RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Award

RYLA is the “outreach arm” of Rotary involvement in our community. The Boys RYLA Camp (July 9-15th 2023) and the Girls RYLA Camp (July 15-21, 2023) are aimed toward empowering our youth before their senior high school year through exposure to experts in a variety of fields at a one-week leadership camp held at the beautiful Manzano Mountain Retreat.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

RYLA campers are high school juniors who have excelled in one or more areas of high school involvement and who have proven leadership  potential. They typically have good academic records, hold offices and are involved in other student, sports or community activities.  

If a student is interested in RYLA camp, he or she should talk to a high school counselor, student council coordinator, coach, principal, a previous RYLA camper or a local Rotarian. 

Exciting Guest Expert Speakers

Campers will meet amazing people! Past speakers in the past include astronauts, judges, lawyers, physicians, and business owners. We're proud of these experts who contribute their time and expertise to our campers’ growth and development at this vulnerable stage of maturity.

Speakers offer the tools and support that campers will be able to develop and rely upon for the rest of their lives. At this same time, experienced and supportive Counselors (2 Counselors per 7 to 10 campers in a cabin) spend the entire week with campers to support and guide campers’ decisions in alliance with the 4-Way Test, the cornerstone of Rotary.

Fun Teambuilding Activities 

In addition to motivational speakers and courses, campers participate in a range of projects created to bring out the best natural skills of each camper into focus, including team building in the most fun ways. 

Confidence Building & Much More

Many of our alumni have earmarked RYLA as being the best thing in their memories, exposing them to choices of careers, cooperation with others, forging of friendships and support that they would never be able to find anywhere else in their lives.

Because the principles of Rotary underlie RYLA Camp activities and projects, campers are exposed to the principles and purposes of Rotary, and many choose to be Rotarians later in their lives. 

Additional Information and Resources

To learn more and apply for RYLA, please visit the Rotary District 5520 RYLA page. 

Please contact us if you have any questions.