Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2024

What is RYLA?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. Started in Australia in 1960 the programme is run all over the world by Rotary Clubs. The principle aims of RYLA is to provide an effective training experience for selected young people and potential leaders, to encourage leadership of young people by young people and to recognise publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

In District 1180 which covers North Wales and the North West the RYLA event takes the format of an activity training course for selected young people at the Arthog Activity centre near Barmouth.

This year it starts on Sunday 18th August, and lasts until Friday 23rd August. The course is targeted at young people who are 16 to 18 year old in that week.

What will I learn at RYLA?

The week involves climbing, canoeing, visiting local mine workings, navigation, orienteering in the mountains as well as team competitions. The main emphasis is on developing your leadership skills within a team through solving complex problems together.

Here are some comments from recent participants

  • "I learned to be me"

  • "It's made me more confident in groups, my ideas count"

  • "Mum commented ''she did not stop talking about it all the journey home, 2 hours'

  • "I made good friends"

  • "it helped me understand my air cadet teamwork."

Download Attendees Handbook

How do I get on RYLA?

The Rotary Club of Oswestry Cambrian sponsor up to two candidates with the candidate only having to pay a £40 non-refundable deposit. This sponsorship covers the cost of the weeks accommodation, food and activities. All the equipment required is provided. The RYLA event has limited places (36).

You can download an application form using the button below, and send it to Ian Slipper (oscambrianryla@gmail.com)

Note that a CV and interview may be required.

Download Application Form

Who runs RYLA?

The week is organised in partnership with the Arthog Outdoor Education Centre. This is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council and has a national reputation for excellent provision of outdoor adventure activities & field based studies.

It is a residential outdoor education centre in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, UK, beautifully situated on the slopes of Cader Idris overlooking the sea. It has purpose built and recently redeveloped accommodation, with its own lab and library and extensive grounds.

The course content is delivered by a team of Rotary members from the Rotary District 1180 using a programme developed from over 35 years of experience of working with young people, and is an award winning programme.