Camp RYLA 2012 - Feb 24-26 2012

It's that time once again to begin preparing for the 2012 RYLA weekend.  Last year's Camp RYLA was a tremendous success and the upcoming RYLA weekend promises to be even better.

he 2012 RYLA Youth Leadership Awards Weekend will be held February 24 – 26, 2012, at the Carolina Creek Camp, Huntsville, Texas.RYLA is a great activity for Interact Club members and Youth Exchange Students.  It is also a great opportunity for Rotaract members to hone their leadership skills.

A copy of the Camp RYLA information sheet and the application form, including the two mandatory release forms, is available on the RYLA Camp 2012 web page .  A copy of each of these forms should be given to each student applicant. Feel free to make as many copies of these documents as you need.

The cost for the complete weekend is $225.00 per student. This fee includes the cost of their program materials, lodging and food.  We are asking each Rotary Club in District #5890 to sponsor as many students from their area as they can.  Unlike previous years, there is no limit this year on the number of students each Club may sponsor!  Each Club is being asked to sponsor an equal number of boys and girls, if possible, as our housing is based on gender – SORRY, no co-ed housing is available! All of the weekend's activities are chaperoned by Rotarians and trained volunteers.  Misconduct and inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated!

Who is eligible to attend RYLA?
  High school sophomores and juniors currently attending a public or private high school;
  Who are of high moral character and in good standing at school/work;
  Who are willing to speak in front of others (public speaking)

Each Club is strongly encouraged to personally interview each applicant to ascertain their ability to work with others so they can obtain the maximum educational and social benefit from this program.  The selection will reflect upon the Club and upon Rotary as a whole; therefore, every effort should be made to ensure the youth selected represent the qualities Rotary embodies.

To better acquaint the students with the principles of Rotary service and provide an opportunity for each Rotarian in the Club to meet the youth leaders they chose to sponsor, RYLA suggests the students be invited to attend a meeting of their sponsoring Club after they have completed the RYLA weekend.  This is the student's opportunity to discuss their RYLA experience with the Club members.

Completed student applications should be forwarded to the RYLA Committee through the sponsoring Rotary Club!  All applications, together with the fee of $225.00 for each participant, should be sent to Ole Donaho - RYLA Co-Chairman, P. O. Box 2007, Bellaire, Texas 77402-2007. All checks should be made payable to:Rotary Camp RYLA.

Completed applications and fees are due by January 15, 2012 NO applications will be accepted after February 1, 2012 – NO EXCEPTIONS!

Some Important Dates to Remember

December 10, 2011 - Students must have application completed and forward to Rotary Club
January 1, 2012 - Last date applications accepted by a local Rotary Club
January 15, 2012 - Last date local Rotary Clubs must send applications to District RYLA Committee, submit their list of attendees together with all applicable fees.
February 1, 2012 - Last date applications will be accepted by the District RYLA Committee.
February 7, 2012 - The District RYLA Committee will send each participant their acceptance letter and final packet.
February 17, 2012 - Participant's signed Release
February 24-26, 2012 - RYLA Camp

Please ensure the following information is given to your Club's Service Chairperson AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!  It is only with YOUR help AND the participation of your Club's members that RYLA can continue to educate youth while helping them develop their leadership potential.

For more details, contact:
Ole Donaho
ole.donaho@gbsinsurance.com

For more info, contact:

Ole Donaho at: ole.donaho@gbsinsurance.com or his cell phone at 713-303-7177