The next Senior RYLA you can plan for takes place from Saturday 3rd August to Saturday 10th August 2024

What does RYLA offer?

A personal development of 8 days (7 nights) activities including:

• Water sports
• Practical Initiative Tests
• Development of Interpersonal Skills
• Camping
• Map Reading
• Problem Solving
• Computer based business game
• Lectures & Presentations

RYLA programmes run 8 days:

Being a leader is not just about being confident enough to speak out and knowing what to say, it is knowing when to listen to others and understand. RYLA teaches this, and other soft skills, to help everyone to be the best they can be.

Teamwork exercises bring people together from different walks of life in a safe environment where everyone can get to know each other without fear of exclusion or negativity.

As with all Rotary programmes risk assessments are carried out for all activities.

RYLA will cost approximately £800.

Who is eligible?

You don’t need to be a high achiever with outstanding academic grades, just be willing to try something new through activity-based learning and discover new talents along the way, as well as having fun.

RYLA programmes involve physical challenges so can be demanding. Some degree of fitness is required.

The District 1070 RYLA course is open to people aged 18 to 26. 

The course is designed on a basis of team competition with each day building on the knowledge and experience gained in the previous days. Any time lost is to the detriment of the awardee, the team and the whole group therefore, applicants must commit themselves to the whole week. 

Rotary clubs please note: It is essential to have a reserve awardee to cover for last minute illness etc. Perhaps this year’s reserve could become next year’s priority choice.

Feedback from a RYLA Alumni

"I wanted to update you on my life and how the RYLA course has helped me with opportunities thus far. I recently finished my BSc in Anthropology (honours) and graduated with a 2.1. 

For this summer and the foreseeable, I have started work with the Lincolnshire Co-op and they already have me in line for a team-leader position (of course I told them all about RYLA, and they were so pleased to hear about all that I achieved on the course). However my most exciting news is that I have recently been offered a place with University College London to study a MSc in Human Evolution and Behaviour. In my application, I mentioned RYLA and how the lessons I learned over the course have enabled me to realise my true potential and where it is I want to direct my studies and life. 

So, I wanted to thank you and all of the Spalding Rotary team for the opportunities that your course have provided me with, and for the valuable teachings and realisations that I have taken on board. I hope all other young people that are put forward for the award are also reaping its benefits, and realising how valuable it is for their future."

Kirsty Clifton