FAQs - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
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RYLA is open to all young people from Kent and East Sussex aged 14 to 17 on the date of the course. To get the most out of the course, you should already have leadership potential. For this reason, we particularly welcome those who are a school head boy/girl, school prefect, sports captain, Interact Club member, Scout or Sea Cadet.
As well as having a fun-packed weekend, you will benefit through:
- Improving your leadership skills
- Learning more about yourself and your capabilities
- Increased self-confidence and the ability to rise to new challenges
- Team working skills and fitting into teams more easily
- A certificate of achievement, which may be used in gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Something positive to put on a UCAS form or CV that both universities & employers will find interesting
- Having an opportunity to meet a wide range young people with similar interests and a network of new like-minded friends
You will be expected to participate fully on all activities during the weekend. This will mean taking your turn in leading a small team for some activities as well as playing your part as a team member for other activities. You'll also be expected to join in discussions so you and the other attendees can maximise your learning. Some activities will undoubtedly take you outside your comfort zone, but this is where you will learn more about yourself.
The costs per Awardee for the full weekend's programme, including accommodation and catering, is £210. In most cases, the full cost is met by a sponsoring Rotary Club.
If you would like to attend a fun RYLA weekend, you will need your employer, school teacher, scout leader or youth club leader to nominate you through any Rotary Club within the district.
Accommodation at the Bowles Centre is in the Lodge where you will be 2-4 per room with its own bathroom with toilet and shower. There is a common room on the first floor of the Lodge with TV and games.
RYLA is an activity weekend, consequently expensive designer clothes and jewellery should be left at home. You will need to cater for both indoor and outdoor activities, and the suggested RYLA kit-list may be helpful when deciding what to pack for the weekend.
There is no shop or vending facility on site as all meals and drinks are provided. Unless you need to make public telephone calls you will not need to bring money with you for the weekend. You may wish to bring a few chocolate bars if you require a snack between meals.
RYLA weekend courses commence at 4pm on the Friday. You are advised to arrive earlier if possible to allow sufficient time for you to register, sort out your accommodation and unpack. You should arrange to be collected at 3pm on Sunday when the course finishes.
