He had an absolutely fabulous time at the Rotary Club young leaders trip. It sounds like it was brilliantly organised, the other participants were lovely, and he really got the idea of team building. Apparently, the instructors could not believe they didn't know each other beforehand! Thank you. A really great experience for him."

Looking Ahead to RYLA 2027

District 1260 extends its sincere thanks to the Frontier Centre staff, our resident Rotarian leaders, and all the local Rotary clubs whose sponsorship and commitment made this year's event possible.

Plans are already underway for next year:

• RYLA 2027 Date: The next residential course will take place towards the end of July 2027.

• Information Release: Detailed information and application packs will be distributed across the district in August 2026.

If your Rotary club is looking to sponsor a candidate, or if you represent a local school, youth group, or family with a candidate aged 15–17, please contact the District 1260 Youth Team via our website contact page to learn more.

– Roger Phillips, D1260 RYLA Lead