RYLA is typically held the first weekend following the January 1st Holiday. image

Photos from previous years can be found through the links on the left.

RYLA 2023

 

RYLA is held annually at Pineywoods Baptist Encampment, Woodlake, Texas.

Cold Weather clothing is ESSENTIAL!

ROTARIANS
  • sponsor High School Juniors in your area with a scholarship to attend RYLA.
  • connect with youth through experiential learning activities.
  • transform youth perspectives through exposure to the 4-Way Test and ethical standards promoted by Rotarians. 
  • inspire youth to accomplish goals through teamwork.
  • volunteer to serve at the RYLA camp (ropes course, food, logistics, activity guides, and more).

CAMPERS

Connect with your local Rotary Club to learn more about the RYLA application process in your hometown.

A Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a scholarship provided by a local Rotary Club. RYLA camps hosted by Rotary districts are designed to encourage and train students in leadership, citizenship, and personal growth. 

RYLA aims to:

  • demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
  • provide experiential training for selected youth and potential leaders;
  • promote peer-to-peer collaboration and cooperation; and
  • recognize young people who are rendering admirable service to their communities.           

QUESTIONS?
RYLA Registrar: Birda Gaskin, gaskinbirda@gmail.com
 
RYLA District Chair: Michael Perez, perezink@gmail.com

 

Here are some of the comments from the evaluation surveys filled out by RYLA 2020 participants.  

Dear anyone and everyone that’s a part of RYLA, Interact, and Rotary. Thank you for this leadership enrichment program.  I had so much fun, met many new people, and I’ve done a lot of crazy things not only by myself but with the help of Squad members. Thank you for not only seeing the leadership in me but to the 200+ other students here. Many might not see it or think it but as a world we’ve fallen on some tuff times and now being here makes me want to pick up that phone call to assemble leaders everywhere. I also want to thank you for believing in all of us, that we can make a difference in this world we live in. Not many people think that this generation can last, but thank you for believing and reassuring that even though there’s wrong in this world, it’s our time to do right. If I could, I would thank each and everyone of y’all. Thank you.
 
This weekend was really fun and made me more open that what I originally was.
 
I’ve had the best time of my life this weekend.
 
Loved this experience and would definitely recommend this to everyone.
 
It was really fun, and I learned a lot about those around me and wish this could be longer!
 
This was a fun, amazing, and incredible memory that I will always hold onto. I met amazing people and did things I never thought I would - trust fall, the splits on stage, and befriend people I usually wouldn’t talk to.
 
I am extremely grateful to be a part of this experience and enjoyed my time here.
 
I liked the energy, activities, and lessons learned from them (communication, leadership, teamwork).
 
Best camp I’ve ever been to.
 
The whole experience was amazing! There is no other camp like it. I love all the songs and chants. I also love how we can all relate to the counselors and squad leaders. This experience has changed my life and I can now say I trust easier and have friends for life.
 
This was definitely a life changing experience. I’ve met friends, made connections, and even cried. I’m definitely making changes as of today.
 
Thank you for am amazing time! It was the experience of a lifetime.
 
Great experience. I definitely wish I could come back as a camper again. Life changing!
 
Very fast paced and exhausting but fun!!!
 
(The weekend) caught me off guard in the best way possible. I would love to come back and try to match this energy.
 
Everything was amazing, I will never forget this amazing experience with lots of amazing leaders, it impacted my life.
 
Great experience. The counselors were fantastic.
 
I loved the songs and chants and how much fun the counselors made them and everything else! One thing I really loved about RYLA was how incredibly supportive everyone was no matter what.
 
The camp taught me a lot about myself and other people and I will be bringing some of those activities to my Interact group to bond with them.
 
It was incredible. I wish we had more time and stayed for a whole week! It would have boosted the bonding opportunities and helped to grow people closer.
 
I had a great time, and I really enjoyed the whole experience. I have been looking forward to this and I would love to come back.
 
RYLA has been one of the greatest experiences of my life! Thank you to everyone.
 
Overall this was a good experience and I really enjoyed it. Definitely gonna take this and apply it to my different clubs. Thanks for a great weekend and letting me have this opportunity.
 
I love this camp! I made a lot of new friends. Would love to re-do this weekend over!
 
It took me a little while to get comfortable being around new people, but once I did, it was fantastic! I bonded a lot with the people in my squad, and I loved the trust exercises. Everybody here is absolutely amazing and they made this a very fun experience. I don’t want to leave and will miss everyone and everything about this place.
 
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