RYLA

Our District runs a major Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) programme.  Each year around 100 young people take part in a challenging week in the Brecon Beacons.  The course focuses on leadership skills, using outdoor activities as the base.  Our objective is to help students develop team-working skills; explore and practice leadership, and develop greater personal confidence.  We hope students will benefit practically, e.g. in work or University life, and be encouraged to take leadership roles within their communities in future.

Recruitment happens between February and June.  Rotary Clubs approach Schools, Cadet Units, Youth Clubs etc. seeking nominations.  Interested students can also apply directly using the email links below.  We have up to 120 places over the three weeks and the range of skills and experiences students have is enormous.  Everyone who applies has to be interviewed.

RYLA is aimed at young people with the potential to become leaders.  Anyone can apply.  You don't have to be super-fit, an academic high flyer, or interested in a particular career.  Leaders are found in every workplace and community, so we consider anyone with the right personal qualities.  There are only two essential qualifications – you must be 16 or 17 at the time of your course, i.e. in the summer holidays, and you must be able to swim.  Although we can’t take students in wheelchairs we can and do, take students with restricted mobility, or sensory disabilities.  

All students experience leading a team of 6-8 others.  Students select one of the four activities to lead, (gorge walking, hill climbing, canoeing and caving).  They are briefed on the key aspects a team leader needs to take into account. These include the technical skills they must explain, risks and risk management, and communication with teammates.  Then they each lead their team in the activity they have learnt about.  The Instructors are there as backup, but the student is in charge.

Students:  
If you are interested in knowing more, follow this link:  RYLA Information and see FAQs

If would like to attend a RYLA course you can approach your local Rotary Club.   Most of the Clubs in Southern Wales have websites or Facebook pages that have contact details.  Alternatively, if you contact Rob Fry, the RYLA Administrator, via the email below, he will put you in touch with your nearest Club.

You can see:

A video of the course in 2023 by clicking here: Video  More videos and pictures from the 2024 can be seen on Facebook. The course is run by experienced instructors at the Storey Arms Centre

Clubs:
1. To obtain a booking form or for all other enquiries regarding RYLA please contact Rob Fry via the contact box below.

2. The Guidance Notes for Clubs can be accessed by clicking on the link: Guidance Notes. Also see an Information Letter and FAQs. A poster can be downloaded here