1. What is RYLA?
2. How does RYLA work in District 1090?
3. Where does it all happen?
4. Who is selected?
5. How much does it cost?

1. What is RYLA?

RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Award which is a Rotary International programme for young people fully supported by District 1090. It offers young people a special opportunity to take part in developing qualities of leadership, team working, initiative and problem solving at the start of their careers. A day is spent team building followed by two days learning new skills, for example, orienteering, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing and slate mine exploration. These skills are applied in a 30 hour group exercise in locations around the Snowdonia National Park, including a night in the open. During the exercise each team decides who shall lead the team for a praticular task allowing them all to practise the leadership skills they have been learning.

This develops a more complete personality and the new found confidence and skills are brought back into the community and demonstrated to their sponsoring clubs, by way of a short presentation on their experiences as a precursor to receiving a certificate.

View the 2007 photo gallery

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2. How does RYLA work in District 1090?

The course is for young people at the start of their working life.

Participating Rotary Clubs select representatives of either gender as its nominees.

Clubs ensure that the young people chosen come from a wide background of abilities, vocations and social levels, and that they are considered to have leadership and development potential.

The group meet at an 'Induction Day' when they engage in a series of activities designed to encourage group dynamics and getting to know each other.

This day is so important that attendance is mandatory.

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3. Where does it all happen?

The course takes place during July/August at Rhos-y-Gwaliau, a small hamlet near Lake Bala in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. One Rotarian works with each group to assist the staff instructor.

Originally the village school, the Centre was purposefully purchased and adapted by an innovative Charitable Trust formed with a strong Rotary influence and the support of local education authorities within Berkshire. The RYLA course is designed specifically for the needs of Rotary.

The Centre is staffed by a small group of dedicated and talented course leaders, professionally qualified in this specialised field of outdoor leisure pursuits.

In all activities the highest standard of safety is paramount.

For more details of the Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre and what it has to offer, see their website at www.rygoutdoor.co.uk

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4. Who is selected?

The short answer is that there is no particular type of person. Indeed the success of any course depends on there being a good mix of both sexes of different ages (between 18 and 25), varying abilities, backgrounds and experience.

Please note that candidates must be 18 years old by the first day of the course.

The commitment and determination by the participants to succeed is most impressive. The course is also designed to develop the latent talents of anyone held back by lack of confidence. Candidates must be prepared to contribute to as well as benefit from the course and preference will be given to those who would not otherwise get the opportunity to take part in such an award scheme. It is an alcohol free week which in itself is a test for some.

Commitment.

The candidate who will gain most is the one who is prepared to contribute most ! ! ! Candidates will be interviewed by the sponsoring club and only those applicants with the right ability and attitude to succeed will be selected.

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5. How much does it cost?

Nothing. Candidates are sponsored by a Rotary club or possibly an employer. Many clubs sponsor more than one candidate, and some involve local business who pay for members of staff as part of his/her development training programme. Some clubs even sponsor young people from abroad.

Comments Received

"....I overcame my weaknesses and achieved a greater sense of confidence and leadership skills." ...August 2000

"....I've learned many new leadership skills which I hope to use." …August 2001

".... An opportunity to learn about self in relation to others. To use and develop personal strengths and face fears through encouragement from team."...August 2000

"…I believe I have learned to think more about the needs and feelings of other members of the team and perhaps I'm not quite always right about everything"...August 2001

"....I benefited by realising the morale of your team is vital to success in the task." ...August 2002

"....I learnt when helm control is needed as opposed to dictatorship." ...August 2002

"....I think I have tested myself to the limit and will use the skills learnt in the future." ...August 2002

"...I think I have learnt how to function more efficiently as a member of a team and to be considerate to all team members and their importance in achieving a common goal."...August 2003

"...realised how important working together is and even though you are the leader in a group you do not have to be the one to do everything."...August 2003

Employer

The difference was amazing. Before the course he was relatively disorganised as many young people are today. He returned to become a valuable member of his work team, more purposeful. His immediate supervisor was most impressed.

Martin has gained so much in self confidence. He is a different and better person. (This comment was one year on after the 2002 year course.)

What can be guaranteed is that candidates will return different, more confident, better equipped for the future in work and human relationships.

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