WHAT is RYLA? "RYLA " is short for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. It is a youth leadership development & training event sponsored around the world by Rotary International and is put on by local Rotary clubs in Alaska & Yukon. RYLA promotes development and understanding of leadership principles. Participants learn about the qualities of leadership, what makes an effective team and apply what they learn in challenging activities. Some of the RYLA activities include: combination of experiential activities (don't worry - they are safe!), group discussion, guest speakers/ panel discussions, group team building, group problem solving activities and some personal reflection time.

WHO is RYLA for? RYLA is for local high school sophomores and juniors (grades 10 & 11). Interested participants must apply to their local Rotary Club to participate in RYLA. Participants are selected and sponsored by their local Rotary Club.

WHERE is RYLA 2011? RYLA 2011 is in gorgeous Kodiak, Alaska. Activities will take place on the journey from Anchorage to Kodiak and at the camp in Kodiak. Participants will stay overnight at Camp Woody, and most activities will take place at the Camp. Transportation from the Camp for RYLA events will be provided. ALL participants (including Kodiak area youth) must remain at the Camp during the entire RYLA event. Leaving the Camp for side visits during the RYLA event is not permitted. Information about Camp Woody is available at http://www.kodiakbaptistmission.org/woody/

WHEN is RYLA 2011?  RYLA will be April 26 to 30, 2011.

APPLICATIONS? These are available from your local high school counselors or Local Rotary Club. Parent / Guardian permission is required for all participants who apply to attend RYLA 2011. All applications must be received by the Rotary club no later than March 25, 2011.

SELECTION AND ORIENTATION? Applications are screened by Rotary Clubs and may involve a brief interview and orientations for those selected to attend RYLA 2011.

COST? Transportation and Registration Fees are paid by the local sponsoring Rotary Club. There is no cost to applicants for participation. However, some spending money for incidentals is advised.

REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION? Participants from Alaska need to have a government issued I.D. or a high school photo id. Participants from Canada must have a valid passport, birth certificate, valid government issued photo ID (i.e. State driver's license or high school photo ID) and a letter of authorization to travel across the border signed by your parent(s)/guardians.

Our club would like to sponsor two students to RYLA this year - - please pass this information on to anyone who you feel would be interested in this great opportunity. 

More information or questions???  Please contact Karen Tarver ([email protected]).