What is RYLA?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and Rotary districts where high school students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

What are the benefits?

Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
  • Build communication and problem-solving skills
  • Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community
  • Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
  • Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action
  • Have fun and form lasting friendships

How can YOU participate?

RYLA participants are nominated by local Rotary clubs.  The cost is $350/student, and the Rotary club covers the cost through a $350 scholarship awarded to the student. The club pays the $350 scholarship to Rotary District 5890 RYLA Committee.

Student 2024 RYLA Camp Application

Students apply and are sponsored by a local Rotary Club through a $350 Scholarship.  The Rotary clubs pays the $350 RYLA Scholarship directly to the "Rotary District 5890 RYLA Committee. 
If you are still interested in attending, please apply to be added to our alternates list.
 
Important Note:
RYLA is open to Interactors, Rotary Youth Exchange students, children/family/friends of Rotaractors & Rotarians, and ANY high school student in homeschool, public, or private.
 
"RYLA shaped me in ways that are hard to describe, across all aspects of my personal and professional life. But most of all, I left with a raging desire to become a better leader and even move active and involved in my community."
 

Want to volunteer as a RYLA coach, cit, chaperone or support person at our 2024 camp ryla?

 
The application is due September 30, 2023 for Lead and Co Facilitators and CIT Crew. 
 
The application is due December 15th, 2023 for Rotarians, Chaperones, or Support Persons.

2024 ryla camp - February 9-11, 2024! 

 
Apply to become a 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Scholar!
Dates:  Friday, February 9th at 8 PM until Sunday afternoon, February 11th, 2024
 
Who Can Apply? 
Highschool Students and all Rotary Youth Exchange Students
 
Important Note:
RYLA is open to Interactors, Rotary Youth Exchange students, children/family/friends of Rotaractors & Rotarians, and ANY high school, plus students in public, private or home-schooled!
 
Deadline to submit RYLA Application to the Rotary Club:  November 15, 2023
If you are still interested in attending past the deadline, submit your application to join our alternates list!
Only completed applications can be submitted.
 
Click here for the 2024 RYLA Camper Application (Due Date:  November 15, 2023)
 
The $350 Registration fee is paid by the sponsoring Rotary Club, not the student, parents, school, or Interact club.
 
It's that time again!  Our 3-day weekend RYLA Camp is a great opportunity to learn important lessons in leadership, lessons in communication, and well, overall it's also just a great reason to spend some time in nature (don't worry, we have cabins and running water). 
 
I know that I can speak for the many coaches who are excited to see you in person this year. This year, RYLA will be held once again at Carolina Creek Camp in Huntsville, Texas. 
 
There are a few writing components so please make sure to give yourself at least 15 to 20 minutes to complete the application. Once the application is complete we will coordinate with your club sponsor and Rotary Club.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions. 
 
Thanks, Camper!
 
Quinn Edgecombe
2023-2024 Rotary District 5890 RYLA Committee Chair

About OUR ROTARY DISTRICT 5890 Ryla CAMP

Camp RYLA strengthens leadership skills and capabilities of high school students through three days of physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual challenges through problem solving, teamwork, and interaction with other outstanding students, volunteer counselors and motivational speakers. 

Our 2024 District 5890 RYLA Camp will be held February 9-11th
and the $350 Registration fee is paid by the sponsoring Rotary Club, not the student, parents, or Interact club.  

RYLA Camp is one of Rotary International's Youth Programs.  RYLA Campers gain an appreciation for how important the Object of Rotary and the Rotary 4-Way Test are in establishing moral and ethical values and the ideals of Service Above Self.  RYLA includes programs on topics designed to teach those things seen as vital ingredients in successful leaders such as fundamentals of leadership, problem solving and conflict management, building self-confidence and self-esteem, elements of community and global citizenship, sportsmanship, competition, physical fitness, spirituality and character.


By working with today's leaders, Camp RYLA is trying to help guarantee a bright future for today's and tomorrow's generations.  The sessions at Camp RYLA provide informal talks by selected speakers followed by discussion groups.  Camp RYLA looks to remove the "generation gap" between adult and youth leaders and to foster understanding and goodwill for those who participate through its rap sessions and recreational activities in a beautiful setting.  RYLA Scholars are selected through a 200 word essay as part of the application process. 

RYLA Scholars are recognized by the District Governor at completion of the program during the presentation of "Certificate of Attendance" ceremony.
 

The following are Rotary objectives for RYLA:

  • To further demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth.
  • To encourage and assist selected youth leaders and potential leaders in methods of responsible and effective voluntary youth leadership by providing them with a training experience.
  • To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth. (To that end, we are including the leadership of our District Interact Clubs.)
  • To encourage youth to become role models for their friends facing decisions and important social issues.
  • To publicly recognize the high qualities of many young people who are rendering service to their communities as youth leaders.

our RYLA District 5890 Committee Chair:  Quinn Edgecombe

Quinn was a RYLA Camper when she was in high school and is now a Rotarian with the Houston Skyline Rotary Club
 
She served as the 2022-2023 Club President and was awarded the "2022-2023 Club President of the Year - Medium Size Club" at the 2023 Rotary District 5890 Conference held in Fort Worth, Texas!
 
Quinn recently became engaged to her remarkable boyfriend who is also a Rotarian of the Houston Skyline Rotary Club!
Rotary & Interact Clubs...Create Your Own Customized RYLA Promotional Cards!
 
These double-sided promotional cards can be customized to promote RYLA.  Edit the text, then use the stock photos provided to create these cards to promote in your school, at events, and in the community!
 
Important Note:  Everyone in Rotary's stock photos, including the parents/guardians of the minors, have signed Rotary International's official "Photo Release/Likeness" Form, so they are safe to use for promoting RYLA.