Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

Rotary Youth Leadership Award is a Rotary International programme for young people to develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship amongst their communities.

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Developing Leaders. Building Confidence. Inspiring Futures.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's premier leadership development programme for young people aged 13-18. Through an exciting week of leadership training, outdoor challenges, teamwork, and personal development, participants discover their potential, build confidence, and develop skills that will benefit them for life.

Delivered in partnership with Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD), RYLA provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where young people are encouraged to challenge themselves, make new friends, and grow as future leaders.

Next Programme Dates: 8-13 August 2027

Why Attend RYLA?

RYLA is more than a summer camp. It is a life-changing leadership experience designed to help young people develop the skills needed to succeed in education, employment, and community life.

Participants will:

Build leadership and communication skills
Develop confidence and self-awareness
Improve teamwork and problem-solving abilities
Learn resilience through practical challenges
Meet like-minded young people from different backgrounds
Gain valuable experience for university, apprenticeships, and future careers

Develop a greater understanding of community service and social responsibility

Many former participants describe RYLA as one of the most rewarding and influential experiences of their teenage years.

What Happens at RYLA?

Over six action-packed days, participants take part in:

Leadership workshops
Team-building activities
Outdoor adventure challenges
Problem-solving exercises
Personal development sessions
Group discussions and presentations
Community and citizenship learning

The residential programme encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones while developing lasting friendships and lifelong skills.

Who Can Apply?

RYLA is open to young people aged 13-18 years who:

Show leadership potential
Demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
Enjoy working with others
Are ready to challenge themselves
Are sponsored by a Rotary Club

RYLA is not reserved for academic high achievers. Rotary seeks young people with character, enthusiasm, potential, and a desire to grow.

An International Experience

RYLA welcomes participants from both the UK and overseas. The programme provides a unique opportunity to build friendships across cultures, exchange ideas, and develop a broader understanding of the world.

International participants bring diversity, new perspectives, and global connections that enrich the experience for everyone involved.

Venue

Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD)

RYLA 2027 will be held at Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD), a leading outdoor education centre with extensive experience in youth leadership development.

Its excellent facilities and highly trained staff provide the perfect setting for an immersive residential leadership experience.

Testimonials

"RYLA helped me discover confidence I never knew I had and inspired me to become a student leader."
"The friendships and teamwork skills I gained still benefit me today."
"I learned that leadership is about supporting and inspiring others, not simply being in charge."

Supported by Rotary Clubs

The success of RYLA is made possible through the continued support of Rotary Clubs that sponsor young people to attend. Every sponsored participant represents an investment in the next generation of leaders, volunteers, and community champions.

Get Involved

If you are a young person interested in attending, a parent seeking opportunities for your child, or a Rotary Club wishing to sponsor participants, we would love to hear from you. Please use the form below.

Join Us

RYLA 2027 is an opportunity to discover your potential, develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and take the first step towards becoming a leader who can make a difference in the world.

Contact Olatunji Olaleye about this page:

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