RYLA

2011 RYLA Leadership Camp – February 4-6

RYLA is Rotary International’s youth leadership program.  RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.  Each year the South Tyler Rotary Club sponsors six high school students to a camp to expand their leadership and team-building skills.

What RYLA Campers Say?

There aren’t words on this earth to describe what RYLA means to me! I remember crying for two days after I left the camp because I missed everybody so much. RYLA is definitely one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever had. It completely changed my life and taught me more about life in three days than I’d learned in sixteen years. … You won’t regret it!!   — A.M.

The experiences I have had with this unique leadership environment have been life-changing. I can honestly say that I learned more in one weekend at RYLA than I would have learned spending weeks or months somewhere else. I learned that to be a leader includes being a follower. Being a listener. Being a volunteer. … I know, without a doubt, that I would not be the person and leader I am today if it had not been for RYLA.  — S.K.

I urge people to become more familiar with camp RYLA and what it is. In a world of clichés, we hear the phrase “life-changing experience” far too often.  RYLA is the real deal. My life has been significantly altered by this amazing program, and I aspire to share these emotions with other students and let them in on our little secret we affectionately call “camp RYLA”.  — BJ

RYLA, a wonderful place … The people there made me feel like I could do anything … I became a different person. I am a leader. I will change the world. — ND

RYLA gave me the encouragement I needed as leader … It gave me the tools I needed to succeed. Shortly after attending, I applied and was accepted to New York University. I graduated with a 3.25 GPA in Music, and am now working for CNN. Not too bad for a girl from the small town of Marshall, TX! I come back every year (For SEVEN years now!), as a counselor, hoping to give future generations of leaders the kind of tools and skills that will help them to achieve even greater heights than those they are already dreaming. Can’t wait to see YOU this year! — P.H.

I’m … from Brazil and I was an exchange student in 03-04, and I had the precious experience of being a camper.  I’m glad that I made the choice to go to RYLA, it was an amazing experience … in RYLA, anyone can be a leader! I mean, everybody has a leadership inside and you the people from RYLA, help us to show how we can be leaders … RYLA really made my life better. — B.C.

I had a great experience at RYLA. It has taught me self-confidence. My teachers were so impressed.  I had so much fun at RYLA that I want to go again. — T.

My experience with the RYLA Camp changed my life. My parents, friends,
and teachers could tell a difference in me.  I learned about myself and what I could do when I surrendered my attitude, time, need to be in charge, and motives for self gain to the needs of the group. I grew closer to my fellow campers than many of the people I had known my whole life.  I think RYLA is the single best weekend I have ever spent in my entire life!  … you just have to go experience it for yourself! — DM

Learn more from Rotary District 5830.

If you are interested in being considered as a participant in the 2011 RYLA Leadership Training Program in East Texas, you may download a Student Application HERE.  Applications should be mailed to:

South Tyler Rotary Club is proud to make a positive impact on the lives of high school students as they develop into the future leaders of our country.