What is RYLA?
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an international program that was created by Rotary International to encourage strong leadership in youth. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid camp to develop and enhance leadership skills through activities conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
RYLA aims to teach what it takes to be an effective leader. Every RYLA includes the following topics:
 Fundamentals of leadership
Ethics of positive leadership
Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
Conflict management and problem solving
Building self-esteem and self confidence
Elements of community and global citizenship
Rotary's purpose of service to the community and world
RYLA began in Rotary District 5340 in 1972 with 100 participants and has since grown to include more than 300 participants annually. Outstanding student leaders are chosen each year to participate in a three day leadership camp at Idyllwild Pines in Idyllwild, California. RYLA 2012 will be held from Friday, April 20th to Sunday, April 22th, 2012.
Rotary District 5340 is looking for outstanding young leaders and potential leaders from local high schools to apply for RYLA. Applicants must be juniors in high school and should have some or all of these characteristics: A good academic record, school involvement, participation in non-school related activities, and work experience. If you are selected to participate in RYLA, you will have the opportunity to discuss leadership and career opportunities and to exchange ideas about current issues with knowledgeable regional and local leaders, including many District 5340 Rotarians.
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Carlisle Rotary Club,
My name is Benjamin Wright, I was one of three students
chosen from Boiling Springs High School to attend the 2010
RYLA Youth Leadership Conference at Messiah College. I know
that it has almost been two years but I just wanted to say
thank you for giving me the chance to go to the conference.
I learned many things there and carry many of those skills
into my life as a college student. Since that conference, I
have became a member of the National Honor Society, National
Art Honor Society, and have joined the Student Government
at my college. In addition to these groups, I was also
selected for joining Team USA in Taekwondoo compete at the
Korean Open, there I was a leader of the team and was
chosen to represent the United States in the flag ceremony.
Leadership can be anywhere though, for instance last year I
was a simple volunteer at the Harrisburg Stand down for
homeless veterans. I started off as the high school kid
that followed everyone's orders, however by the end of the
day I was directing not only students but adult volunteers
as well and became a go to person for information.
Again I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity,
it made a profound difference in my life.
Thanks again,
Benjamin Wright
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