Young RYLA is a 2½ days residential course designed for students 13-16 years of age. It is held at the Whitehall Outdoor Centre, Buxton, in the Peak District and is run by the Derbyshire County Council.

Aim of the Course

The aim is to enable young people to develop life skills that will help them in their everyday life and future careers. This is achieved through undertaking different and sometimes challenging tasks but within a safe environment. By improving communication skills, develop leadership and team building skills it improves initiative and develops self- reliance. 

The course is individually tailored to meet the needs of the group and includes outdoor activities such as: 

• Rock climbing
• Canoeing
• Abseiling
• Caving
• Indoor climbing wall 
• and a host of other activities

All activities are supervised by highly qualified staff and the centre holds a licence from the National Adventure Licencing Authority. Safety is paramount and the Centre works to nationally accepted standards of good practice.

Alongside the staff at Whitehall are Rotarians who stay with the young people throughout the course and accompany the teams during their activities. 

Participation in the activities is not compulsory for Rotarians. The Rotarian’s Role is to undertake that of the responsible adult; however, you may well achieve goals and face challenges that you never thought possible and succeed. How….??  By teamwork, of course, and the encouragement and support given to you by the young people around you.

Participant Comments

“My favourite part: the abseiling" 

I had never learned how to abseil before and we managed to motivate other team members to do it when they weren’t going to.” 

“Goodbyes"

"In our groups, and everyone together, we had a strong bond with each other even though it was a couple of days. It was sad to leave everyone and said our last good-byes. We still all keep in touch with everyone of the 27 young people and from this wonderful trip we all made a strong bond between each of us, this trip made us hone our leadership skills.” 

Venue and Date

Venue: Whitehall Outdoor Centre, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SX

Date:    Friday - Sunday, February 21 - 23, 2025

Cost to Clubs:     £300 each candidate.

To make the course viable we need sponsorship for a minimum of 24 candidates; however, there is the possibility to increase this number should there be the demand.

To enquire about spaces and availability, please contact your local Rotary Club.