RYLA Session 1

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference offers participants a choice to attend one of two weekends featuring the same program format and speakers. Session I will be March 12-15, 2015 and Session II will be April 16-19, 2015. Students from the same school may attend either weekend of their choosing. No two students will be in the same small group at the camp. This is intentional. RYLA was established by Rotary International as a special award for young people, of high school age who have displayed leadership skills or potential, as shown by their active participation in groups or services.  Each student is from Rotary District 6440.  Participants will be involved in a three day program held at Edwards Camp & Conference Center in East Troy, Wisconsin.  We have exclusive use of the camp both weekends.  

The three day program includes motivational and educational speakers from around the United States.  One presenter is the greatest speaker I have ever witnessed or heard!  We also have a best-selling author joining us this year!  The program will greatly enhance leadership skills through lectures, hands on activities, team leadership activities, and interaction with other student leaders from around the District.

The cost to Rotary Clubs is $325 per student, if applications are received before February 1, 2015.  Cost is $350 for all applications received after February 1, 2015.  This fee includes: coach bus transportation, to and from the conference, (there are eight different bus pick up and drop off locations per weekend) room and meals, speaker fees, staffing,  night security, snacks, supplies, RYLA tee shirt,  all photos and videos from the weekends will uplinked to a private Facebook page. Students who attend RYLA are expected to speak at the sponsoring Rotary Club sometime within the following few months after their attendance.

Once the students have been selected/accepted by their sponsoring Rotary Club (or by their school), and I receive their approved application, I will send them an Acceptance Packet.

Inside each packet is a:  

• Letter congratulating the student for being selected to attend RYLA
• List of what to bring/what not to bring  to camp
• Expectations letter (behavior and participation)
• Transportation information document and memos
• Full agenda for the weekend conference
• Camp map and other basic information

All transportation issues and other individual special needs may be handled directly with me.

Every single participant (more than 2,000 over the lasts twelve years) has rated the camp very high in terms of the experience. The average score over the last five years is an amazing 9.6 (out of 10), based on educational content and fun. Yes, fun is an element of this experience! This is both an educational experience as well as a reward for leadership skills already demonstrated. I can guarantee every person who attends, regardless of their intentions, leaves motivated, energized and better educated to lead! Need more information? Feel free to call me─ anytime─ at (630) 688-5165.

Sincerely,

Sean Nelson

RYLA Chairman - Rotary District 6440