RYTS

APPLICATIONS OPEN

NEXT CAMP

When | Monday, 17 January 2022 to Saturday, 22 January 2022
Where | Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge  QLD  4211
Who | Year 11-12 Students or Ages 17-18
Cost | $650
"I honestly feel like this week changed my life, the way you learn about yourself and the beautiful people around you, and the deep special connections you make are amazing beyond words.  On top of that it's literally so incredibly fun!  So incredibly grateful to have this experience as part of my life and the way I look at life now, I couldn't recommend it enough."  - Jess (RYTS 2019)

OVERVIEW

RYTS is a transition program with the focus to assist the transition from one area of study into the next phase of life. The program is delivered at a 6 day residential camp for students who are in the senior years of school (Year 11-12) or who are aged between 17-18 if not within a school system.

Participants will hear from inspiring guest speakers and participate in activities that will challenge them on many different levels.

Read below for more information on the program and how to secure your spot at the next camp.  You can also email us or follow our Facebook page.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants will need to be endorsed by a local Rotary Club who may also be able to provide financial sponsorship to attend. 
 
The application process is open.  Please follows the steps below to secure your place.  Numbers are limited.
STEP 1
Rotary Club Support
 
All participants are endorsed by a Rotary Club and these Clubs may also be able to provide support on the cost to attend.
 
You should start by contacting your local Rotary Club (a list of clubs and contacts can be found here) to endorse your application. They will need to provide you with a contact person at the club and their email and phone number to complete Step 2 (usually this is the club's Youth Director).  They may also refer you to another club if they are unable to assist.  If you are having any issues please email us at ryts@rotary9640.org.
 
Secondly, you should agree any financial sponsorship arrangements with the club endorsing your application. You and the club may find it useful to complete a Financial Sponsorship Agreement.  This form does not need to be submitted with your application but is a record for you, your parents  / guardians and the club
STEP 2
Complete Forms
 
Complete and submit the two part application form (both forms must be submitted for your application to be complete) by clicking each of the links below.
 

Application Form - Collects contact and other details of you, your parents / guardians and the Rotary Club sponsoring you.  Once submitted, an email approval will be automatically generated for your parent / guardian to approve by clicking the link on the email sent to them.  Your sponsoring club will then be sent details for approval.
 
Insurance & Medical Information Form - Collects details of any medical conditions and dietary requirements, as well as an insurance declaration.  Please have Medicare and Private Health Insurance details handy before completing the form. 

IMPORTANT: Your application will not be complete until the following are done -
 

BOTH forms above are submitted
Parents / Guardians have clicked APPROVE on the bottom of the email sent to them from Form Approvals.  The subject line will be Request #XX for your review.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

 
What can I expect?
Fun, friendship, challenges and a bit of the unknown.  Hopefully, you will walk away with new skills and perspectives that you can use to help you in the future.
 
Why should I go?
A common comment at the end of every RYTS is "that was the best week of my life!".  The skills and lessons learnt, the people met, the atmosphere and the fun all contribute to make this a great stepping stone to living the best version of your life.
 
Who can go?
RYTS is designed for Year 11-12 students (including those you are about to start Year 11 or have just graduated Year 12) or 17-18 years olds not in the school system.   Rotary Clubs may be able to offer financial sponsorship, reducing any barriers on attendance.  If cost is an issue, please feel free to email us to discuss the options available.
 
How is payment made?
Sponsoring Rotary Clubs are invoiced the cost of the camp.  As noted above in the application process details, any co-contribution payable (if applicable) should be negotiated with that club upfront.
 
What should I bring with me to camp?
All confirmed attendees will be emailed a packing list prior to camp.
 
What are the start & finish times?
All confirmed attendees will be emailed drop off and pickup information prior to camp. Generally we start around mid-morning (QLD time) on the first day and finish late-morning (QLD time) on the final day.
 
Who runs RYTS?
Rotarians from our District, along with alumni from past RYTS camps and other youth programs volunteer their time to run RYTS each year.  RYTS is not run for profit but is part of Rotary's commitment to developing future leaders and equipping youth to face the challenges that life provides.
 
What protection policies are in place?
All volunteers involved in running the camp must hold both a valid NSW Working with Children Check and QLD Blue Card. There are minimum of two trained First Aid officers on every camp.  In addition most volunteers will have undertaken Mental Health awareness training.  Rotary also operates under strict Youth Protection Guidelines. 
 
What about border closures and COVID-19 restrictions?
We are an optimistic bunch!  We hope that, by the time of the camp, restrictions levels will both allow the camp to proceed, as well as allow participants from both NSW and QLD to attend (the venue is in QLD).   We do, of course, monitor the situation at all times and, should changes be necessary, we will have plans in place to address them.
 
Any further questions?
Feel free to email us at ryts@rotary9640.org.or call the District Program Chair, Gareth Hunt on 0414 408 299.