Youth Services

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

3-Point Initiative

Annually, we distribute money to local non-profit organizations that provide services to youth in our community.  The initiative supports youth programs that promote leadership, integrity, and academic achievement.  In 2025, The Rotary Club of Salisbury awarded $52,500 divided among 13 local non-profit organizations.  
 
Eligible organizations are government entities, faith-based organizations, and non-profit public charities that support programs for youth on the Lower Eastern Shore.  Members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury screen the applications, make site visits, and weigh the contributions that each organization would make to the community.

Scholarships

Five students each year receive awards from the Helen C. Wootton Scholarship Fund. Helen Wootton was a long-time employee of the Wicomico County public school system.  She believed every student should have the opportunity to further his or her education.  This fund was established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in her name to honor her service to the youth of this community and provide scholarships to students from each Wicomico County public high school. 

 
The scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating a commitment to service, exhibiting leadership and a strong alignment with Rotary’s Four-Way Test code of conduct. The Four-Way Test asks: Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it bring goodwill and better friendships, and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?   
 

Click here for this year's recipients.

 

Support for Scouts

For years, we have supported Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts.

 
We have sponsored Boy Scout Troop 176 since 2002.  The troop is comprised of 8 Scouts and their leaders.  Paul Curtis is the Scout Master and the troop meets Tuesday evenings.
 
Formed in 2021, Cub Scout Pack 3176 was established to expand scouting opportunities.   The pack meets also on Tuesday evenings.
 
A new Scout troop for girls only is just getting established.  We have supported multiple Girl Scout troops over the years.  Those girls have all aged out.  

 

Dictionaries Distributed to Students

Ages 8-10
 
Dictionaries have been distributed to more than 1,500 Wicomico County third grade government school and private school students thanks to the Rotary Club of Salisbury in combination with the Salisbury Sunrise Rotary Club. This year's project continues the effort that began in 1998 to give students a book of their own, which for many students is the only book they own.  The dictionaries also contain an atlas and facts about many other topics.
 
Rotary club members bought the books, labeled them to show that they are gifts from the Rotary clubs, packaged them, and with club volunteers visited schools in recent weeks to give the books to the students.   The project was led by A.B. Brown, a long-time Rotary Club of Salisbury member and local educator.  

Ages 19-25

RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.  RYLA is leadership training for young adults (19-25 years) led by a professional facilitator experienced in youth leadership development and supported by RYLA graduates and Rotarians;

One week residential program on a college/university campus consisting of lectures, simulation games, discussion groups, committee work, public speaking, social activities;

An opportunity to learn, grow, share ideas, have fun and make new friends.

Click here to learn more.